Scope 3 Emissions

Why Report Short Lived Greenhouse Gases?

Short-lived greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O) and hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) have a relatively brief atmospheric lifespan but a significant immediate impact on global warming.

Short-lived greenhouse gases are released during various stages of the electronic product lifecycle, including mining, manufacturing, and disposal. In mining, for example, methane is emitted during the extraction of minerals used in electronics. During manufacturing, nitrous oxide can be released in processes involving high-temperature soldering. The use of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) as cooling agents in electronics contributes to emissions during the product use phase.

To mitigate these emissions, strategies include optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce emissions, transitioning to eco-friendly cooling agents in electronic devices, and implementing responsible disposal and recycling methods for electronic waste. Each step in the lifecycle offers opportunities for reduction, contributing to a more sustainable approach in the industry.

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Why Report Long Lived Greenhouse Gases?

Long-lived greenhouse gases persist in the atmosphere for centuries, contributing to prolonged global warming effects:

Nitrous Oxide (N₂O): Acts as both a short-lived and long-lived greenhouse gas with a high global warming potential, remaining in the atmosphere for over a century, primarily released from agricultural activities and industrial processes.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs): Synthetic gases with a long atmospheric lifespan, used in refrigeration and air conditioning, known for their significant global warming potential.
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs): Industrial compounds with a very long atmospheric lifetime and high global warming potential, used in semiconductor manufacturing and other industrial applications.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆): An extremely potent greenhouse gas with a substantial global warming impact, used in the electrical industry for insulation and current interruption, and remains in the atmosphere for thousands of years.

Reduction strategies for long-lived greenhouse gases in the electronics and electricals industry include utilizing alternative eco-friendly refrigerants in place of high-global-warming-potential HFCs, implementing strict controls on emissions of SF₆ during the production and disposal of electrical equipment, and exploring innovations in material science to reduce reliance on PFCs in semiconductor manufacturing. Additionally, enhancing recycling and waste management practices can significantly reduce the release of these gases during the disposal phase of electronic products.

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Get Started

We categorize our consulting engagements into three distinct types of projects: Scope 3, Biodiversity, and Pollution projects. Clients have the flexibility to choose either a single project type or a combination of two. Additionally, there is an option to engage with all three project types for a comprehensive consulting experience.

Scope 3 Project Management

While each Scope 3 project might require a different approach, this structured framework provides a clear pathway for effectively managing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, adaptable to various project management methodologies like Agile, Waterfall, PRINCE2, etc.

In this foundational phase, the project centered around managing and reducing Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions is defined. The aim is to address emissions resulting from activities not directly controlled by the organization, like those in the supply chain or from product use. Key steps include assessing the feasibility of emission reduction strategies and identifying stakeholders such as suppliers, customers, and environmental groups. The outcome is a project charter or initiation document that details the project's scope, key stakeholders, specific objectives for Scope 3 emission reduction, and the strategic approach for implementation.

This critical phase involves establishing detailed goals and defining the scope of the Scope 3 emissions project. It requires creating a comprehensive project plan that covers aspects such as emission source identification, data collection methods, stakeholder engagement strategies, and emission reduction initiatives. Clear roles and responsibilities are outlined within the project team, and timelines, budgets, and resources are meticulously planned. Project management tools like Gantt charts and work breakdown structures are utilized for thorough planning and organization.

During this phase, the plan for managing and reducing Scope 3 emissions is put into action. Coordination of team members and resources is key, and the strategies are implemented according to the defined timeline, scope, and budget. Effective communication with stakeholders, including supply chain partners and regulatory bodies, is essential for successful project execution.

This concurrent phase with execution involves tracking and assessing the project's progress in managing Scope 3 emissions. Key activities include monitoring data collection accuracy, evaluating emission reduction efforts, and ensuring the project remains aligned with its objectives. Adjustments are made as needed to address challenges or deviations from the plan.

In the final phase, the project focused on Scope 3 emissions is formally concluded. This includes finalizing all deliverables, such as emission reports and reduction strategy documentation, obtaining stakeholder approval, releasing project resources, and confirming that all project facets have been completed satisfactorily. A post-project evaluation is conducted to gather lessons learned and best practices for future Scope 3 emissions management projects.