Glossary
Downstream emissions
Downstream emissions refer to the pollution or greenhouse gas emissions that occur as a result of the use, end-of-life treatment, disposal, recycling, or recovery of a product or service. These emissions correspond to subsequent stages following a product's production or a service's provision, sometimes known as Scope 3 emissions in a company's carbon footprint assessment.
The term “downstream” suggests the direction of these emissions’ flow in a product or service lifecycle, moving away from their source towards their ultimate point of depletion or dissipation. Specifically within the context of energy, such emissions can be attributed to a variety of processes such as the combustion of fuel for energy, the transfer and distribution of power, or the eventual consumption of energy by end users.
Downstream emissions should be understood in conjunction with their counterpart, upstream emissions, which represent the pollution produced prior to a product being released or a service being rendered. While upstream emissions are typically easier to measure and manage as they usually occur within the geographical and contractual boundaries of the producing company, downstream emissions require comprehensive understanding of a product’s lifecycle and the consumption patterns of end users.
Companies often emphasize the importance of tracking downstream emissions as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategies or carbon accounting activities where they aim to not only reduce their carbon footprint but also influence the behavior and attitudes of consumers towards a more sustainable consumption model. Therefore, controlling and minimizing downstream emissions has become a vital part of companies’ sustainability initiatives, as well as national and international efforts to curb global warming and meet the targets set by the Paris Agreement.
Overall, understanding and monitoring downstream emissions is a critical aspect of managing environmental impact and working towards a more sustainable and greener future. It does not only provide a complete picture of the environmental footprint of a product or a service, but also encourages accountability and sustainability in consumption by all parties involved in a product’s lifecycle.