Once your organisation has identified its Scope 1 emissions, the next step is to explore ways to reduce them in alignment with your Net Zero targets. Reducing these emissions often requires time, capital investment, and sometimes changes to existing technologies. In some cases, shifting certain Scope 1 emissions to Scope 2 may also be an option, as Scope 2 emissions are generally easier to manage. Alternatively, if it’s not possible to eliminate all Scope 1 emissions, you may need to offset the remaining emissions to reach Net Zero. This article will cover some key areas to consider as you work to reduce your Scope 1 emissions.
Onsite Fuel Use
Reducing Scope 1 emissions from onsite fuel use depends largely on the types of fuel used. For example, if your business operates a gas boiler, you might consider switching to alternative options like an electric boiler or a heat pump. Be sure to research each of these options thoroughly, as running costs can vary significantly.
If switching to electric options isn’t feasible—perhaps due to the size of equipment like a large onsite furnace—you might look into using bioenergy as an alternative fuel. While bioenergy still produces emissions, it generally has a lower emissions factor than fossil fuels. Bioenergy can be divided into three main types:
- Biomass: such as wood chips or straw,
- Biofuel: including biodiesel from waste oil,
- Biogas: gas generated from the breakdown of organic waste, like food.
Alternatively, you could consider hydrogen as a fuel. Hydrogen combustion only produces water vapor, but generating hydrogen can be energy-intensive and would contribute to Scope 3 emissions. We’ll discuss Scope 3 emissions in a future article!
Refrigerant Emissions
Air conditioning systems can contribute to Scope 1 emissions when refrigerants leak. For businesses relying on air conditioning, regular system maintenance and prompt repair of leaks are essential steps to reduce refrigerant emissions effectively.
Company Vehicles
Company-owned vehicles are often a primary source of Scope 1 emissions. Before considering vehicle replacements, assess whether your organisation can reduce vehicle dependency—for example, by encouraging online meetings or using bicycles for short-distance travel. If vehicle use is essential, transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs) over time can reduce emissions. However, keep in mind that charging these vehicles will fall under Scope 2 emissions, and the initial procurement of EVs typically involves higher Scope 3 emissions than traditional vehicles due to the materials used in manufacturing the vehicles and batteries.
We hope this article has given you some valuable ideas for reducing Scope 1 emissions. For further assistance, please feel free to reach out!