Scope 3 GHG Measurement and Reporting Protocols for Food and Drink

The new resources include:

• Scope 3 Measurement & Reporting Protocols for UK Food & Drink businesses. This is the full guidance, which builds on existing globally accepted guidance (Greenhouse Gas Protocol and Science Based Targets Initiative) and sector-specific guidance – focusing on ‘purchased goods’ specifically. The Protocols also provide guidance on determining the key organisational hotspots for GHG emissions, judging data needs, tracking & reporting on progress.
• Scope 3 Measurement & Reporting Protocols for UK Food & Drink businesses – summary version. This is an at-a-glance summary, signposting the key information that businesses need to take action.
• Supplier Product Footprint Questionnaires. Recommended questions for businesses to ask supply chains when requesting data.
• Emission Factor Database. Provides a top-level view of where the key sources of emissions are.
• Guidance for including and adjusting emission factors in scope 3 GHG accounting for Food and Drink. Additional detailed guidance to improve alignment of approaches to selecting and adjusting emission factors when compiling scope 3 inventories.

The Protocols include the following business benefits:

• A consistent methodology for measuring and tracking progress in reducing supply chain emissions. This will inform decision-making and help provide continuity across the industry.
• Food producers will also receive more consistent data asks from their customers, which will cut the cost and effort of measuring and managing emissions.

A market-first, the Protocols will mean faster progression towards achieving the Courtauld 2030 GHG target of delivering a 50% absolute reduction in GHG emissions associated with food and drink consumed in the UK by 2030 (against a 2015 baseline). Leading Courtauld 2030 signatory businesses are already testing the Protocols during its pilot phase (from May 2022).