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London Reporting Academy California SB 253 · Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act · Disclosure SB253-SCOPE-3

Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions

SB253-SCOPE-3 · mandatory · metrics + narrative

This disclosure asks an organisation to report its Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions, meaning the emissions linked to its wider value chain rather than only emissions from its own facilities or energy use. In practice, the focus is on capturing the organisation’s indirect emissions profile in a way that reflects the activities it relies on, such as purchased goods and services, transport, use of sold products, and other upstream and downstream sources where relevant.

Foco de la divulgación

The practical emphasis is usually on coverage across the organisation’s operations and value chain, not just a few flagship sites or the easiest-to-measure activities. Organisations should think about whether their reporting approach is broad enough to reflect the full business footprint, while also being clear about any gaps, estimates, or areas where data quality is still developing.

Este material formativo de LRA apoya la preparación de la divulgación. Para los requisitos exactos, consulte siempre la fuente oficial de CARB.

Preparar

Qué recopilar antes de redactar

Marque cada campo cuando llegue la evidencia. Los responsables son los equipos que suelen custodiar los archivos fuente.

  • Included Scope 3 categories

    Sustainability reporting / ESG data owner

    List which indirect emissions categories are counted in the reported Scope 3 figure, using the organisation’s chosen category set for the period.

    Evidencia GHG inventory boundary note, category list in the emissions workbook, reporting pack sign-off.

    Atención a Category list does not reconcile to the inventory workbook, so a category is counted in one place but left out of the reported set.

  • Category emissions split

    Carbon accounting / sustainability analytics

    Capture the emissions amount for each included Scope 3 category, with each category mapped to its own figure for the same reporting period.

    Evidencia Category-level emissions schedule, calculation workbook, source activity data and emission factor files.

    Atención a Category totals do not reconcile to the category schedule, or a category is rolled into the wrong bucket.

  • Data source mix

    Carbon accounting / data methodology lead

    Record which parts of the Scope 3 calculation use direct records, supplier-provided inputs, proxy estimates, or sector averages.

    Evidencia Methodology note, source log, supplier data extracts, estimation workbook.

    Atención a Source type labels do not match the calculation files, so direct supplier data is mixed up with proxy or average-based inputs.

  • Estimation approach

    Carbon accounting / methodology owner

    Describe the calculation approach used to turn activity data into Scope 3 emissions, including the main estimation logic applied.

    Evidencia Calculation methodology, model notes, emission factor library, assumptions register.

    Atención a The method used in the workbook does not match the method described in the disclosure, so the calculation basis is misclassified.

  • Reporting year window

    Financial reporting / ESG reporting controller

    State the exact reporting period used for the Scope 3 figure, including the start and end dates covered by the data.

    Evidencia Annual reporting timetable, consolidation calendar, period control sheet.

    Atención a The disclosure period does not match the underlying data cut-off, so part-year data is mixed with a full-year total.

  • Scope 3 total emissions

    Carbon accounting / ESG reporting owner

    Provide the single total amount of Scope 3 emissions for the reporting period, expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

    Evidencia Final consolidated emissions statement, signed reporting pack, calculation summary.

    Atención a The total does not reconcile to the sum of the included category figures, or a non-Scope 3 amount has been pulled into the total.

Antes de empezar

  • Have you settled which upstream and downstream activity groups you will include in the total, and which ones you will leave out?
  • Will the figures come from one defined reporting window, and is that period the same one used across the rest of your emissions work?
  • Can each category figure be traced back to a source record or dataset, rather than only to a summary total?
  • For each category, have you decided whether the input comes from direct records, a secondary dataset, a proxy, or an industry-average source?
  • Have you fixed the method you will use to turn activity data into emissions for each category, so the approach is consistent and explainable?
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Cómo prepararlo

Set the reporting boundary first: confirm which indirect emissions sources you are covering for the period, and list the categories you will include in the submission.
For each included category, decide what counts as in-scope activity and gather the supporting records that show the source data used to build the calculation.
Choose and record the calculation approach for each category, including whether you relied on direct data, supplier information, estimates, or sector averages.
Compile the figures by category and then roll them up to the overall total for the reporting year, keeping the category breakdown and the total consistent with each other.
Note any exclusions, substitutions, or changes in method, and explain why they were made so the final submission can be traced back to the underlying evidence.
Check the completed disclosure against the official source before filing, making sure the period, category list, methods, evidence trail, breakdown, and total all align.

Solicitar los datos

Request the Scope 3 emissions data

Traduzca la divulgación a una pregunta de negocio interna y adáptela después al lenguaje propio de su organización.

What is the organisation’s total indirect emissions figure for the reporting period, with the category split, source basis and calculation approach behind it?

Use your organisation’s own names for the teams, systems and emissions buckets first, then map them to the reporting categories for this request. Keep the ask in everyday operational language rather than framework wording, and check the official source before sign-off.

Solicitud débil

Please provide the Scope 3 disclosure data for the reporting period, including category coverage, category emissions, data sources, estimation methods and total emissions.

Por qué falla: It uses framework language that many operational teams do not use day to day, so the owner may not know which systems, buckets or files to pull. It also does not tell them how to present the split, what to include as evidence, or which internal labels to use.

Solicitud mejor

Please send the indirect emissions figures for [reporting period], split by your internal emissions buckets, with the source used for each bucket, the calculation approach, and the total for the period. Include any buckets that are only partly covered or excluded, and return the file or system name used to build the numbers.

Plantilla de correo formal
Subject: Request for indirect emissions data for [reporting period]

Hi [name/team],

I’m pulling together the sustainability reporting pack and need your help with the indirect emissions figures for [reporting period].

Please send:
- the total indirect emissions figure for the period;
- the breakdown by your internal emissions buckets / activity areas;
- which buckets are included in the total and which are not;
- the data sources used for each bucket (for example, actual records, supplier data, proxy or industry-average estimates);
- the calculation approach used;
- the reporting period covered;
- the file name, system, or model used to produce the numbers.

Please return the figures in a table and add a short note on any assumptions, gaps, or changes from the prior period.

If helpful, I can send a simple template. Please adapt this to your organisation’s own terms first, then map it to the reporting categories. Check the official source before sign-off.

Thanks,
[preparer name]
Versión corta para Teams / Slack
Hi [name/team] — could you send the indirect emissions figures for [reporting period], plus the split by your internal buckets, the data source for each one, and the method used to calculate them? Please include any exclusions, assumptions, and the file/system used. I can share a simple template if useful. Please adapt this to your organisation’s own terms first, then map it to the reporting categories. Check the official source before sign-off.

Ejemplos sectoriales

Retail

Contexto. A retailer tracks emissions across stores, warehouses, transport and supplier spend.

Solicitud adaptada. Please send the indirect emissions figures for [reporting period], split by your internal buckets such as inbound freight, outbound delivery, packaging, waste, business travel and purchased goods. For each bucket, include the source used, whether it is actual data or an estimate, and the method used to calculate emissions.

Ejemplo de respuesta. A table showing each bucket, the mapped reporting category, the data source type, the calculation method, and emissions in tCO2e, plus a note that supplier-specific data was available for some purchased goods lines and spend-based estimates were used for the rest.

Manufacturing

Contexto. A manufacturer collects data from procurement, logistics, travel and product teams.

Solicitud adaptada. Please send the indirect emissions figures for [reporting period], split by your internal activity areas such as raw materials, inbound freight, outbound logistics, waste, employee travel and product use assumptions. Include the source system for each area, the basis used where actual records are not available, and the total emissions for the period.

Ejemplo de respuesta. A spreadsheet with each activity area, the source system, whether the figure is based on primary records or a proxy, the calculation method, and emissions in tCO2e, plus a note that logistics data came from the transport management system and some supplier inputs were estimated using industry averages.

Redacte su divulgación

Notas que convierten los datos en una divulgación

Plantillas formativas de LRA: adáptelas a su organización y consulte la fuente oficial antes de la aprobación.

Nota metodológica

State which value-chain categories are included, what reporting period the figure covers, which calculation methods were used, and whether the inputs came from direct records, secondary records, proxy data, or sector averages.

Nota de contexto

Explain that the total reflects emissions across the included value-chain categories, while the category split shows where the main contributions sit and how much each part adds to the overall figure.

Declaración sobre las variaciones

If the total or category mix changes, point to shifts in the included categories, the underlying data sources, or the estimation approach, and note whether the reporting period itself also changed.

Entrada del índice de contenidos

SB253-SCOPE-3 Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions — [location / page] / [notes]

Centro de descargas

Herramientas y formularios de preparación

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Gratis · acceso por correo

Verificación

Para cada afirmación, compruebe la evidencia

  • We set out which parts of the wider value-chain inventory we included in the coverage figure, so readers can see the boundary we used.

    Riesgos An assurer may test whether the boundary was chosen consistently, whether any relevant parts were left out without explanation, and whether the wording could mislead readers into thinking the figure is more complete than it is.

    Evidencia que comprobar Inventory boundary paper; category inclusion/exclusion list; methodology note explaining any omissions; management sign-off on the final boundary.

  • We broke the disclosed amount down by category, rather than only giving one combined figure, so the underlying components can be traced.

    Riesgos An assurer may probe whether each category total is supported by source data, whether categories were grouped or split consistently, and whether the sum of the parts reconciles to the published total.

    Evidencia que comprobar Category-level calculation workbook; source extracts for each category; reconciliation from category totals to the published aggregate; review notes for any regrouping or mapping decisions.

  • For each part of the calculation, we recorded the type of input used, including direct records, third-party information, estimated inputs, and benchmark-based inputs where relevant.

    Riesgos An assurer may challenge whether the input type was correctly classified, whether weaker inputs were used where better evidence was available, and whether the mix of inputs creates a material quality issue.

    Evidencia que comprobar Data source register; evidence of source classification for each line item; supplier or internal records; rationale for any estimated or benchmark-based inputs.

  • We documented the calculation approach we used for the disclosed amount, including the estimation steps and any conversion or allocation logic applied before publication.

    Riesgos An assurer may test whether the method was applied consistently, whether the chosen approach fits the stated accounting basis, and whether the calculation logic contains errors or unsupported assumptions.

    Evidencia que comprobar Methodology memo; calculation model; emission factor or conversion factor file; assumption log; version-controlled spreadsheets or system outputs.

  • Where the reporting boundary changed because of a transaction or other structural event, we adjusted the disclosed amount using the same accounting approach throughout the period.

    Riesgos An assurer may ask whether acquisitions, disposals, mergers, or similar events were identified completely, whether the treatment was consistent with the stated method, and whether the adjustment could distort comparability.

    Evidencia que comprobar Corporate transaction register; boundary-change assessment; supporting schedules showing pre- and post-change treatment; approval of the adjustment approach.

  • We stated the prior financial year covered by the data and checked that the publication timing aligned with the required sequence of disclosures.

    Riesgos An assurer may verify that the period stated matches the underlying data set, that the timing is correct relative to the earlier public release, and that the reported year is not ambiguous.

    Evidencia que comprobar Reporting calendar; published dates for the earlier disclosure and the current one; period-end data extracts; final disclosure draft showing the stated year.

Paquete de evidencia que preparar

Carencias habituales en los informes

  • Figures are stated without the supporting narrative, or narrative without figures.
  • Scope is inconsistent between the text and the numbers.
  • The reporting boundary is left undefined.
  • Material changes since the previous period are not disclosed.
  • Estimates and measured values are not distinguished.
  • Source records for the figures are not identified.

Dónde fallan los borradores

Errores que evitar y dónde se requiere juicio profesional

La columna izquierda muestra lo que los preparadores hacen mal al recopilar; la derecha, dónde tendrá que tomar y explicar un juicio.

Errores que evitar

  • Wrong owner askedThe team chases the sustainability lead for figures that sit with procurement, logistics, finance, or another operational owner, so the source data never comes from the people who actually hold it.
  • Framework terms used too earlyPeople ask for the data in reporting-language terms instead of the business terms used day to day, and the request is misunderstood or routed to the wrong internal team.
  • Boundary left vagueNo one pins down which parts of the business, subsidiaries, or activities are in the data set, so different teams collect different slices and the final numbers do not line up.
  • Wrong period basisThe collection window is not fixed to the same reporting period across teams, so some records are pulled from a different date range and cannot be compared cleanly.
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Requiere juicio profesional

  • Set the group boundary after a buy-in or saleDecide whether to include emissions from businesses added or removed during the year, explain the cut-off date you used, and keep the same approach unless a change is clearly justified.
  • Handle mixed country definitions with one internal ruleWhere local records use different business or activity definitions, map them to one group-wide method, note any exceptions, and explain how you translated the source data.
  • Decide how to treat activities near the edge of the value chainFor items that could sit inside or outside the reporting boundary, state the rule used to include or exclude them and describe any material judgement made.
  • Choose one timing basis and stick to itIf source data arrive on different reporting cycles, explain whether you used actual period data, a later proxy, or another timing basis, and why that was the most workable option.
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Ejemplos

Cómo se lee en la página

Sintéticos, redactados por LRA: no proceden del informe de ninguna empresa ni del texto de ninguna norma.

Illustrative (synthetic) example — Manufacturing

for the 2025 reporting year, we have set out the parts of our value-chain footprint that we included, the emissions attached to each part, and the methods and data types used to build the estimate. Our total Scope 3 figure is 1,240,000 tCO2e.

Illustrative Scope 3 breakdown for the 2025 reporting year (tCO2e)

Included value-chain areaEmissions (tCO2e)
Purchased goods and services420000
Capital goods90000
Fuel- and energy-related activities60000
Upstream transport and distribution110000
Waste generated in operations30000
Use of sold products530000

Illustrative only. Shows a concise first-person disclosure that names the included value-chain areas, gives category-level figures, and explains the main estimation approach and data inputs used for the year.

Illustrative (synthetic) example — Retail

for the 2025 reporting year, we included the value-chain areas listed below and estimated them using a mix of primary records, supplier inputs, proxy data, and sector averages where needed. Our total Scope 3 figure is 385,000 tCO2e.

Illustrative Scope 3 breakdown for the 2025 reporting year (tCO2e)

Included value-chain areaEmissions (tCO2e)
Purchased goods and services150000
Upstream transport and distribution25000
Waste generated in operations10000
Business travel15000
Employee commuting5000
Downstream transport and distribution180000

Illustrative only. Shows a second plausible reporter with a different mix of included areas and a smaller footprint, while still identifying the reporting year, the data sources used, and the estimation approach.

Escalera de calidad

  • Básico

    My Scope 3 total for the period was 12,400 tCO2e.

  • Mejor

    For the year ended 31 December 2025, I reported 12,400 tCO2e across purchased goods, transport, business travel and waste, using supplier data where available and estimates where not.

  • Óptimo

    For the year ended 31 December 2025, I reported 12,400 tCO2e across purchased goods, transport, business travel and waste, based on a mix of supplier records, proxy data and industry averages, and the rise from last year mainly reflects higher freight activity and broader category coverage.

Compruebe su comprensión

Escenarios para trabajar

A preparer has a draft table for the year ended 31 December 2025. It shows a single total for value-chain emissions, but the working papers only cover purchased goods, transport, and business travel; no other categories have been assessed yet.

PShould the disclosure go out with only those three categories listed, or does the team need to confirm whether any other value-chain categories are included before sign-off?
Mostrar la respuesta modelo →

A company has calculated its value-chain emissions using supplier-specific activity data for some purchased materials, spend-based estimates for freight, and an industry-average factor for leased assets. The draft notes mention the methods, but not which source type was used for each category.

PIs it enough to say the figures were estimated, or does the preparer need to identify the source type used for the different parts of the calculation?
Mostrar la respuesta modelo →

A group reports its value-chain emissions for the 2025 financial year, but one business unit has used calendar-year supplier data and another has used a rolling 12-month estimate ending in March 2025. The consolidated total is ready, but the reporting note does not explain the period basis.

PCan the preparer present the total without clarifying the time period used for the underlying calculations?
Mostrar la respuesta modelo →

A preparer has a final value-chain total of 18,400 tCO2e for 2025. The category breakdown adds up correctly to that total: purchased goods 9,600 tCO2e, upstream transport 2,300 tCO2e, business travel 1,100 tCO2e, and other categories 5,400 tCO2e.

PIs the total enough on its own, or should the disclosure also show the split by category and the overall figure together?
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Informes reales

How 3 companies report it

Ejemplos de práctica de reporte completa y parcial. Son análisis basados en evidencia, no plantillas exactas para copiar.

Informes reales publicados

C.H. Robinson

Related

Air Freight Transportation and Logistics · United States · 2025 · p.20 ↗

C.H. Robinson’s 2025 Sustainability Report provides a total Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions figure, reported as 17,811,002 metric tonnes CO2 equivalent on page 62. The report references Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and includes some discussion of emissions intensity targets and an emissions dashboard (pp. 17, 21), but it does not provide a breakdown of Scope 3 categories, data sources, or the reporting period. Additionally, the report lacks clear information on the methods used to estimate Scope 3 emissions.

Cargill

Related

Food Production — Agricultural · United States · 2025 · p.109 ↗

Cargill's 2025 Impact Report includes coverage of Scope 3 emissions, specifically noting the footprint of agricultural commodities sourced from producers (p.19). The report also references Scope 3 emissions in the cocoa and chocolate supply chain and related farmer support initiatives (p.65). However, the report does not provide a detailed breakdown of Scope 3 categories, data sources, estimation methods, reporting period, or total Scope 3 emissions, leaving these aspects unclear or missing.

Bank of America

Related

None · United States · 2025 · p.18 ↗

Bank of America's 2025 sustainability report provides some context on Scope 3 emissions, noting the organizational boundary for GHG emissions reporting and gases included in Scope 1, 2, and 3 calculations (p.18). The report includes data on financed emissions by sector and subsector boundaries for 2023 and 2024 (p.23), as well as information on carbon credit retirements affecting net Scope 1 and market-based Scope 2 emissions (p.20). However, the report lacks clear disclosures on Scope 3 categories included, category breakdowns, data sources, reporting periods, and estimation methods, with the total Scope 3 emissions figure remaining unclear (p.18).
CampoC.H. RobinsonCargillBank of America
Included Scope 3 categoriesNo encontradoNo encontradoNo encontrado
Category emissions splitNo encontradoNo encontradoNo encontrado
Data source mixNo encontradoNo encontradoNo encontrado
Estimation approachParcialParcialParcial
Reporting year windowNo encontradoNo encontradoNo encontrado
Scope 3 total emissionsNo encontradoNo encontradoParcial

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Prueba ¿Cómo preparo SB253-SCOPE-3? ¿Qué datos necesito recopilar? ¿Dónde puedo ver un ejemplo de un informe real? ¿Qué errores debo evitar?

Referencias del marco

Requisitos aplicables de California y divulgaciones relacionadas

California

SB253-SCOPE-3

dentro de California SB 253: Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act

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Preguntas frecuentes

Preguntas que responde esta página

For SB253-SCOPE-3, what data do I need to gather before I start drafting the disclosure?+
How do I work out which Scope 3 categories to include in the SB253-SCOPE-3 disclosure?+
What should I record about the data sources and estimation approach for SB253-SCOPE-3?+
How do I assign ownership for SB253-SCOPE-3 data collection across ESG, HR and data owners?+
What evidence should I keep ready for assurance on SB253-SCOPE-3?+
What are the six assurance claims on the SB253-SCOPE-3 page and how do I use them?+
What are the common reporting gaps or mistakes on the SB253-SCOPE-3 page?+
How can I use the Prep & Assurance workbook for SB253-SCOPE-3?+
How do I turn the SB253-SCOPE-3 data into a draft disclosure?+
Can I use the SB253-SCOPE-3 page to compare my data with ESRS E1 climate reporting?+

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