How to Calculate Scope 3 Emissions: A Guide to Using bAwear’s Product-Level Impact Calculations for Textiles

12 August 2024

Understanding Scope 3 emissions

Scope 3 emissions cover a wide range of activities, from the production of raw materials to the end-of-life disposal of products. For textile companies, this includes emissions from the manufacturing of fabrics, transportation, and even the energy used by end consumers. Accurately capturing these emissions is crucial for businesses looking to set realistic targets for carbon reduction and demonstrate their commitment to sustainability.

How bAwear can help

bAwear provides a comprehensive solution for calculating the environmental impact of textile products. Here's how you can leverage bAwear’s tools for your Scope 3 reporting:

1. Calculate impact for each product

To get started, calculate the impact of each textile product you purchase from third-party suppliers using bAwear’s impact calculator. Multiply the calculated impact by the number of kilograms you’ve purchased for each specific product. This approach allows you to precisely determine the Scope 3 impact associated with these products.

2. Focus on key products

While it’s ideal to calculate the impact of every product, this can be resource-intensive. Instead, focus on the products that comprise 80% (by weight) of your total purchases. This approach will give you a reliable estimate of your total Scope 3 emissions. Be sure to identify products with potentially high emissions, even if they are not among the most purchased items, as these cannot be overlooked.

3. Use an imaginary product model

For a more streamlined approach, define an imaginary product that represents your entire range of textile products. This model should take into account the weighted average of materials, yarn numbers, structure, and finishing processes. bAwear’s Expert solution can then calculate the impact of this representative product, providing a solid estimate of your overall impact.

Balancing accuracy and cost

While calculating the impact of every product yields the most accurate results, it can be costly, especially for businesses with extensive product lines. By focusing on key products and using representative models, you can still achieve acceptable accuracy levels. Documenting the procedures followed and explaining any uncertainties in the impact calculations further enhances transparency and credibility.

How bAwear supports CSRD reporting

Integrating bAwear’s solutions into your sustainability strategy not only helps in calculating Scope 3 emissions but also supports compliance with CSRD requirements. Here’s how:

  • Baseline measurement: Establish a clear baseline of your company’s Scope 3 emissions, enabling you to track progress over time.

  • Target setting: Use accurate data to set specific, measurable targets for reducing Scope 3 emissions, demonstrating your commitment to sustainability goals.

  • Disclosure: Accurately disclose emissions data and reduction targets in your CSRD reporting, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

Accurately calculating Scope 3 emissions is a complex but vital part of modern sustainability efforts. With bAwear’s product-level impact calculations, textile companies can simplify this process and improve the accuracy of their reporting. By focusing on key products, utilizing representative models, and adhering to standard methodologies, businesses can balance cost and accuracy effectively. bAwear utilizes the ReCiPe 2016 midpoint methodology for reporting, ensuring alignment with recognized sustainability standards. This methodology provides a robust framework for assessing environmental impacts, making your calculations more reliable and credible. Let bAwear guide you in making informed choices for your sustainability strategy and CSRD compliance, ensuring your company remains at the forefront of environmental responsibility.

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