What is Scope 1?
Scope 1 emissions are direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organisation, for example, fuel burned in company vehicles or boilers. They represent a business’s most immediate carbon footprint and are a core part of emissions reporting under the GHG Protocol. Understanding Scope 1 helps companies take tangible action toward decarbonisation and regulatory compliance. Clarification: Internet services companies typically have no Scope 1 emissions unless they operate on-site combustion sources (e.g., backup generators) or have refrigerant leakage from owned HVAC systems.
Scope 1 for small businesses
For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Scope 1 emissions often come from daily operations like company transport, on-site heating, or production processes.
Monitoring and reducing these emissions helps lower operational costs and align with sustainability goals. Businesses that rely on energy-intensive equipment or vehicle fleets can especially benefit from tracking and reducing their Scope 1 footprint. In the UK, large companies must report Scope 1 under SECR; SMEs benefit from tracking Scope 1 to prepare for client disclosures and emerging regulations.
Common use cases for Scope 1
Reducing fleet emissions in finance
Financial firms with company cars or courier services can assess their Scope 1 emissions by tracking fuel use. By switching to electric or hybrid vehicles, they cut carbon emissions and demonstrate ESG leadership while improving operational efficiency.
Lowering on-site energy use in construction
Construction companies can focus on emissions from generators, machinery, and fuel use at project sites. Reducing idle time, improving fuel efficiency, and upgrading to more efficient equipment can significantly shrink their Scope 1 emissions.
Office-based organisations
Office-based organisations often have Scope 1 emissions generated through leakages from their HVAC systems (e.g., air-conditioning units). Regular leak checks, proactive maintenance, and replacing high–GWP refrigerants reduce direct emissions and improve reliability.
Measure and manage your Scope 1 emissions with Alectro
To get a precise calculation of your Scope 1 emissions and develop an actionable sustainability strategy to reduce your direct carbon footprint, it is time to leverage Alectro.
