Driving emission reductions through the public sector supply chain: Scope 3 procurement emissions

​The purchase of goods, services and works can account for more than 70% of a public body’s overall greenhouse gas emissions in Scotland. These are referred to as ‘indirect scope 3 emissions’. Targeting action to reduce these emissions could result in significant emissions reduction across public bodies.

There are many challenges for public bodies in measuring, comparing and reporting indirect scope 3 emissions. The goal of this research, undertaken in 2023, was to provide evidence for practical approaches and tools that public bodies can use to better understand and thereby reduce their indirect scope 3 emissions.

SPL's Philip Duddell led the project, with support from colleagues at Aether Limited.
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The project included interviews and surveys of 72 public bodies, 67 suppliers to the Scottish public sector and the review of 75 supply chain emission and related tools and methodologies. The research report, with recommendations, was published in December 2023. See here.​

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