Quantis decommissions GHG Protocol Scope 3 Evaluator

The Quantis Tool and How Far the Environmental Sector has Come

For many environmental consultants, the arrival of the Scope 3 Evaluator was a game-changer. Until that point, most consultants were looking up the emissions factors on the BEIS website and calculating things manually, so simply inputting the numbers and have the emissions produced right there was almost like magic. However, it’s important to note that at that point, few organisations were assessing a value chain in terms of upstream and downstream activities. The evaluator is a great estimator, but it doesn’t really dig deeper in the way that’s required for modern consultancy.

Scope 3 Emissions and Stumbling Blocks

Quantifying emissions for Scope 3 has remained a challenge for many organisations irrespective of the Scope 3 Emissions Evaluator. The age of estimations is over - so much of Scope 3 goes beyond the data itself, and into how that data is collected. Some of the clients we work with on Scope 3 Emissions reduction projects can spend up to two years simply gathering enough data to make a calculation. Consider business travel by grey fleet – a company may have the mileage and the expense claims that would allow a team of environmental specialists to make an estimate, but lack the granular information (vehicle type, year, distance travelled, etc.) that is required to accurately calculate Scope 3 emissions.

In addition to data calculation and gathering, it’s essential to begin calculating Scope 3 emissions in a manageable way. We recommend focusing on supplier communications and building an engaged list of supplier profiles as a starting point. Consider your supplier base – on whom do you spend the most? Who is most trusted? Once a list has been established, begin discussing information gathering with these organisations. In addition to vetting old suppliers, it’s also important to consider new suppliers and ensure that they have the relevant certificates and frameworks in place to accurately calculate their carbon emissions from the commencement of their contract.

This may sound like a lot of work for little output, but it’s so crucial to remember that the more companies are forced to provide this information, the easier it becomes, and the more accurate sustainability measures will be across the board. To help with this process, we recommend creating questionnaires for downstream suppliers, that outline the exact emissions requirements you have.

Beyond the Scope 3 Emissions Calculator

With the Quantis Scope 3 Emissions Evaluator decommissioning, replacements will certainly arrive in the marketplace – some more reputable than others, so do your research before committing to a new tool. Moving forward, we recommend that organisations focus on data gathering in the context of decarbonisation.

GEP Environmental and Scope 3 Emissions

The GEP Environmental team has a range of services available for organisations to track their Scope 3 emissions, including:

• Scope 3 Emissions High Level Assessment: this assessment is designed to help your organisation know where to begin when it comes to Scope 3 Emissions measurement. Our experts will assess your organisation in terms of upstream and downstream emissions and give a clear picture of how to proceed to reduce emissions.
• Detailed Carbon Footprint: a full Scope 3 analysis can be included in our detailed carbon footprint service.
• Data verification: GEP Environmental’s data verification services offer everything your organisation needs to feel confident about your team’s calculations.

For more information about Scope 3 Emissions, or to talk to a team member about ways that GEP Environmental can help, get in touch today.