Direct Emissions

What are Scope 1 Emissions?

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company. This includes emissions from fuel combustion, company vehicles, and industrial processes on-site.

Types of Scope 1 Emissions

Stationary Combustion

Fuel burned in boilers, furnaces, heaters, and generators owned by the company

Natural gas boilersDiesel generatorsCoal furnaces

Mobile Combustion

Fuel burned in vehicles and equipment owned or controlled by the company

Company carsDelivery trucksForklifts

Process Emissions

Emissions from industrial processes and chemical reactions

Cement productionChemical manufacturingMetal smelting

Fugitive Emissions

Unintentional releases from leaks, vents, and equipment

Refrigerant leaksNatural gas leaksSF6 from electrical equipment

How to Calculate Scope 1 Emissions

Emissions (kg CO₂e) = Activity Data × Emission Factor
1

Collect Activity Data

Gather fuel consumption, vehicle mileage, refrigerant usage from invoices and meters

2

Apply Emission Factors

Use country-specific emission factors (e.g., IPCC, EPA, or India-specific factors)

3

Sum All Sources

Add emissions from all categories: combustion, vehicles, processes, fugitives

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Scope 1 emissions?

Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that occur from sources owned or controlled by a company. These include emissions from combustion in owned boilers, furnaces, and vehicles, as well as emissions from chemical production and other industrial processes.

What is the difference between Scope 1, 2, and 3?

Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned sources. Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling. Scope 3 covers all other indirect emissions in the value chain, including suppliers, business travel, and product use.

How do you calculate Scope 1 emissions?

Scope 1 emissions are calculated by multiplying activity data (like fuel consumption) by emission factors. For example: Emissions = Fuel consumed (liters) × Emission factor (kg CO2e/liter). Different fuels and processes have specific emission factors.

Is Scope 1 reporting mandatory?

Yes, for many companies. Scope 1 reporting is required under BRSR (India), CSRD (EU), SEC Climate Rules (US), and most voluntary frameworks like GRI, CDP, and TCFD. It's the most straightforward scope to measure and report.

Track Your Scope 1 Emissions

ESG PULSE makes it easy to calculate and report Scope 1 emissions with automated data collection.