Understanding Emission Types
In the journey towards a sustainable future, it is crucial to understand and manage greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. These emissions are typically categorized into three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3, with an additional focus on Scope 4 emissions, or carbon avoidance. Each scope represents different sources of emissions, and together they provide a complete view of an organization's carbon footprint. At Nordic Computer, we are committed to reducing our carbon footprint across all these scopes. In this blog post, we will explain these emission types and share what we are doing to address them.
Scope 1: Direct Emissions
Scope 1 emissions are direct GHG emissions originating from sources owned or controlled by the organization. These include:
- Combustion of fuels in company-owned or controlled boilers, furnaces, and vehicles.
- Emissions from chemical production in owned or controlled process equipment.
Essentially, Scope 1 emissions are those that the organization has direct control over. Examples include emissions from a company’s fleet of vehicles or the fuel burned in it's manufacturing plants.
Our Actions on Scope 1 Emissions:
To reduce Scope 1 emissions, we focus on:
- Efficient Use of Equipment: We maintain and optimize our current equipment to ensure it runs efficiently and emits fewer GHGs.
- Sustainable Operations: Implementing operational procedures that minimize fuel consumption and emissions from our controlled sources.
Scope 2: Indirect Emissions from Purchased Electricity
Scope 2 emissions are indirect GHG emissions from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heat, or cooling. Although these emissions occur at the facility where the electricity is generated, they are attributed to the organization that uses the energy.
Our Actions on Scope 2 Emissions:
To mitigate Scope 2 emissions, we are focusing on:
- Energy Efficiency Initiatives: Implementing energy-saving technologies and practices across our operations to reduce electricity consumption.
- Green Building Standards: Designing and retrofitting our buildings to meet green building standards, prioritizing energy efficiency.
Scope 3: Indirect Emissions from the Value Chain
Scope 3 emissions encompass all other indirect emissions that occur in an organization’s value chain. These include both upstream and downstream emissions, such as:
- Purchased goods and services.
- Business travel.
- Employee commuting.
- Waste disposal.
- Use of sold products.
- Transportation and distribution.
Scope 3 emissions are often the largest share of a company’s carbon footprint, but they are also the most challenging to measure and manage due to their indirect nature.
Our Actions on Scope 3 Emissions:
Addressing Scope 3 emissions requires a collaborative effort with our stakeholders:
- Supplier Engagement: We work with our suppliers to ensure they adopt sustainable practices and reduce their own emissions.
- Sustainable Product Design: We design products that are energy-efficient and have a lower environmental impact throughout their lifecycle.
- Employee Initiatives: Encouraging and supporting remote work, carpooling, and the use of public transportation to reduce emissions from commuting.
- Waste Reduction Programs: Implementing recycling and waste reduction programs to minimize the emissions associated with waste disposal.
Extra - Scope 4: Carbon Avoidance
Scope 4 emissions refer to the reduction of emissions that happen outside the product's life cycle or value chain – often through the use of the product itself or by extending its lifespan. For instance, emissions avoided by using refurbished IT equipment instead of new products.
Our Actions on Scope 4 Emissions:
To leverage Scope 4 emissions, we are committed to:
- Extending Equipment Lifecycles: Promoting and facilitating the extension of IT equipment lifecycles through refurbishment and maintenance, thereby reducing the need for new production and its associated emissions.
- Carbon Avoidance Initiatives: Encouraging practices such as working from home to reduce emissions from commuting and office energy use.
Our Commitment to Sustainability
At Nordic Computer, sustainability is embedded in our mission. We aim to contribute to a common sustainable development - financially, humanly, and environmentally. By helping our customers extend the life cycle of their IT infrastructure, we collectively reduce CO2 emissions in the business world and postpone new investments in IT equipment, thereby saving money and resources.
Conclusion
Understanding and managing Scope 1, 2, 3, and 4 emissions is essential for any organization committed to sustainability. At Nordic Computer, we are dedicated to reducing our emissions across all scopes. Our proactive steps towards sustainability reflect our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and leadership in the fight against climate change. Together, we can significantly lower our carbon footprint and create a healthier planet for future generations.