Your SECR checklist: understanding the advantages of Scope 3 compliance

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October 25, 2021
Sophie Wyatt

Do you fully understand your consumption?

The first step towards SECR compliance is to start recording your energy consumption. You should consider putting in place data collection processes to monitor when, where and how much energy you are using. Businesses that already have monitoring and metering systems and data collection services are ahead of the curve.

Once your consumption has been calculated, you may find ways to improve your energy efficiency. It is also important to make sure the information collected is as accurate as possible. The correct solutions will then become startingly clear.

Have you improved your efficiency?

A requirement of SECR is to publish a statement about your energy efficiency actions. This is a public disclosure and so each business must keep in mind their corporate social responsibility (CSR) credentials. Every business is unique, meaning that each one requires a specific set of energy management solutions.

When choosing energy saving solutions, businesses should keep in mind their broader business goals. Some solutions can be costly. And while the eventual benefits will be significant, it can be intimidating for businesses with smaller budgets. For these businesses, try to work with what you have and progress with smaller projects to start with.

Through complacency, businesses could risk abandoning their CSR and green credentials. In turn, risking potential clients as societal expectations around sustainability continue to grow.

How do you report your Scope 3 emissions?

Scope 3 covers indirect emissions that occur as a consequence of a business’s supply chain activities, in other words occurring from sources that are not directly owned or controlled by the company. A significant percentage of a company’s carbon footprint may fall within Scope 3, so it is worth considering reporting these emissions.

Businesses already need to understand how to report their emissions for Scope 1 and 2. They can extend their understanding by reporting for Scope 3.

Scope 3 enables businesses to go beyond minimum carbon compliance requirements. Businesses are encouraged to report a wider range of their emissions. This includes emissions that occur as a consequence of your business’s activities outside the direct control of the organisation.

Under the Greenhouse Gas Protocol there are 15 categories of Scope 3 emissions sources. These areas could include business travel, employee commuting, leased assets and waste disposal. You will need to establish which of these categories warrant detailed reporting, through an early scoping process. The areas that are relevant to your business will need to be measured by obtaining emissions data.

EIC’s Carbon Consultancy Manager Alastair Wood said:

“Scope 3 reporting can vary wildly based on business models and operational activities. For example, some companies may have to focus on their air travel, and others on the upstream and downstream emissions associated with their goods and services. Appropriately handling Scope 3 emissions reporting builds upon the mandatory requirements of SECR towards a fuller, more representative carbon footprint. As such, Scope 3 reporting serves as a bridge for companies towards fully managing their carbon emissions and/or achieving net zero.”

How can EIC help?

As we strive towards net zero, it is essential that businesses adhere to regulations that will benefit both them and the wider environment. And these can become confusing and tiresome. But for large corporations, SECR compliance is essential. Download our SECR flyer for more information. At EIC, our experts are on hand to ensure your business consistently meets its compliance requirements. Our years of experience with SECR, as well as its predecessors MCR and CRC ensure that we have the relevant qualifications to assist businesses with their Scope 3 compliance efficiently. Get in touch today to find out how EIC can help you towards future compliance.