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
- Ability to explore different scenarios
- Ease of data entry and modification
- Quality of data visualizations
Minimum Information to Calculate PCF
To accurately calculate a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), we require at least the following data:
- Product name
- Country of sales/retail
- Primary packaging
- Groupe name
- GTIN/ EAN
- Country of production
- Nutrient information
- Storage condition
- Temperature indication
- Net weight
- Ingredients (Name, Quantity in the product and Production country)
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 gathering suppliers’ primary data. 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.
Route 1 or Route 2?
Calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, as well as a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF), is crucial for achieving a holistic understanding of a company’s environmental impact. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned sources, Scope 2 measures indirect emissions from purchased energy, and Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions across the value chain. Without evaluating all three scopes, a company risks overlooking significant emission sources, leading to an incomplete strategy for reducing its carbon footprint.
Similarly, calculating PCF provides insights into the environmental impact of individual products, enabling informed decision-making for sustainable production, supply chains, and consumption. Focusing on only one scope or skipping PCF fails to capture the interconnected nature of emissions across operations, supply chains, and product life cycles, undermining efforts to achieve genuine sustainability, avoid greenwashing and meet stakeholder expectations. Each piece of the puzzle is essential for effective climate action.
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.
Scope 3 Whitepaper
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.