What are Direct Emissions?

Direct emissions refer specifically to the emissions that come from sources that are owned or directly controlled by an entity. This includes carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases emitted from operations such as onsite energy generation, manufacturing processes, and facility heating. Essentially, if an organization is responsible for the activity producing the emissions, those emissions are categorized as direct emissions.

By this definition, any emissions that result from the combustion of fossil fuels or other processes occurring within the direct control of the company would be considered direct emissions. This is crucial for organizations aiming to reduce their carbon footprint, as managing direct emissions typically involves strategies such as improving energy efficiency in operations or transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

In contrast, emissions from external supply chain activities are categorized as indirect emissions, focusing on a broader scope of impact that includes upstream and downstream processes. The role of renewable energy credits pertains to offsetting emissions rather than counting them as direct emissions. Knowing this distinction is essential for accurately measuring and managing an organization's overall environmental impact.