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. 

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Published report

• This report aimed to help Scottish public bodies. It however reflects challenges which public and private sector bodies and suppliers in many location are facing, with an increasing need to understand the carbon impact of their purchasing or activities. 
• There is also a need to implement relevant actions to reduce emissions within procurement and supply. There is varying confidence in applying relevant climate requirements within contracts, with some uncertainty regarding relevant clauses and limited use of climate related supplier selection requirements.
• Challenges faced by suppliers include how to assess and reduce their emissions, and public body requirements, which may include reporting of their emissions into multiple portals or systems.
• The report addresses these challenges, with recommendations designed to help enable greater collaboration, avoid duplicate of effort and unnecessary cost.
• The report was published in December 2023 and is available from CXC, or contact Philip Duddell.

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More Information
Contact Barbara Morton barbara@sustainableprocurement.eu.com or Philip Duddell philip@sustainableprocurement.eu.com