Scope 2 is the second category of the three carbon balance scopes. The latter measures the quantities of greenhouse gases (GHG) released into the atmosphere by the activities of an organization. This document forms the basis for an effective strategy to reduce carbon emissions.

You want to reduce your company's carbon footprint and ensure its resilience to climate change ?

Like scope 1, you can control your scope 2 thanks to a policy of energy savings and the development of renewable energies. The icing on the cake: your energy bill will drop.

After scope 1, explore scope 2 and the solutions to reduce your company's greenhouse gas emissions.

What is Scope 2 of the carbon balance?

In the carbon balance, scope 2 measures indirect greenhouse gas emissions due to energy consumption of the company, and which do not fall within the scope of scope 1.

Concretely, the Scope 1 measures the company's direct greenhouse gas emissions and identifies their sources. Between, for example, within its perimeter the carbon dioxide present in the smoke released by the local combustion offossil fuels (fuel, wood...)

On the other hand, Scope 1 does not include indirect greenhouse gases induced by energy consumption. For example, electricity consumption does not release gases into the atmosphere locally. But its production generates them. These carbon gas emitted during the production and distribution of energy are included in scope 2.

More generally, scope 2 includes all indirect greenhouse gases generated by energy purchases And the heat, cold and steam consumption.

Why understand and measure these Scope 2 carbon emissions?

Achieving your carbon footprint and reducing your greenhouse gas emissions scope 2 means:

• Limit thecarbon footprint and the environmental impact of the company.
• Build and implement an exemplary CSR (corporate social responsibility) policy.
• Guarantee compliance with environmental regulations.
• Reassure customers, employees, investors and other partners, who are increasingly demanding in terms of environment and health.
• Convey a positive image of a sustainable company committed to the energy transition.
• Save energy and lower the energy bill.

What are the methods for measuring Scope 2 GHG emissions?

The mathematical formula for quantifying scope 2 GHG emissions seems relatively simple. But in practice, calculating the carbon balance is complicated when choosing the physical emission factor.

How to calculate scope 2 GHG emissions from the carbon footprint?

The scope 2 calculation formula

The calculation of indirect greenhouse gas emissions generated by energy consumption is based on a basic multiplication:

Greenhouse gas emissions (in t CO₂ e) = quantities of energy consumed (in kWh or corresponding unit) × physical emission factor (kg CO₂ e/kWh or /corresponding unit).

For heat consumption, cooling and steam, emission factors can be obtained from suppliers or via recognized databases, such as the Imprint Base^® Of theADEME or international protocols (GHG Protocol...).

Know your energy consumption data

Energy consumption data is accessible via the energy bills And the meter readings.

Do you want to know exactly your electricity and gas consumption? The SirEnergies application offers you their detailed follow-up. In a few clicks, you get all your data to carry out an exhaustive and accurate carbon footprint.

Did you know that?

An energy consulting firm, SirEnergies provides businesses with An energy management application.
Thanks to the monitoring of electricity and gas prices and the real-time vision of energy consumption, it allows proactive and agile energy management.

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Calculate GHG emissions related to electricity consumption

Two methods coexist to calculate indirect carbon emissions related to electricity consumption.

Method 1: calculate scope 2 emissions using the market method

The market-based calculation of scope 2 carbon emissions reflects the electricity purchase strategy of the company.

Emission factors are specific to each electricity contract and available from the supplier. If the company opts for certified green electricity or certificates ofrenewable energy, the emission factor will be low or even zero.

This method rewards the efforts of companies that have made the choice of green electricity. But accounting for renewable energy certificates and the share of electrical consumption from green electricity may prove to be complex and time consuming.

Method 2: calculate scope 2 emissions using the location method

The calculation of scope 2 carbon emissions based on location takes into account the geographical area in which the company is located. She can use the average emission factor defined at national or regional level.

This method makes it possible to take into account the specificities of each country and region, such as the production of mostly low-carbon electricity in France or the facilitated access to local renewable energy (hydroelectricity, photovoltaic park, wind farm, etc.)

On the other hand, this impersonal method does not take into account the company's possible commitments in renewable energies and the reduction of its carbon emissions.

Automate the calculation of scope 2 GHG emissions

Specialized software automate the calculation greenhouse gas emissions integrated into scope 2. Businesses can refer to the complete ADEME guide and discover tools such as the Carbon Footprint Calculator, the GHG Protocol or other energy management solutions.

This software integrates updated and specific physical emission factors by geographic area.

What are Scope 2 GHG emission reduction strategies?

To reduce scope 2 (and scope 1) greenhouse gas emissions and improve its carbon footprint, the company can play with the two elements of the calculation formula: it can reduce the quantities of energy consumed and/or reduce the physical emission factor.

Reducing energy consumption

Adopting energy sobriety

Energy sobriety is the sum of small eco-friendly actions adopted on a daily basis by company employees.

This means, for example, turning off the light when leaving the office, turning off computers and printers, or lowering the heating temperature.

The difficulty? Mobilize employees.
La awareness-raising and training facilitate the adoption of change and the dissemination of a corporate culture committed to the energy transition.

Improving energy efficiency

Many solutions are available to businesses to improve their ee and optimize consumption:

• Insulate buildings.
• Reduce the lighting (LED technologies, presence detectors, automatic switching off or lowering).
• Choosing economical heating, ventilation and air conditioning solutions in energy (VMC double flow, Alternatives to air conditioning).
• Opt for more efficient equipment.

Achieve a prior energy audit will guide the company to identify the most energy-consuming sources and prioritize the most effective actions.

Consuming renewable electricity

Buy green electricity

Electricity purchases influence scope 2 of the carbon balance. Taking out a green electricity contract with a supplier opens access to low-carbon energy.

By deploying a sustainable purchasing strategy, the company benefits from a low or even zero emission factor when calculating its greenhouse gas emissions.

An energy consulting firm, SirEnergies helps you compare the offers of green electricity suppliers and find the most suitable contract for your current and future consumption.

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Producing and self-consuming renewable electricity

Investing in its own renewable energy facilities allows the company to go even further in reducing scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

Of photovoltaic panels on the roofs, solar shading on the car parks, a geothermal heat pump, a heating network... are all technological solutions to be adapted to the company in order to free it from its energy dependence, reduce its carbon footprint and reduce its energy bill.

Scope 2 of the carbon footprint measures indirect greenhouse gas emissions related to the consumption of electricity, heat, cold or steam. If the company does not control the carbon emissions generated by energy production, it controls its consumption.

By combining energy sobriety, energy efficiency and renewable energies, the company is transformed into a sustainable company, committed to the future of the planet and... its future.