Downstream emissions
Downstream emissions are part of a company’s scope 3 emissions, which refer to greenhouse gas emissions that occur during a product or service’s use, disposal, or end-of-life stage. These emissions are released after the product has been manufactured and delivered to the end user or consumer. Downstream emissions are often associated with the consumption or utilisation of products, such as the burning of fossil fuels for energy or the release of emissions during the disposal or decomposition of waste. Managing and reducing downstream emissions, including scope 3 emissions, is essential to addressing climate change and achieving sustainability goals, as they represent a significant portion of a company’s or organisation’s overall carbon footprint.