Last week we talked about Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – Reporting and Verification and this week we will talk about voluntary reporting. This is the final week in a series of updates about SECR.
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting (SECR) only mandates you to report Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions, however reporting of additional emissions is highly encouraged and recommended, especially if there is a need for complete transparency with your clients. Details of the scopes are as follows:
Scope 1 Emissions (Mandatory with SECR)
Scope 1 Emissions occur when greenhouse gases are directly emitted by an organisation to the atmosphere, most commonly this is the combustion of fuels such as Natural Gas and combustion in vehicles. Scope 1 also includes the emissions from production processes that directly release greenhouse gases.
Scope 2 Emissions (Mandatory with SECR)
Scope 2 Emissions are indirect emissions caused by the generation of the electricity that is purchased and used by an organisation.
Scope 3 Emissions (Voluntary with SECR)
Reporting on Scope 3 emissions is more complex as they include all indirect emissions (not included in Scope 2) that occur in the value chain of a company or in the life cycle of a product, both up and downstream. For example, the emissions from a product’s life cycle emissions stretch from raw material extraction through manufacture, transport, storage, sale, and use, all the way to disposal. This means that some of these steps may be outside of your organisations direct control. However, identifying GHG reduction opportunities upstream or downstream of your organisation can help to engage suppliers/consumers and encourage an overall reduction in GHG emissions.
Out of scope (Voluntary with SECR)
Out of scope emissions are those that arise when renewable fuels are burnt. These include biogas, biodiesel and biomass. It may be useful to include these in an SECR report in some cases to provide a complete picture of energy use and emissions.
Renewable Generation (Voluntary with SECR)
You may also wish to report on renewable generation and carbon offsets. There is no obligation to do so, however as information will be publicly available, it will demonstrate commitment to CSR and will work to highlight positive aspects of energy generation, energy use and emissions.
Please call us on 01484 843867 or email joe.youldon@swanenergy.co.uk if you need help with Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting.
PAST WEEKS >>
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – What is the big deal?
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – Your obligations
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – Intensity Ratios
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – Energy Efficient Actions
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – Data and Calculating Emissions
Streamlined Energy and Carbon Reporting – Reporting and Validation
