Scope 3 emissions represent the indirect greenhouse gas emissions across your entire value chain—from purchased goods and services to logistics, employee commuting, and waste management. For many companies, especially retailers, Scope 3 emissions account for the largest part of their overall carbon footprint.
At ImpactBuying, we support you in understanding, measuring and managing these emissions effectively, helping you identify where to focus your reduction efforts for maximum impact.
Our Two-Pronged Approach to Scope 3 Management
- Product-Level Carbon Footprint Calculations:
Using existing products data and supply chain information, we work with PCF experts to calculate emissions at the product level, helping you target reduction where they matter most. - Organizational Emissions Data Collection:
We gather emissions data directly from your suppliers through a comprehensive questionnaire, providing a reliable overview of your supply chain’s carbon footprint.
By combining both methods, we deliver consistent and actionable insights to guide your sustainability efforts.
Product-Level Carbon Footprint Calculations:
Our first approach focuses on calculating the carbon footprint of products across their entire lifecycle. We collaborate with specialized Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) providers, using existing product specifications and compliance data from our platform.
We began with an extensive selection process, starting with 15 PCF providers. We assessed their methodologies, scalability, and speed in analyzing large product volumes. Each provider demonstrated their software capabilities, allowing us to evaluate:
- Required baseline data for reliable calculations
- Secondary data sources used
- Ease of data entry and modification
- Ability to explore different scenarios
- Quality of data visualizations
Step-by-step process:
- Initial Pilot – We calculated the footprint of 40 products from all major food categories, including vegetables, cheese, raw meat, soup, cookies, beverages, and more. Suppliers were carefully selected, and in some cases, they provided similar products to multiple retailers.
- Scaling Up – The scope was expanded to approximately 400 products, including A-brand products. Data was sourced from the GS1 database to ensure consistency and completeness.
This product-level approach enables you to pinpoint high-impact products, make targeted sustainability improvements, and understand where changes in ingredients, sourcing, or processes will have the greatest effect on reducing emissions.
Together with our trusted partner Mondra, we accurately calculate the carbon footprint of your products by assessing their environmental impact throughout their entire lifecycle. This insight empowers you to make informed decisions to reduce emissions, improve sustainability and meet growing consumer expectations.
Organizational Emissions Data Collection:
Our second approach focuses on gather. We examined the platforms themselves, the ease of data entry, the ability to change data, explore scenarios and the visual of the user interface. Scope 3 emissions data directly from your suppliers to give you a complete overview of your supply chain’s carbon footprint. This is done through a structured process:
Supplier Mapping and Questionnaire
We map your suppliers and send them a structured questionnaire to collect data on Scope 3 emissions. The questionnaire covers key criteria such as supplier size, sales volume, compliance with SBTi requirements and their relative contribution to GHG emissions.
Maturity rating
The questionnaire is built according to CSRD-ESRS E1 regulatory requirements, SBTi and other standards. It includes detailed questions about suppliers’ sustainability practices and their maturity status. We have developed a unique methodology to assess each supplier’s sustainability performance across 6 key criteria.
Data Collection and Verification
We ensure a structured flow process, including initial inquiries, reminders, and escalation where needed. Our team of analysts verifies the data, checks certifications, assesses emission calculation methods and reviews reports submitted by suppliers.
Graphical Reporting
The collected data is presented in a graphical, efficient and convenient format that enables you to make informed decisions regarding suppliers, product categories and more.
Why work with ImpactBuying

Expert data collection and verification
We ensure data quality and ease of collection through proven methodologies and supplier support.
Innovative Platform
Our Generic Supplier Platform simplifies and streamlines data gathering and reporting processes.
Collaborative Development
We continuously improve our methods with input from partners and clients to meet real-world needs.
Focus on Reduction
Beyond measurement, we help you identify priority areas for meaningful carbon footprint reduction.
The Climate Impact Consortium
The Climate Impact Consortium, part of the European Green Deal, tackles the challenge of climate impact reporting. With 90% of retail emissions coming from supply chains (scope 3), ImpactBuying has developed an efficient process to help retailers gather accurate data from suppliers. Through a standardized scope 3 questionnaire and strategic partnerships, we calculate carbon footprints for various products, enabling actionable targets for emissions reduction. Together, we’re driving real change in supply chain sustainability.
