8-12. The Role of EHS in Scope 3 Emissions Management

Managing Scope 3 emissions, which cover greenhouse gas emissions across the entire supply chain, has become a critical challenge for companies pursuing decarbonization. Unlike a company's direct emissions or those from purchased electricity (Scope 1 and 2), Scope 3 is complex and extensive, encompassing everything from raw material procurement and logistics to product use and disposal. Within this context, EHS (Environment, Health, and Safety) plays a vital role in making Scope 3 management effective.

First, the EHS department excels at collecting and managing environmental data, which helps in understanding emissions at each stage of the supply chain. Measuring and reporting the environmental impact of raw material procurement and manufacturing processes can be done efficiently and accurately by leveraging existing EHS frameworks. Furthermore, by considering both environmental impact reduction and operational safety from an occupational health and safety perspective, a company can comprehensively define its requirements for suppliers.

Next, EHS also plays a significant role in the implementation phase of Scope 3 reduction. Improvement measures traditionally handled by the EHS department—such as optimizing logistics, reducing waste, and introducing energy-saving equipment—are directly linked to reducing Scope 3 emissions. Additionally, EHS tasks like proper chemical management and waste disposal indirectly contribute to Scope 3 reduction.

Furthermore, integrating an EHS perspective into supply chain audits is extremely effective. By evaluating not only the accuracy of environmental data but also working conditions and safety culture, a company can go beyond mere emissions management to build a truly sustainable supply chain. Internationally, disclosure frameworks like CDP and SBTi require companies to address Scope 3, and the involvement of the EHS department is directly linked to gaining the trust of investors and regulatory authorities.

In summary, the role of EHS in Scope 3 emissions management is crucial in three aspects: establishing a foundation for data collection, supporting the implementation of reduction measures, and strengthening supplier audits. For a company to advance its decarbonization efforts and enhance its global competitiveness, it is essential to build an integrated emissions management system centered around the EHS department.