{"id":74552,"date":"2026-01-16T09:26:58","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T08:26:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/kunskapshubb\/scope-3-general-or-product-specific-data-from-lca-epd\/"},"modified":"2026-07-07T16:25:51","modified_gmt":"2026-07-07T14:25:51","slug":"scope-3-general-or-product-specific-data-from-lca-epd","status":"publish","type":"kunskapshub","link":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/kunskapshubb\/scope-3-general-or-product-specific-data-from-lca-epd\/","title":{"rendered":"Scope 3: General or product specific data from LCA\/EPD?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div style=\"height:87px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-e841a80335ce3f065eaea7c7a7f4fe79\">GHG Scope 3: Start with Product-Specific Data from LCA\/EPD \u2014 or with General Data?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When organizations begin calculating their <strong>GHG Scope 3 emissions<\/strong>, a common question arises: do you need to start directly with <strong>product-specific data from LCA or EPD<\/strong>, or is it acceptable to begin at a more general level using <strong>generic data<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The answer is that it depends on the requirements, drivers, and how mature the organization is in its sustainability work.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9cf66b1eff30e92759a936f78512279a\">Different Paths into GHG Scope 3<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GHG Scope 3 covers emissions across the entire value chain. Because of its broad scope, specific data on environmental impact from multiple suppliers is often not available. This gap needs to be filled when calculating Scope 3, either with specific data from suppliers or with generic data.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some companies, such as Essem, have chosen to start with product-specific EPDs for their largest product groups. This provides good, specific results for the majority of their Scope 3 calculations. Other companies do not have access to product-specific LCA data at an early stage. In those cases, general data is often the most effective starting point.   <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-76b1ab2fbb5cdb629ddaf21efc4d7a7f\">General Data Provides Guidance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When specific data from completed LCAs is not available, the impact can be calculated using generic data based on standard assumptions for the production of the purchased product or material. This is a fully accepted and often necessary starting point for a GHG Scope 3 calculation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The advantages of general data are that it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>provides an <strong>overall picture<\/strong> of where emissions occur in the value chain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>makes it possible to <strong>prioritize where better data<\/strong> is needed based on where the environmental impact occurs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>creates an objective basis for a strategy regarding the next steps<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large is-resized\" style=\"margin-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50);margin-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--50)\"><a href=\"&lt;!--[CDATA[https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03.png]]--&gt;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62669\" style=\"width:386px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-1024x1024.png 1024w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-300x300.png 300w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-768x768.png 768w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-1536x1536.png 1536w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/genDataquality_MG-03-2048x2048.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-6a8cc36ade10b557796b78311323f483\">Product-Specific Data for Better Decision-Making<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Using more <strong>specific data<\/strong> in a GHG Scope 3 calculation makes it possible to get closer to reality, but it takes longer to produce. With data from<strong> product-specific LCAs or EPDs<\/strong>, companies can understand emissions at <strong>product or material level<\/strong> and, based on this, develop more targeted strategies and actions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-1024x512.png\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"512\" src=\"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-1024x512.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-62667\" srcset=\"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-1024x512.png 1024w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-300x150.png 300w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-768x384.png 768w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-1536x768.png 1536w, https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Dataquality_iterativeMG-03-2048x1024.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-9c85ee360216081f7d2eac6fedbcb393\">Our Advice: Work Iteratively with Data Quality<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At Milj\u00f6giraff, we recommend an <strong>iterative approach<\/strong> to GHG Scope 3 data.<br\/>The most important thing is to <strong>get started<\/strong>, not that everything is perfect from the beginning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An iterative process means that:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>you set a reasonable level of ambition based on resources and needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>data quality is improved step by step where it makes the greatest difference, and the analysis is actively used to guide the next deepening<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is also common for requirements for detailed data to increase over time \u2014 from customers, legislation, and reporting frameworks such as CSRD. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-4b66e53442d2114b35681a1a2408d652\">Three Levels for GHG Scope 3 Calculations<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One way to structure the work is to view it as three complementary levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Baseline for the entire Scope 3:<\/strong> Create a complete Scope 3 calculation using general data that provides an overview and helps prioritize where more specific data is required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Better understanding of the largest emission items: <\/strong>Create more specific data, even if it does not need to be comprehensive. Focus, for example, on the 10 most important materials or purchases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Full LCA for a key product: <\/strong>High data accuracy. Specific and complete data that supports EPDs, product development, communication of environmental impact, and strategic decisions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9ba6dbca wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-overlay-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-45a809a6381cd9530f57b0be263d134c\">What Does This Mean in Practice? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The choice between general and product-specific data is not either-or.<br\/>For most companies, the most effective path forward is to combine both over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:11px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">GHG Scope 3 calculations should not become an obstacle to action. They should serve as decision support \u2014 developing in step with the organization\u2019s knowledge, requirements, and ambition. <br\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div style=\"height:87px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The choice of data quality and approach in a GHG Scope 3 calculation affects how you can use the results. Read more about the different starting points and next steps.  <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":62670,"template":"","omrade":[83],"etikett":[89,87],"class_list":["post-74552","kunskapshub","type-kunskapshub","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","omrade-from-analysis-to-business-value","etikett-csrd","etikett-inventory"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kunskapshub\/74552","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kunskapshub"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/kunskapshub"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kunskapshub\/74552\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":74553,"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/kunskapshub\/74552\/revisions\/74553"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/62670"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=74552"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"omrade","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/omrade?post=74552"},{"taxonomy":"etikett","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/miljogiraff.se\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/etikett?post=74552"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}