Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions

Scope 1 emissions refer to the emissions directly associated with an entity’s own operations.

Scope 2 emissions are those produced during the generation of energy that an entity purchases.

Scope 3 emissions are all other emissions not included in Scopes 1 and 2. These can be upstream emissions from an entity’s supply chain, or downstream emissions resulting from the consumption of the entity’s products.

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DEFINITION BY

The Carbonwise editorial team is formed of seasoned established industry writers and specialist journalists.

LATEST GLOSSARY

Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) is a method of reducing carbon dioxide emissions by trapping the gas for industrial use or permanent storage, preventing
The global energy transition is well under way as the world seeks to move away from finite energy sources like fossil fuels to cleaner power
The European Commission proposed several important changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in March after recent pushback from industry over rising costs.
Brown coal, also known as lignite or 'soft coal', is a combustible sedimentary rock formed of naturally compressed peat.
It’s not clear to many how carbon credits come into existence. They don’t just ‘pop up’ in the way central banks increase the currency supply.

24 March 2026

HIGHLIGHT
EC touts major carbon market changes after pressure from industry

The European Commission proposed several important changes to the EU Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) in March after recent pushback from industry over rising costs.

23 March 2026

GLOSSARY
Brown Coal/Lignite

Brown coal, also known as lignite or 'soft coal', is a combustible sedimentary rock formed of naturally compressed peat.

18 March 2026

VISUAL LEARNING
How Are Carbon Credits Issued?

It’s not clear to many how carbon credits come into existence. They don’t just ‘pop up’ in the way central banks increase the currency supply.

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