What are indirect emissions?

Indirect emissions refer to greenhouse gas emissions that occur as a consequence of an organization's activities but are not directly under its control. These emissions typically arise from the energy or resources consumed by the organization but produced by external sources.

In the context of the options provided, the choice related to the purchase of electricity is particularly relevant. When an entity buys electricity, the emissions associated with generating that electricity are considered indirect emissions. This is because the organization itself does not emit these gases directly; instead, the emissions occur at the power plant where the electricity is generated. This concept is critical in understanding the broader impact of an organization's operations on the environment and helps in reporting their overall carbon footprint.

By measuring and managing these indirect emissions, organizations can make informed decisions about their energy consumption and work towards reducing their overall environmental impact. This involves looking beyond their immediate operations and anticipating how their activities affect emissions in the supply chain and other external systems.