Responsible purchasing: reducing upstream Scope 3
Purchases of goods and services are often the largest item in the assessment (upstream Scope 3). Acting on purchasing is the most powerful decarbonisation lever.
Measuring purchases
Two approaches: monetary (euros spent x factor, quick but approximate) and physical (quantities x factor, more accurate). Best of all is to obtain suppliers' real footprints (certified primary data).
Reduce
Select low-carbon suppliers, favour primary data, eco-design, extend lifespan and pool resources. UltraCarbon's directory of certified products makes sourcing reliable data easier.
Frequently asked questions
Monetary or physical approach?
Monetary is quick to start; physical and especially suppliers' primary data are far more accurate. You refine over time.
How to engage my suppliers?
By asking them for their products' footprint, ideally certified. UltraCarbon lets them certify and share it.