Why add this data? 

Adding an estimate of your upstream emissions from products and services supplied alongside your Scope 1 and 2 emissions helps provide your customer(s) with a clearer view of their Scope 3 Category 1 (Purchased Goods and Services) emissions.

This approach ensures that:

• You have an accurate picture of your own Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions
• Your customer(s) receive an estimate of the upstream Scope 3 emissions associated with the goods or services you supply to them

We use a hybrid methodology to calculate your upstream Scope 3 emissions and to do this, we need to know the amount of goods or services provided to your customer each year.

💡To learn more about Scopes 1, 2, and 3, see this US EPA page. 

Understanding the estimator

• The estimator uses indicative emission factors for broad categories and subcategories of economic activity. 
• These emission factors are derived from environmentally extended input–output (EEIO) analysis and represent industry-average emissions associated with specific types of goods or services.
• Because these factors are based on generalized economic activity, they are intended to provide a reasonable estimate rather than a product-specific footprint.

Selecting the correct category

The platform includes a wide range of goods and services categories. You should take time to identify the category that most closely matches the products or services you supply.

Most categories are aligned with the NACE Rev. 2 classification system for economic activities, which you can consult if you need additional guidance when selecting the most representative category.

Emission factor data sources

The default data sources used in Secaro are:

• Exiobase v3
• Agrilybase

💡To avoid double counting, emissions that would already be reported under Scope 1 and Scope 2 are removed from these datasets before calculations are applied.

How does the  estimator work? 

Secaro's emissions factors are sourced from:

• Exiobase 3 multi-regional environmentally Extended Input-Output Table
• Agribalyse database of emission factors  

These emissions factors are used to estimate the emissions associated with upstream elements of your operations, primarily including the extraction, processing and transport of materials you use.  

Exchange rates and inflation adjustments

Spend-based emission factors for years after 2011 are extrapolated using country-specific inflation rates, exchange rates, and consumer price indices. These adjustments are based on data from the World Bank and EUROSTAT, and the platform converts values into the appropriate local currency for each reporting location.

How to pick the correct goods/service to calculate your Scope 3 emissions 

• Step 1: Understand your product’s purpose

  Selecting the correct category in the Upstream Scope 3 Estimator is essential for accurate emissions reporting.

  Begin by understanding your product’s primary purpose and how it is used.

  Example: A 4K LED television is designed for video display and entertainment.

• Step 2: Review materials and manufacturing

  Consider the materials used to make your product and how it is manufactured.

  Example: A television contains electronic components, LED lighting, and plastic and metal casing.

• Step 3: Select the main category

  Choose the main product category that best represents your product’s purpose and industry.

  Example: A 4K LED television belongs under Electrical and Optical Equipment.

• Step 4: Choose the most accurate subcategory

  Review available subcategories to find the best match for your product.

  Example: Select Manufacture of Radio, Television, and Communication Equipment.

Scope 3 estimator: FAQs

• If you have calculated your own emissions factors for goods or services, please let us know by submitting a ticket or contacting emissionfactor@secaro.io.

  Include the emissions factor along with any supporting documentation.

• Consider whether all of your products fall into the same goods or services category.

  If they do, you can use one category for all products.

  If they do not, you can add as many categories as needed to accurately represent what you sell.

• No. Emissions factors are provided by Exiobase, an external database.

  These factors are available on a mass or economic basis, but some are only provided using economic units.

  Because the data comes from Exiobase, the unit cannot be changed.

• The amount supplied is based on the emissions factor you selected, not your total output.

  Emissions factors use different units depending on the source, for example:

  • kg CO₂e per USD
  • kg CO₂e per tonne

  These units are set by the emissions factor source and cannot be edited.