In the fashion sector, "Scope 1 Emissions" refers to the direct emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from sources under the company's ownership or control. These emissions are produced during the procurement of raw materials, the manufacturing process, the transportation of materials and goods, and the energy use at the company's facilities.

The Corporate Standard offers guidelines for establishing operational limits for scope 1 emissions. This blog will cover all aspects related to ‘Scope 1 Emissions’ regarding the fashion industry. 

What is Scope 1 Emissions in Fashion?

1. Fossil Fuel Emissions: Many fashion businesses rely on coal, oil, and natural gas to power their facilities and manufacturing operations, which results in direct emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).

2. Emissions from Manufacturing & Chemical Processes: Many fashion items go through chemical procedures including dyeing, finishing, and coating. These operations can generate hazardous emissions like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other hazardous air pollutants. Fugitive process emissions are the unintentional and undesirable emission, leakage or discharge of gases or vapors from pressure-containing equipment or facilities. These also contribute to Scope 1 emissions.

3. Emissions from Waste Disposal: Methane and other greenhouse gas emissions can be released during the disposal of waste from production & manufacturing processes, such as fabric scraps, packaging, and other byproducts.

Scope 1 Emissions: Measurement

The identification and measurement of direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from sources that the company owns, or controls are necessary for measuring scope 1 emissions. The following actions can be performed to measure scope 1 emissions in the fashion industry:

1. Define the Scope: The emissions that will be included in the measurement's boundaries should be established. Scope 1 emissions include direct emissions from sources such as factories and vehicles that the corporation owns or controls.

2. Collect Data: Within the specified measurement boundaries, collect information on fuel usage, energy consumption, and other sources of emissions. This can be accomplished using a variety of techniques, including Information on the size of office, retail, and warehouse space (in square meters or square feet), Actual fuel use data or purchase records (invoices) for office, retail, warehouses, and factories, Actual fuel use data or purchase records from vehicle fleet managers or users, Actual refrigerant losses data or modeled estimates, & Emissions factors.

3. Calculate Emissions: The quantity of GHG emissions produced by the identified sources can be calculated using emissions factors or other techniques. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and national greenhouse gas inventories are two databases that contain the most often utilized emissions parameters. The majority of businesses multiply the volume of fuel consumed in a certain activity by the relevant GHG emissions factor for the fuel type to determine scope 1 emissions.

4. Verify & Report: Check the accuracy of the calculated emissions and then report the findings. Reporting can be done using a variety of frameworks, such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol or Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), which provide standards and rules for reporting emissions.

Scope 1 Emissions: Challenges

There are many challenges with regard to scope 1 emissions:

• Data Availability, not all data is easily and readily available in the company.

• Data Accuracy, assumptions, and estimates may be needed due to a lack of data availability.

• Managing and updating data can be challenging, especially when it comes to timing measurements during data collection and missing important inputs when bills, estimations, or use figures are not yet available.

• Comparing data from different time periods that have been impacted by seasonal demand patterns or weather.

• Accuracy of conversion factors.

• Monitoring and Quantifying air conditioner refrigerant usage.

Scope 1 Emissions: Solutions

Some solutions to the above challenges might be:

• Starting with hypotheses or extrapolations based on the places for which data are available is acceptable.

• Make extrapolations or estimates for other sites using the data you already have.

• For any months for which the data are absent, you can extrapolate using data from the previous year.

• When there are large changes from year to year in inventories, businesses may utilize a rolling average of three yearly inventories. Along with the annual inventory, they should include a justification for any notable deviations.

• Use conversion factors that are well recognized, such as The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and national greenhouse gas inventories.

• Other estimates can be deduced with the help of purchase data.

Conclusion

It is crucial to keep in mind that calculating and disclosing emissions is only the first step toward their reduction. Additionally, businesses ought to come up with plans for cutting emissions and track and report on their advancements on a regular basis.

Setting up management systems and tools is necessary for accurate measurement, tracking, and reporting of scope 1 emissions. For instance, some businesses track emissions using web-based data collection tools, while others utilize spreadsheet-based methods. Such tools are simple and affordable. 

One such tool for tracking your carbon emissions is MetrikFlow. It is easy to use and affordable. Expertly designed for the fashion and retail industry. Integrate MetrikFlow with your business now, for better measurement, tracking, & reporting of your carbon emissions.

Companies should adopt management strategies that promote precise and fast data gathering and analysis, regardless of the tool employed. Individual personnel or a team should be designated to compile data, calculate emissions, & verify the information. 

Sustainable steps taken by the company will only lead to the reduction of Scope 1 emissions.