SSC Streamlines Scope 3 Emissions Inventory by Delivering Higher Data Quality for Plastics Company
Executive summary
A global plastics company partnered with SSC to strengthen the accuracy and effectiveness of its Scope 3 emissions inventory. Unlike traditional spend-based analyses, which often overemphasize low-impact categories, SSC applied average data method using life cycle assessment (LCA) databases and primary data on multiple Scope 3 categories. This approach covered 95% of emissions in purchased goods, providing the company with a far more accurate picture of its Scope 3 footprint. The results streamlined the reporting process, reduced costs, and gave the company clarity on which suppliers and materials drive the greatest impacts—creating a targeted roadmap for reduction strategies and supplier engagement.
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Key Findings
95% High-Quality Data Emissions Coverage:
SSC applied average data emission factors to capture nearly all emissions from purchased goods, using only 5% spend-based emissions estimates.Improved Data Accuracy:
Average data provided a more precise estimate than spend-based methods, avoiding misleading results that can overstate GHG emissions from purchased goods and services. SSC worked with the company to contact the top 25 suppliers who influence Category 1 to collect primary data which allowed for further data quality improvement.Streamlined Process:
By skipping the spend-based stage, SSC saved the company time and money while improving data quality.Strategic Clarity:
The analysis revealed the true top drivers of Scope 3 emissions, such as chemicals and fuels—helping prioritize supplier engagement.Supplier Prioritization:
Results empowered the company to identify which suppliers were most critical for achieving reductions and advancing Scope 3 goals.
Results
95% of Scope 3 emissions from purchased goods covered using average data method and primary data.
Clear identification of purchased goods as the primary driver of Category 1 emissions.
Avoided inaccurate spend-based results that can misclassify some purchased goods and service providers as major impact drivers.
Developed a data-driven roadmap to prioritize suppliers and materials for engagement and reduction.
Delivered more accurate reporting aligned with GHG Protocol guidance which can assist with developing science-based targets.
“Improving data quality in Scope 3 inventories is essential, without accurate information companies risk chasing the wrong priorities. The average data method provides a far more reliable picture than spend-based estimates, replacing rough cost calculations with science-based emission factors tied to the volume and amount of materials purchased.”
Tad Radzinski, PE, SEP, LEED AP, SFP
President & Co-Founder, Sustainable Solutions Corporation
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Many companies rely on spend-based analyses for Scope 3 reporting, often outsourced to large consultancies. However, this method is the least accurate under the GHG Protocol, frequently misidentifying emissions hotspots and requiring additional refinement later.
This was the second phase for this plastics company that trusted to SSC to achieve higher data quality compared to their previous Scope 3 Emissions hotspot analysis and provided actionable insights for:
Category 1 (Purchased Goods & Services)
Category 3 (Fuel & Energy-Related Activities)
Category 4 (Upstream Transportation & Distribution)
Category 9 (Downstream Transportation & Distribution)
Category 12 (End-of-life of Treatment of Sold Products)
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SSC deployed its Scope 3 Proven Process to avoid the pitfalls of spend-based analysis. Using the company’s actual purchase data (e.g., chemicals, fuels, packaging, raw materials, etc), SSC applied emission factors from its LCA databases and some primary data from suppliers to calculate more accurate Scope 3 impacts.
This average data method delivered far greater accuracy and coverage, providing a clear picture of the company’s top-emitting materials and suppliers. The analysis produced priority supplier lists and material hotspots, enabling the company to focus reduction efforts where they matter most and streamline its journey toward credible Scope 3 reporting and reduction.
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There are multiple layers to your Scope 3 analysis. It starts with the Scope 3 Emissions Inventory and continues with ongoing Scope 3 inventories and supplier engagement. The goal is to improve data quality over time and eventually receive primary data from your suppliers.
The expected results of a Scope 3 Emissions Inventory Analysis would be a pie chart indicating the top Scope 3 categories for your company. This information would offer a starting point for a deeper dive into the Purchased Goods and Services category.
This allows you to complete a more detailed and focused inventory that includes refined calculation methods. It also helps with starting a supplier engagement program for top suppliers.
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Scope 3 emissions represent up to 90% or more of your company's emissions. You can’t calculate your Scope 3 emissions without conducting a Scope 3 Emissions Inventory. It is the critical first step in understanding which categories and suppliers have the biggest impact on your Scope 3 GHG emissions.
