Article How to report scope 3 emissions from grounds services in utilities Author: ESG Team Share: The challenge: Utilities face investor, regulatory, and stakeholder pressure to capture Scope 3 emissions, but services like grounds maintenance are often overlooked. The solution: Incorporate supplier-led carbon reporting from grounds and green services into ESG frameworks. The outcome: Transparent compliance, stronger ESG scores, and measurable progress towards net-zero commitments. Why Scope 3 Matters for Utilities Scope 3 emissions represent the majority of utilities’ carbon footprint – often 70–90% of total emissions. These include supply chain and contractor impacts. While Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions (direct operations and purchased energy) are already closely monitored, many Scope 3 categories remain underreported. Grounds maintenance and estate services – from landscaping to waste diversion – are a prime example. Risks of exclusion: Regulatory exposure – under frameworks such as CSRD, SECR, and TCFD. Investor scrutiny – ESG ratings and access to finance depend on Scope 3 transparency. Reputational risk – visible omissions in sustainability reporting can undermine credibility. Investors now demand more than financial returns – they require clear ESG disclosure and measurable climate progress. Where do grounds services fit into scope 3? Grounds management supports utilities across power plants, substations, water treatment sites, renewable assets, and depots. Each activity contributes Scope 3 impacts: Grounds Service Area Scope 3 Impact ExampleReporting MetricsGrass cuttingFuel/equipment procurement &usage Intensity ratio (TCO2e per million pounds spend), fuel volumesTree care & arboricultureBiomass removal & transport Waste processing rates, fuel consumptionWaste management & recyclingGreen waste processing Tonnes processed by recycling, energy recovery, landfillWinter gritting & snow clearance Salt procurement & use, vehicle emissions Intensity ratio (TCO2e per million pounds spend)Biodiversity programmesHabitat creation, carbon sequestration Hectares planted / biodiversity net gain*Sustainable equipmentElectric mowers, EV fleet adoption % fleet low-carbon, electricity consumption By including these in reporting frameworks, utilities can present a fuller, verifiable carbon footprint to regulators and stakeholders. *N/A to scope 3 reporting Practical green services that reduce scope 3 impact Nurture Green Solutions | Sustainable Business & Biodiversity Experts delivers measurable sustainability gains for utilities: Biodiversity Net Gain Projects Wildflower meadows, pollinator habitats, and ecological corridors designed to enhance natural capital. (Bio-diversity programmes have no reportable effect on scope 3 emissions) Waste Diversion 98% of recorded waste diverted from landfill across our operations, reducing Scope 3 emissions. Water-Sensitive Planting Schemes that lower irrigation demand and support climate resilience at water and energy sites. Birmingham Business Park Case Study For over two decades, Nurture has managed more than 148 acres of landscaped parkland at Birmingham Business Park (BBP). Together with the Park, we developed a Biodiversity Action Plan to enhance wildlife habitats while delivering measurable ESG value. Key outcomes: Installed 50+ bird and bat boxes, log piles, and habitat pallets with local schools. Established a 60,000-strong bee colony, engaging the community through “Meet the Bees” sessions. Introduced allotments and biodiversity-rich planting corridors to support pollinators. Transformed legacy landscaping into a biodiversity-rich environment, winning multiple Green Business awards. This project demonstrates how practical green services can be captured in Scope 3 reporting and integrated into wider ESG and biodiversity strategies. Chineham Park Case Study At Chineham Park, Nurture manages extensive green spaces with a focus on low-carbon delivery and biodiversity net gain. Key outcomes: 90% of equipment electric or battery-powered, cutting Scope 3 emissions from fuel. Creation of wildflower meadows and pollinator habitats to support natural capital. Engagement with tenants through biodiversity awareness initiatives. Recognition in sustainability award programmes for excellence in carbon reduction and green estate management. This demonstrates how utilities and commercial estates can integrate biodiversity and low-carbon grounds services into verifiable Scope 3 reporting. What questions should ESG leaders in utilities ask? Are year-on-year emissions reductions being tracked and benchmarked? Do biodiversity and waste diversion programmes feature in our ESG disclosures? Can suppliers provide emissions data which represents a full scope 1, 2 & 3 inventory for their services? What carbon reporting accreditations do suppliers hold? Could supplier consolidation improve both reporting consistency and carbon performance? How Nurture Green Solutions supports utilities Trusted measurement Activity-based carbon accounting aligned with the GHG Protocol. Verified reporting Outputs designed for SECR, TCFD, and CSRD submissions. Operational expertise Experience across energy, water, telecoms, and renewable estates. Sustainable practice From electrified fleets to biodiversity corridors, every service integrates ESG value. Transparent governance Supply chain due diligence ensures utilities can demonstrate compliance. Explore our Nurture Green Solutions | Sustainable Business & Biodiversity Experts At a glance for Senior Leaders C-Suite & ESG Directors Enhance ESG credibility and net-zero progress by including supplier services in Scope 3. Procurement Teams Partner with suppliers aligned to science-based targets and verified reporting. Investors & Regulators Gain confidence in transparent Scope 3 coverage across estates. Ready to strengthen Scope 3 reporting across your utilities estate? Talk to our ESG team Get in touch with our Green Solutions team Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Struggling to deliver ESG outcomes across biodiversity, sustainability, or engagement? Tell us about your site and we’ll recommend practical solutions that achieve visible, lasting impact.Name *Email *Phone number *Site postcode Policy us Email Tell us about your sustainability priorities *Privacy Policy *I have read and agree to the Privacy Policy.Newsletter opt inSend me ESG updates and practical advice from sustainability experts.Send enquiry Frequently Asked Questions Do emissions from grounds services really matter in Scope 3? Yes. While smaller than operational emissions, they form part of the supply chain purchased goods and services footprint and create a visible reporting gap if excluded. How can utilities collect this data effectively? By partnering with service providers who measure emissions from fleet use, waste diversion, and biodiversity programmes, and deliver framework-aligned reports consistent with recognised standards. Can biodiversity programmes contribute to ESG reporting? Yes. Initiatives such as wildflower meadows, ecological corridors, and habitat creation may not directly reduce CO₂e but deliver measurable biodiversity net gain that supports ESG disclosure. How does Scope 3 reporting affect investor confidence in utilities? Investors increasingly view Scope 3 coverage as a sign of ESG maturity. Comprehensive supplier data strengthens ESG ratings and supports access to green and sustainability-linked funding. Can supplier consolidation improve reporting? Yes. Using a single accountable supplier standardises reporting and drives both operational efficiency and measurable emissions reductions across multi-site utility estates.
