Scope 3 Emissions: How Carbon Offsets Fit Your Net-Zero Plan

Scope 3 covers the emissions in your value chain — suppliers, logistics, product use, travel — and for most companies it is 70–90% of the footprint and the hardest part to cut. That is why credible net-zero plans pair aggressive reduction with certified offsets and carbon removal for the residual tonnes that remain.

Scope 1, 2, 3 in one minute

• Scope 1. Direct emissions you own (fuel, fleet, facilities).
• Scope 2. Purchased energy — addressable with renewables and RECs.
• Scope 3. Everything upstream and downstream: purchased goods, transport, product use, employee travel. Usually the bulk — and not under your direct control.

Where offsets fit a Scope 3 strategy

Reduce first: supplier engagement, materials, logistics, product design. But residual Scope 3 emissions persist for years, and stakeholders expect action on them now. Certified offsets — Verra or Gold Standard, retired with documentation — let you take responsibility for those tonnes today, while reforestation builds long-term removal capacity.

Making it credible (and visible)

Auditors want registry proof; employees and customers want something they can see. Evertreen covers both: certified credits retired on your behalf, plus geolocated, satellite-monitored tree planting with field videos — from £1.5 per tree. Start by measuring with the CO₂ calculator.

Frequently asked questions

Can I offset Scope 3 emissions? Yes — after reduction efforts, certified offsets are commonly used against residual value-chain emissions in net-zero strategies.

What share of emissions is Scope 3? For most companies the large majority — often 70–90% of the total footprint.

Offsets or removals for Scope 3? Use certified offsets for audited claims today and reforestation for growing removal — many companies combine both.