Beta Scope 3 Claim

Companies are not reducing emissions fast enough and need tools to accelerate their climate ambition and action, as a complement to delivering Scope 3 decarbonization goals. A high-integrity Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM) can help companies go further, faster, and increase the flow of climate finance to where it is needed most. To support greater action, VCMI has invited feedback from stakeholders to help strengthen its beta Scope 3 Claim.

About the Claim and Consultation

The Claim offers a science-aligned approach for companies to take action on scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions that remain unabated. With an updated methodology, VCMI launched a public consultation in September seeking wide-ranging stakeholder input, to ensure the perspectives of diverse groups will be at the heart of this process.

The Scope 3 Claim can be used as an additional tool for companies to deliver climate action through voluntary carbon markets, while they return to a scope 3 emissions trajectory, consistent with their net zero transition commitments.

To make a Scope 3 Claim, companies will need to be transparent about progress made on decarbonization, challenges they are facing, and remedies being put in place, as well as purchasing and retiring high-quality carbon credits.

Beta Scope 3 Claim Road-testing

VCMI is working with leading companies to road test the beta Scope 3 Claim, a key phase in refining this science-based tool designed to help businesses address their Scope 3 emissions while accelerating internal decarbonization. 

The road-testing phase provides companies with an opportunity to trial the Scope 3 Claim, test its feasibility, and offer feedback that will inform the final version set for release in early 2025. By joining the road test, companies gain: 

  • Dedicated support in applying the Claim’s guidance and navigating practical challenges.
  • Peer-to-peer learning with fellow corporate climate leaders, exchanging knowledge and solutions. 
  • The chance to shape a high-integrity, science-aligned framework for managing Scope 3 emissions. 

FAQs

Why is a road-testing needed?

The road-testing allows us to ensure the beta Scope 3 Claim is practical, effective, and feasible for companies to implement. By involving businesses in real-world testing, we aim to refine the Claim’s methodology, guardrails, and technical requirements, making it more robust and tailored to the challenges companies face in reducing scope 3 emissions. It also helps ensure that the final Claim drives genuine and meaningful climate action.

How does road-testing work?

Participating companies will test the beta Scope 3 Claim by applying the methodology and reporting back on its effectiveness and challenges. 

The process will involve:

  • From November 12 – December 3, weekly 60-minute meetings to review the beta Scope 3 Claim guidance step-by-step and address ‘trial’ implementation questions or challenges;
  • Optional Weekly office hours (2hrs/week) available to companies as extra ongoing support, to clarify specific questions and to provide feedback on the road-testing; and
  • Shared repository to collaborate outside meetings via shared documents (e.g. SharePoint).

VCMI and WBCSD will set up a ‘technical group’ that will design and lead the road-testing work. The ‘technical group’ will include VCMI, WBCSD and Boston Consulting Group (BCG) as ‘knowledge partner’. BCG, in coordination with WBCSD, will keep members informed regarding meeting logistics and any ad hoc issues.

What will be expected of participating companies?

WBCSD and VCMI expect members to demonstrate their commitment to credible climate action, contributing to high-integrity voluntary carbon markets, as part of their broader climate strategies. 

Participating companies are expected to: 

  1. Participate in peer exchange: sharing information and knowledge with others.
  2. Engage in professional and constructive relationships with the other members.
  3. Be open to collaboration with other “road testing” members.
  4. Ensure the confidentiality of all participating members, by committing to non-disclosure of company names in any reports, publications, or communications, without prior written consent from members.
  5. Communicate about collaborations only when this is agreed amongst all parties. All information shared within the working group will be handled with confidentiality and will not be shared outside the group without prior consent from members. 
  6. Refrain from making misleading or false statements about the nature or impacts of the organisation’s own system, about the “road testing” program, or about VCMI.
  7. Agree to Chatham House Rule and to maintain the confidentiality of all meetings, discussions, and associated materials.

Who can participate in the road-testing, and what are the benefits?

The road-test is open to organizations with ambitious climate strategies for decarbonization across all scopes but are facing challenges in making progress against scope 3 value chain emissions reductions. More on membership here.

Participants will help influence the final design of the Scope 3 Claim and ensure it meets real-world corporate challenges addressing scope 3 emissions reductions. Companies will also benefit from peer collaboration, networking opportunities, and support from VCMI and our partners throughout the process.

Will the results of the road-test be made public?

No, the individual results and data shared by participating companies will remain confidential. The feedback gathered will be used in aggregate to inform the final version of the Scope 3 Claim. Only general insights and lessons learned will be published in a final report, and companies’ participation will not be disclosed without their consent.

How long will the road-testing last, and what is the timeline for finalizing the Scope 3 Claim?

The road-testing will last approximately 3 weeks, beginning November 12 to December 3. The insights gathered will be used to make refinements to the beta Scope 3 Claim, with the final version expected to be released in Q1 2025.

Next Steps

Following the consultation and road-testing, we will carefully review all feedback and make necessary updates to the beta Scope 3 Claim. A report summarizing the public consultation findings, along with the comments received, will be published in Q1 2025; with the finalized Scope 3 Claim anticipated for early 2025.

Your feedback has been crucial in refining the Claim’s methodology and guardrails to enable companies act with confidence to ensure climate action where it would otherwise be absent.

For more information, or to get involved, please contact us at info@vcmintegrity.org

Past Events

VCMI and BSI hosted different webinars to introduce the beta Scope 3 Claim and help participants understand the current challenges and opportunities in addressing scope 3 emissions and how to participate in the consultation.

Listen in.

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