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At Lime Sustainable Supplies, we believe sustainability should be simple, practical, and impactful. That’s why we’re big advocates of measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions using all four scopes, not just the traditional three. Why? Because understanding and acting on the full picture is key to reversing climate change and building a cleaner, greener future for our industry and our planet.
Let’s break it down in a way that’s clear, relevant, and action-focused—just like we like to do things at Lime.
Think of the four scopes as a full-circle approach to identifying and reducing your environmental impact:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from activities your organisation controls.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from energy you buy and use.
Scope 3: Indirect emissions from your wider supply chain and product lifecycle.
Scope 4: (The game-changer!) Emissions you avoid through conscious choices in procurement and innovation.
Scope 1: Cut Emissions at the SourceScope 1 covers emissions from sources you own or directly control—like company vehicles or machinery.
In the cleaning and FM sector, this might include:
Fuel from your fleet
On-site heating systems
Refrigeration or machinery emissions
How to reduce Scope 1:
Switch to electric vehicles and charge them with renewable energy
Invest in solar panels
Minimise travel with smart scheduling and virtual meetings
Optimise delivery routes and reduce half-full trucks
Use green logistics partners
Start by measuring these emissions, take action, then measure again. It’s a cycle that builds real progress.
Scope 2 focuses on the energy you purchase, like electricity or heating.
Easy wins include:
Switching to a 100% renewable energy provider. You can compare certified green energy tariffs using Ofgem’s approved price comparison tools.
Upgrading to LED lighting with motion sensors
Insulating buildings and installing energy-efficient windows
Maintaining and upgrading machines and appliances for better performance
Again, measure, act, repeat. You’ll be surprised how quickly these changes add up.
This is where most emissions hide. In fact, Scope 3 can account for up to 95% of a company’s carbon footprint in the cleaning industry.
It covers emissions from:
Business travel and commuting
Waste disposal and recycling
Leased buildings and franchises
The full life cycle of the products you buy and use
Action steps for reducing Scope 3:
Promote carpooling, public transport, and hybrid working. The Cycle to Work Scheme is a great incentive to support greener commutes.
Cut down on flights and encourage train travel
Choose suppliers who disclose their carbon data and perform life cycle assessments
Prioritise recycled and upcycled products—including electronics
Improve your recycling and food waste separation systems. Local councils and the WRAP UK initiative offer tools to help businesses get started.
Transparent measurement is crucial. The more you know, the better choices you can make—and the more you can push your supply chain to do better.
Scope 4 is about avoided emissions—the emissions you prevent by choosing better products, services, or suppliers. This is where you can drive the most positive change.
Questions to ask when making sustainable purchasing decisions:
Does this supplier have a more sustainable alternative?
Can they back it up with credible data like independent life cycle assessments?
Are the products as effective (or better) than conventional ones?
Is the marketing transparent and free from greenwashing?
At Lime, we work only with suppliers who are clear and honest about their environmental credentials. Scope 4 is where progress meets innovation—and where we can all become drivers of change.
We practice what we preach. In our second year of measuring our emissions, we achieved a 37% reduction across all scopes, thanks to smart choices, strong partnerships, and measurable action.
What’s more, those carbon savings are built into the products we deliver to you meaning every purchase helps lower your footprint too.
Our ambition? To become the first net-zero supply chain in our industry.
Sustainability isn’t a solo mission. Build a culture that supports it:
Run training sessions and workshops
Appoint green champions across teams
Share your goals and celebrate progress
When everyone understands the “why” behind these changes, you unlock the “how” much faster. The Carbon Literacy Project offers brilliant training resources tailored for organisations of all sizes.
Whether you’re new to GHG reporting or already on the path, the 4-scope approach gives you clarity and control. And with the right tools, partners, and mindset, it’s more than possible, it’s powerful.
Let’s measure, reduce, and measure again together.
Join us at Lime Sustainable Supplies in building a future where clean means truly sustainable.
On every delivery over £50*
With every sustainable order
By offsetting on sustainable orders
