Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol standards covers which of the following emission sources?

Scope 3 of the GHG Protocol standards encompasses all indirect greenhouse gas emissions that occur in a company's value chain, excluding those produced directly by the company’s own operations (which would fall under Scope 1) and the electricity they purchase (Scope 2). This includes a variety of emission sources, and one prominent category under Scope 3 is emissions related to purchased goods and services.

When companies engage in business activities, they often rely on various inputs such as raw materials, products, and services supplied by other entities. The emissions generated during the production and transportation of these goods and services are included in Scope 3 because they are outside the direct control of the company but still reflect the environmental impact of its operations.

Identifying and managing Scope 3 emissions is an essential aspect of comprehensive sustainability efforts, as these emissions can often represent the largest portion of a company's total carbon footprint. Therefore, focusing on purchased goods and services allows businesses to understand and mitigate the broader impacts of their supply chain on climate change and promote sustainable procurement practices.