Two-thirds of SMEs do not track scope 3 emissions, survey finds

The majority (81%) of sustainability leaders at SMEs admit that their business needs to transform if it is to survive in a future low-carbon economy, according to a Censuswide survey, commissioned by sustainability data management platform Sweep with Capgemini. In a poll of more than 550 sustainability leaders in the US, UK, France and Germany, the survey finds that sustainability data challenges are holding back progress for many companies.

The survey reveals that 78% of businesses still use spreadsheets to track their emissions while 72% do not track scope 3 emissions, which is a “shortcoming” given that on average they account for about 70% of an organisation’s carbon footprint, Sweep says.

Most companies’ primary use of sustainability data – 63% overall, ranging from a high of 73% in the US to 52% in the UK – is to meet regulatory requirements.

Organisations recognise the need to change, says Rachel Delacour, co-founder and CEO of Sweep. “But without a proper grasp of their sustainability data, this will never be possible. We aren’t just talking about meeting regulatory requirements, it’s about the very foundations of a business that wants to not only survive but thrive in the low-carbon economy,” Delacour says.

Roshan Gya, CEO of Capgemini Invent, agrees that sustainability goals should be more than a box-ticking exercise. “It involves identifying the right indicators to drive sustainability transformation across the organisation. Effective action hinges on precise, actionable data, as granular and verifiable insights are essential for impactful sustainability strategies,” Gya says.

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