Mastering scope 3 emissions - 5 key insights

Scope 3 emissions measurement is crucial for effective carbon management and achieving net-zero goals. Measuring Scope 3 emissions is challenging due to the complexity and diversity of the indirect emissions sources throughout the entire value chain, which can include both upstream and downstream activities.

In a recent webinar, three senior experts - Holly McHugh (she/her) , VP of Sustainability & Social Impact at Mejuri ; Dr. Megan Moore, Manager, Data Analytics at Kontoor Brands, Inc. ; and Melanie Janin , Senior Manager, Sustainability at LinkedIn shared their experiences, challenges, and triumphs in navigating Scope 3 emissions. Below are 5 key insights from the discussion.

The full webinar discussion can be accessed here

1. Integrating Scope 3 Across Operations: For Mejuri, a sustainable jewellery company, addressing Scope 3 emissions begins with acknowledging that every aspect of their operations can contribute to a smaller carbon footprint. Holly McHugh emphasized this, stating, "We have a saying that every job is a sustainability job." This approach fosters a sense of collective responsibility and encourages cross-functional collaboration to identify opportunities for more sustainable choices. Whether it's reducing express shipping volumes, opting for lab-grown diamonds produced with renewable energy, or choosing eco-friendly materials for store construction, Mejuri highlights how weaving Scope 3 considerations into every facet of business operations is crucial for impactful change.
2. Collaboration and Innovation in Addressing Scope 3: A key takeaway from the discussion was the power of collaboration and innovative partnerships in tackling Scope 3 challenges. Mejuri's partnership with Regeneration, a social enterprise dedicated to re-mining old mine waste, exemplifies this approach. McHugh detailed how this collaboration enables the company to source traceable gold while simultaneously contributing to the restoration of damaged ecosystems. She noted, "We really want to increase that volume of what we call salmon gold. And since they're estimated to be about...well, tens of thousands of these legacy mine sites just in North America alone...there's a lot of opportunity." Such initiatives highlight how tackling Scope 3 emissions can unlock both environmental and economic benefits.
3. Leveraging Technology and Internal Engagement: Technology plays a crucial role in measuring and mitigating Scope 3 emissions. Dr. Moore from Kontoor Brands, a global leader in denim apparel, highlighted their move towards implementing "a sustainability performance and risk management software system solution" to enhance data accuracy and streamline reporting processes. Internally, Kontoor fosters employee engagement through initiatives like the Sustainability Ambassador program. Dr. Moore shared, “We've met quarterly for over three years, almost three years now, and we share best practices, and that's for things like engaging our suppliers, circularity, logistics...all of our ambassadors there are functional leaders who are in charge; they are there on the ground, in the spots, in the areas where we have our largest carbon impact.” This combination of technology and robust internal engagement underscores the multifaceted approach required for effective Scope 3 management.
4. Supporting Suppliers Through Education and Resources: For LinkedIn, a platform connecting millions of professionals globally, supporting suppliers in their sustainability journey is paramount. Janin acknowledged the varying levels of sustainability maturity among suppliers, particularly emphasizing the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). "It might be someone that's just sort of tasked to do this work and doesn't have a background in it," she noted. To address this, LinkedIn has taken proactive steps to develop resources such as their Sustainability Resource Hub, which provides suppliers with tools, educational materials, and guidance on navigating their sustainability efforts.
5. Navigating Challenges and Advocating for Standardized Data: The panellists acknowledged that Scope 3 emission management presents ongoing challenges. Data availability and accuracy remain significant hurdles, particularly when it comes to intricate global supply chains. McHugh highlighted the dynamic nature of Mejuri's supply chain due to their weekly jewellery design releases, stating, “So we are constantly iterating and bringing in new materials, which means that our supply chain is constantly shifting.” Janin emphasized the importance of standardizing data across industries, noting the discrepancies in emissions factors for similar activities can hinder accurate comparisons and informed decision-making.

Once again, to access the full webinar discussion simply click here