GHG footprint monitoring
We report on our footprint using the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol. It categorises the GHG emissions into Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions [i].
The total carbon footprint of the TAUW Group in 2024 is 9,109 t CO2 e. As an environmental engineering consultancy, we are well aware of that 87% falls within our upstream value chain. Our GHG emissions intensity per employee is 0.9 t CO2 e/ FTE in Scopes 1 and 2; 6.4 t CO2 e/ FTE in Scope 3; and 7.3 t CO2 e/ FTE in all scopes. Our GHG emissions intensity per turnover is 53 t CO2 e/ mio € and per EBITA 828 t CO2 e/ mio €.
[i] t CO2 e = tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalents
[i] Where available, market-specific emission factors were used in the calculation. Our digital data system, and that of our suppliers, used to calculate the GHG emissions of the entire TAUW Group value chain is not yet mature enough to provide the required granularity, so there is a degree of uncertainty in the data retrieved. For this year we decided to conduct the CO2 calculation with an external software tool. This changed our insight in the used emission factors for category 3.1 and 3.2. Therefor the emissions reported in these categories is lower than reported last year.
2024: 1,108 t CO2 e
Scope 1 – Direct greenhouse gas emissions by TAUW Group
Scope 1 refers to direct GHG emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the TAUW Group. These emissions result from activities such as the combustion of fossil fuels consumed by company-owned and/or controlled vehicles or equipment, as well as the combustion of on-site heating (natural gas) and electricity generation. We, as a company, are directly responsible for these emissions. The total Scope 1 emissions for the TAUW Group in 2024 were 1,109 t CO2 e.
2024: 102 t CO2 e m-based
Scope 2 – Indirect emissions from the use of electricity, heat and steam supplied by other companies
Scope 2 refers to indirect GHG emissions that are associated with the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam by the TAUW Group which we use, for example, to heat our offices. These emissions result from the activities linked with the production of electricity and/or energy, i.e. outside of our direct control. The Scope 2 emissions for the TAUW Group in 2024 were 102 t CO2 e market-based.
2024: 7,899 t CO2 e
Scope 3 – All other emissions associated with TAUW’s activities
Scope 3 covers approximately 87% of our GHG emissions. Scope 3 includes all indirect GHG emissions that occur in our value chain. These emissions are a result of activities that are not owned or controlled by us but are associated with our services and activities. Our Scope 3 emissions include only upstream emissions from purchased goods and services (category 1)[i], capital goods (category 2), fuel and energy related activities (category 3), waste generated in operations (category 5), business travel (category 6), employee commuting (category 7), and leased assets (category 8).
These emissions are the largest and most challenging to measure and manage, but they are important to understand the full carbon footprint of our organization and our impact on climate change. TAUW Group had no material downstream emissions in 2024. Scope 3 emissions for TAUW Group in 2024 were 7,899 t CO2 e . To reduce our Scope 3 emissions further, we will intensify our talks with suppliers, business partners and clients, elaborate on our reduction pathway for all TAUW entities and align it with the climate target to stay below 1.5°C global warming.
[i] For Scope 3, categories 1 and 2, we have used spend-based analysis. Spend-based analysis involves estimating GHG emissions based on financial expenditures, such as the amount of money spent on purchased goods and services. This approach assumes that the amount of money spent is directly proportional to the GHG emissions generated. It estimates emissions, but may not always accurately reflect the exact emissions. In the future, we will continue to refine our methodology and, where possible, use direct emissions data (hybrid methodology).
The scope 3 emissions in t CO2 e involved in the following categories:
Category 1
Purchased goods and services
Category 2
Capital goods
Category 3
Fuel and energy related activities
Category 4
Waste from own operations
Category 6
Business travel
Category 7
Employee commuting
Category 8
Leased assets
Scope 3 Emissions Breakdown
In 2024, TAUW’s carbon footprint is primarily composed of Scope 3 emissions. Category 1: Purchased Goods and Services accounts for 40% of the total footprint, encompassing all necessary products and services for operations. Category 2: Capital Goods represents 25%, and Category 5: Waste Generated in Operations accounts for 15%.
Sustainable mobility and vitality, encompassing Scope 3 categories 6 and 7, are key areas of focus for TAUW. Recognising the broad impact of travel choices, we have taken a multi-faceted approach to reducing travel emissions across our sites. This includes financial incentives for electric vehicles and public transport, encouraging active commuting such as cycling and walking, and only flying for journeys over 800km. Building on our experience during the pandemic, we have introduced a hybrid working protocol. We are also actively converting our company fleet to electric vehicles, while promoting greener commuting options and flexible working arrangements.
Sustainable services and activities, which span our entire value chain, are integral to TAUW’s operations. In our soil activities – soil remediation, soil surveys and groundwater projects – we already use sustainability indicators at every stage of the remediation process, assessing not only the obvious indicators such as health and safety and remediation costs, but also participation, carbon footprint, impact on biodiversity, impact on reputation and increase in site value. Where possible, we use nature-based technologies, such as the use of micro-organisms, plants and natural materials and processes, to minimise environmental impact. We aim to reduce waste and minimise the use of energy, materials and chemicals.
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