Some of our users have asked us how to extract Scope 1 – 3 emission figures from eToolLCD. In order to do that, one must first be sure what the definitions and differences are between these scopes.

• Scope 1 covers direct emissions from owned or controlled sources.
• Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating and cooling consumed by the reporting company.
• Scope 3 includes all other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain.

This may sound simple enough in theory, however when you actually try to identify which inputs fit in these definitions, you’ll find that it is not that simple after all.

For example, the definition of Scope 1 and 2 depends on who purchases the service or the fuel itself. If you are using diesel machinery on site these are the possible scenarios:

• If the diesel is purchased by the developer, it would be the developer’s Scope 1 emissions
• If the diesel is purchased by the builder, it would be the builder’s Scope 1 emissions and the developer’s Scope 3 emissions
• If the diesel is purchased by a sub-contractor of the builder, it would be the sub-contractor’s Scope 1 emissions and the developer and builder’s scope 3 emissions

GHG emissions related to energy use can also be reported as scope 1 (direct – e.g gas burnt on site for thermal or water heating), scope 2 (indirect – e.g purchased electricity) or even scope 3 (indirect) when a building owner is reporting emissions from the energy use of a tenant.

Refrigerant gas used in refrigeration and air conditioning systems is also a significant source of emissions. Fugitive emissions from these systems are reported as Scope 1 (direct). Refrigerant gas end of life emissions related to disposal of equipment is reported as scope 3.  

Similar complications will crop up for all three scopes. Therefore, at eTool, we do not recommend splitting up your results based on this methodology due to the variability of the definitions and the interrelated intricacies of the supply chain.

However, should you need to report on Scope 1 – 3 emissions, please use the following guidance to extract the data from eToolLCD while bearing in mind the issues mentioned above.

How to Extract Scope 1 – 3 Emission Figures from eToolLCD

1. After you’ve completed and had your design Certified, navigate to the Analysis Tab (lesson covered in our online Intermediate Course – Module 6).
   
2. In the Analysis tool tab, click on ‘Custom’ to customise your table as per the image below. If you’re not sure how to do this, you should refer to Module 6 of the Intermediate Training course. Under ‘Element Process Name’, filter out the inputs as per the definitions for Scope 1, 2 & 3.
   
3. For Scope 1, you’ll filter out all items that are the direct combustion of timber, bio- and fossil fuels for energy. This includes timber combustion, gas, petrol, diesel and bio-fuels used in construction/assembly equipment and operational energy use. For this example design, the Scope 1 emission figures (in kgCO2e) would be as below:
   
4. For Scope 2, filter out all items that consume electricity. This includes both renewable & non-renewable sourced electricity. For this example design, the Scope 2 emission figures (in kgCO2e) would be as below:
   
5. For Scope 3, just subtract Scope 1 & 2 impacts from your GWP total. For this example design, Scope 3 emission figures would be 327,830.48kgCO2e.

External references:

UKGBC – Guide to Scope 3 Reporting in Commercial Real Estate