Unpacking Scope 3 Travel Emissions
Unpacking Scope 3 Travel Emissions: Why They Matter and How to Manage Them
When businesses talk about reducing their carbon footprint, the focus often starts with what they directly control—company vehicles, buildings, or electricity use. But there’s a much bigger picture that sits beyond the company’s walls: Scope 3 emissions.
These are the indirect emissions that occur throughout a company’s value chain. And one of the most significant—and often overlooked—contributors to Scope 3 is travel.
What Are Scope 3 Travel Emissions?
Scope 3 travel emissions include all greenhouse gases generated through:
- Employee commuting
- Business travel (flights, trains, taxis, car rentals)
- Transportation of goods not owned or directly operated by the company
- Delegate and guest travel to events, conferences, or meetings
Even though these emissions aren’t under direct company control, they’re still part of how your business operates—and increasingly, they’re part of what customers, partners, and regulators expect you to address.
Why Travel Emissions Are Hard to Tackle
Travel emissions are dispersed, data is often incomplete, and activities involve many third parties. For example:
- Employees may book their own travel through different platforms.
- Guests or delegates at events travel from dozens of locations using multiple modes.
- Logistics and distribution may be subcontracted to third-party providers.
That’s why many organisations either under-report or don’t report travel emissions at all—yet they remain one of the most visible and high-impact areas for change.
How Scopes Carbon Can Help
At Scopes Carbon, we specialise in making travel emissions measurable, manageable, and meaningful.
We work with clients across sectors—from corporates to event organisers—to:
- Map delegate and business travel accurately, including distance, mode of transport, and emissions
- Use real-world data and recognised methodologies to calculate CO₂ impact
- Offset emissions through certified projects, including VERRA and Gold Standard programmes
- Provide transparent reporting that meets ESG, tender, and stakeholder requirements
- Offer practical strategies to reduce future travel impact without compromising purpose
The Business Case for Action
Tackling Scope 3 travel emissions is not just about compliance—it’s about leadership, reputation, and long-term resilience. Companies that address these emissions show:
- Commitment to meaningful climate action
- Awareness of their wider impact
- Alignment with net zero targets and stakeholder expectations
And in many cases, reducing unnecessary travel or optimising logistics also cuts costs.
Ready to Get Started?
If travel emissions are a blind spot in your sustainability reporting, we can help bring clarity and solutions. Whether you run a single office or a global events programme, Scopes Carbon can help you calculate, reduce, and offset your Scope 3 travel footprint—and make it count.
Thank you for reading this month blog, Unpacking Scope 3 Travel Emissions. Please get in touch to see how you can carbon balance your event.
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