Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions. These are not generated by the companies themselves, but are emitted within the upstream and downstream supply chains. "Scope 1" comprises direct, in-house emissions, while "Scope 2" refers to indirect emissions caused by the purchase of energy or electricity. In most industrial sectors, including the metals and mining industry, Scope 3 emissions usually account for significantly more than half of a company's_{CO2 emissions}.

However, it is often difficult to reduce such emissions: in addition to the fact that it is often not entirely clear whose_{CO2 emissions} still fall within a company's Scope 3 and which do not, the necessary data on the ecological footprint is usually thin on the ground. However, it is needed to identify problems or to validate the measures at a later date. The measures are therefore not only aimed at the manufacturing companies themselves, but in particular at their suppliers.

This is where the new "Materialize" programme from Schneider Electric comes in: The services offered include arranging green electricity supply contracts, assistance with the use of digital hardware and software solutions and the provision of a digital platform for the exchange of know-how and practical experience.

Further programs for the semiconductor and pharmaceutical industries

Barbara Frei, Schneider Electric

© Schneider Electric

Materialize is not the first program of its kind from Schneider Electric. With "Energize" for the pharmaceutical industry and "Catalyze" for the semiconductor industry, there are already two programs that pursue a similar objective to Materialize. The current focus on the metals and minerals industry takes into account the fact that companies in these sectors are important suppliers for the rapidly growing digital and electrical industries.

"Above all, I can make value chains more climate-friendly if I have enough data. For example, on the ecological footprint of the various suppliers or on possible starting points for optimization. At Schneider Electric, we have already supported countless customers around the world in creating more data transparency. We are now bringing this expertise to Materialize," explains Barbara Frei, Executive Vice President for Industrial Automation at Schneider Electric. "Digital technologies in particular are fundamental to climate-friendly business. This is another reason why it is so important for us to support the metals and minerals industry, as an important supplier to the digital industry, in reducing its_{CO2 emissions}."