What is Scope 1 emissions?
If someone asked you to list all the ways your organisation directly creates greenhouse gases, you might feel a bit stumped at first. But here's what we understand: most people intuitively know more about this than they realise.
The simple test
Think about it this way - if your organisation stopped all activities tomorrow, what emissions would stop immediately? Those are your Scope 1 emissions.
Scope 1 covers the direct emissions from sources your organisation owns or controls. When we say direct, we mean your organisation is literally doing the burning, the combustion is happening on your premises, or leaks are occurring from equipment under your control.
What this looks like in practice
Organisations typically see Scope 1 emissions from:
- • Fuel used in production processes
- • Fuel used in mobile plant and equipment including company vehicles
- • Leaks from onsite use/activities such as refrigeration systems
The direct connection
What makes Scope 1 distinct is the immediate relationship between your organisation's activities and the emissions that result. There's no intermediary - when your equipment runs, when your vehicles move, when your heating operates, emissions happen as a direct consequence.
💡 Key takeaway
Scope 1 emissions represent your highest level of control. You can decide on types of fuel, vehicles, and equipment maintenance - making these emissions the most direct to influence through operational choices.
Why this matters for understanding your footprint
Scope 1 often feels like the most tangible part of an organisation's emissions story because you can see and touch the sources. Understanding this direct impact helps build the foundation for seeing how your organisation connects to the broader web of emissions through energy use and supply chains.
Ready to understand how your energy choices create a different kind of emissions impact? Learning about Scope 2 emissions shows how the electricity grid becomes part of your footprint story.
Related carbon accounting topics
- AASB S2 requirements: Australian sustainability reporting standards ASRS
Learn about Australian sustainability reporting requirements
- AASB S2 frequently asked questions
Common questions about AASB S2 compliance and requirements
- What is Scope 2 emissions? Energy-related greenhouse gas emissions explained
Learn about energy-related greenhouse gas emissions
Curious about carbon accounting?
Our carbon accounting program helps teams understand emissions connections and identify practical opportunities for action.
- Learn about all emission scopes for complete greenhouse gas accounting guidance.
- Let's chat about your carbon accounting journey and how we can help build your team's measurement capabilities.