Scope 1 Emissions: What They Are and How Businesses Can Reduce Them
As businesses take steps to manage their carbon footprint, understanding Scope 1 emissions is crucial. These emissions come from sources that a company owns or directly controls, such as fuel use, company vehicles, and industrial processes.
Since Scope 1 emissions happen within a business’s physical boundaries, they are often the easiest to track and reduce. Addressing these emissions is usually the first step in any carbon reduction strategy.
Is your business still running a diesel fleet for short-distance deliveries?
One logistics firm switched to EVs for last-mile routes, cutting fuel costs by 30% and reducing direct emissions.
Are your employees still defaulting to petrol cars for business travel?
A consultancy introduced an EV salary sacrifice scheme—within a year, 50% of their team had transitioned to electric.
What Are Scope 1 Emissions?
Scope 1 emissions cover all direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from business operations. Common sources include:
- Fuel combustion – Burning gas, oil, or coal for heating, power, or manufacturing.
- Company-owned vehicles – Fleet cars, delivery trucks, and other transport that runs on fossil fuels.
- Industrial processes – Emissions from manufacturing or chemical reactions that produce GHGs.
Unlike Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, Scope 1 is fully within a company’s control, making it the best place to start when working to reduce overall emissions.
Are your office heating systems running 24/7, even when no one’s there?
A professional services firm installed smart thermostats, reducing gas use by 25% without impacting comfort.
Are your machines idling unnecessarily on site?
A construction firm enforced an ‘idle-off’ policy, cutting fuel waste by 20% and extending machinery lifespan.
Why Managing Scope 1 Emissions Matters
Since Scope 1 emissions are produced on-site or by company-owned assets, they offer a clear opportunity for immediate reductions. Managing these emissions brings several benefits:
- Regulatory compliance – Businesses must report Scope 1 emissions under regulations like SECR (UK) and global sustainability frameworks.
- Lower energy costs – Reducing fuel consumption improves efficiency and saves money.
- Stronger sustainability credentials – Cutting direct emissions builds credibility with customers, investors, and stakeholders.
Companies that take early action on Scope 1 emissions set themselves up for long-term success – both in meeting environmental goals and improving operational efficiency.
Still using diesel-powered forklifts?
A manufacturer swapped to electric models, lowering fuel costs and improving air quality inside their facility.
Sending organic waste straight to landfill?
A food producer introduced on-site anaerobic digestion, converting waste into energy and cutting methane emissions.
How to Track and Reduce Scope 1 Emissions
Tracking Scope 1 emissions starts with measuring fuel and energy use. Businesses can:
- Monitor fuel consumption – Keep detailed records of gas, diesel, and other fuel use.
- Use carbon accounting platforms – Tools like Zeropath automate tracking and reporting.
- Assess operational efficiency – Identify areas where energy use can be reduced.
Once emissions are measured, businesses can take action to reduce them by:
- Switching to cleaner energy – Transitioning from fossil fuels to biofuels, hydrogen, or electrification.
- Upgrading company vehicles – Replacing petrol and diesel fleets with electric or hybrid alternatives.
- Improving energy efficiency – Upgrading heating systems, boilers, and industrial equipment to more efficient models.
Even small changes – such as optimising transport routes or reducing unnecessary fuel use – can lead to significant emissions reductions over time.
Ignoring minor refrigerant leaks?
One retailer caught early-stage leaks in their HVAC system, preventing the equivalent of 200 tonnes of CO2 from escaping.
Are your suppliers still reliant on fossil fuel-heavy operations?
A manufacturer prioritised low-carbon suppliers and saw a 15% reduction in their Scope 1 footprint without changing production methods.
Conclusion
Scope 1 emissions are the most direct source of a company’s carbon footprint and offer the most immediate opportunities for action. By tracking, managing, and reducing these emissions, businesses can cut costs, meet regulatory requirements, and strengthen their sustainability commitments.
Taking control of Scope 1 emissions is just the beginning, but it sets the foundation for broader climate action and long-term success in reducing environmental impact.
