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    Data and Calculations

    What is Supplier-specific Data?

    Emission data provided directly by suppliers about their products or services. This is the most accurate method for calculating Scope 3 emissions but requires supplier engagement and may involve product carbon footprints or life cycle assessments.

    Why it matters

    As reporting standards mature, the expectation is that businesses will move from spend-based estimates to supplier-specific data over time. Companies that request carbon data from suppliers now position themselves ahead of regulatory requirements and procurement trends.

    Example

    A retailer asks its top five packaging suppliers for product carbon footprints. Two suppliers provide certified PCF data, which replaces the generic spend-based estimate and reduces the retailer's reported Scope 3 by 8% due to more precise figures.

    Related terms

    Scope 3 Emissions

    All other indirect emissions occurring in an organisation's value chain, both upstream and downstream. Scope 3 typically represents 70-90% of a company's total carbon footprint and includes emissions from suppliers, business travel, employee commuting, and product use.

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