COP29: Unveiling First US Gov Scope 3 Footprint Measurement
The Biden-Harris Administration has made history at COP29, the 2024 UN Climate Change Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan by unveiling plans to cut the US federal government’s supply chain emissions by 30% by 2030.
These emissions, which encompass the indirect environmental impact of goods and services purchased, employee commuting and business travel, make up nearly two-thirds of the US government’s carbon footprint.
The goal reflects a commitment to addressing climate change while boosting the clean energy economy. By implementing these measures, the administration aims to slash emissions, save taxpayers money through reduced energy costs and set a precedent for public and private sectors alike.
Tracking and reducing Scope 3 emissions
For the first time, the US government has released a comprehensive measurement of its Scope 3 emissions.
These emissions, amounting to 135 million metric tons of CO2 annually, are more than twice the emissions of the government’s buildings and vehicles combined.
To help visualise and track this massive carbon footprint, the administration has introduced a Scope 3 Data Dashboard. This tool provides detailed emissions data by agency, category and industry, including professional services and transportation equipment manufacturing.
The dashboard is more than just a numbers game; it’s a roadmap. Federal agencies, businesses and other stakeholders can use it to pinpoint opportunities to cut pollution and strengthen supply chain resilience.
So far, 40 suppliers have met all four key benchmarks: emissions disclosure, setting science-based targets, climate risk assessment and climate transition planning.
These initiatives are part of a broader push to lead global efforts.
At COP29, the US also announced the formation of the Government Scope 3 Alliance in partnership with Canada and several US states, including California and Massachusetts. This could set the stage for governments worldwide to collaborate on Scope 3 emissions reductions and transparency.
Concrete steps towards net zero
Current President Joe Biden’s Executive Order 14057 set the US government on a path to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, with a 65% reduction target by 2030.
In order to achieve this, significant strides are being made in electrifying the federal fleet, modernising buildings and transitioning to 100% carbon-free electricity.
The results are already tangible. Since 2021, the government has ordered nearly 82,000 zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), installed more than 10,500 charging stations and signed agreements to power federal facilities in 19 states with carbon-free electricity by 2030.
More than 2,000 federal buildings are now on track to reach net-zero emissions within the same timeframe.
On top of this, the Federal Buy Clean Initiative, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, allocates more than US$4bn for purchasing low-carbon construction materials. The initiative not only reduces Scope 3 emissions but also stimulates demand for clean manufacturing within the US.
These actions are part of the larger Investing in America agenda, which has fostered a boom in clean energy manufacturing. Hundreds of billions of dollars in private investment have flowed into the sector, creating hundreds of thousands of jobs.
As the single largest purchaser in the world, President Biden has shown how the federal government can lead by example to reduce harmful emissions and catalyse climate action across our thousands of suppliers.
These partnerships will continue to cut pollution, save taxpayer money and boost the resilience of vulnerable supply chains for decades to come.
A call to action
The US' COP29 announcements mark a huge step towards tackling not only Scope 3 emissions - but also public and corporate attitudes towards them. Putting them on the map at a global conference, with tangible goals and initiatives, is no small thing.
By leveraging the federal government’s purchasing power and prioritising sustainability, the US is setting a global example of climate responsibility.
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