Scope 1 vs Scope 2 Emissions: A Simple Guide for Tradies

The terms "Scope 1" and "Scope 2" get thrown around a lot, but for a typical Australian trade business, they are actually very simple.

Scope 1: What you Burn

Think of this as flames. If you light a match, verify an engine, or burn gas at your premises, that is Scope 1.

Common examples for tradies:

• Diesel/Petrol: The fuel going into your work utes, trucks, or vans.
• LPG/Gas: Forklifts, heating, or commercial cooking equipment.
• Generators: Diesel used on-site for power.

Scope 2: What you Click

Think of this as switches. It's the emissions created by someone else (the power station) to send electricity to your socket.

Common examples:

• Office/Workshop Power: Lighting, computers, air conditioning.
• Tool Charging: Batteries plugged into the wall.

What about Scope 3?

Scope 3 is "everything else" (waste, business flights, materials you buy). It is huge and complex. Most small business tenders do NOT require Scope 3 reporting yet.

Focus on getting Scope 1 and 2 right first. It's accurate to your direct control and satisfies 90% of current compliance requests.