Scope 3 emissions are the largest and hardest to control. But with the right strategies, you can cut emissions across your supply chain and industrial systems. Here are 12 proven ways to do it.
Most companies can easily measure their Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (energy) emissions. But Scope 3 covering emissions across your entire value chain is where most of your climate impact really lies.
For many businesses, Scope 3 can represent 70–90% of their total carbon footprint. And with the rise of regulations like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), these emissions are no longer optional to report.
But here’s the challenge: Scope 3 covers everything you buy, sell, or influence from raw materials to customer use and disposal. It can be overwhelming.
That’s why the World Economic Forum’s Net Zero Accelerator Initiative offers a clear framework with 12 actionable strategies to reduce Scope 3 emissions. These are divided into four levels:
Here’s how they work.
Cut manual work and reduce errors by automating data collection and reporting. This builds a foundation for accurate Scope 3 data without constant effort.
Rethink your products for sustainability from the start. Use low-carbon materials, design for easy recycling, and prioritize energy efficiency.
Find new ways to deliver value without increasing emissions. This could mean switching to product-as-a-service models, or exploring circular economy strategies.
Work with suppliers rather than demanding data. Offer guidance, share best practices, and use green procurement criteria to drive change.
Help suppliers understand how to measure and report emissions. This could mean providing training or sharing emissions calculation tools.
Lead by example. Share your own emissions data and reporting methods to encourage transparency throughout your value chain.
Collaborate with industry peers to adopt standardized methods and emissions factors. This makes data comparable and reduces reporting complexity.
Set up systems to collect, share, and validate product-level emissions data. Use recognized standards like ISO 14067 for carbon footprinting.
Invest in low-carbon technologies, materials, and energy systems — either alone or through partnerships.
Help your teams and partners understand that sustainability is not just an expense — it’s a value driver, building brand reputation and reducing risk.
Make sustainable products your customers’ default choice. Use eco-labels, green packaging, or sustainable product lines.
Show your stakeholders that reducing emissions isn’t just a responsibility — it’s an opportunity. Use storytelling, visual data, and success stories to build momentum.
Reducing Scope 3 emissions isn’t just about meeting regulatory requirements it’s about building a resilient, future-proof business. Companies that proactively manage their value chain emissions:
But these strategies are only as strong as the data behind them.
At ReFlow, we help companies turn Scope 3 emissions from a burden into a competitive advantage by providing activity-based, product-specific carbon data. Our platform is built to:
Whether you’re a manufacturer, shipowner, or product supplier, ReFlow makes Scope 3 data clear, credible, and compliant.
Because they cover your entire value chain - from raw materials to product use and disposal. Data must be collected from multiple suppliers and standardized.
You can start with estimates, but regulators increasingly expect activity-based and traceable data.
Offer training, support, and preferred supplier status for those who meet your sustainability criteria. ReFlow can help you collect and manage supplier data.
We recommend ISO 14067 for product carbon footprints, and ISO 14040/44 for lifecycle assessments both of which are integrated into ReFlow’s platform.