Welcome to the third instalment of ATMA’s three-part ESG series, exploring Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions across Scopes 1, 2, and 3.

 

Scope 3 – Emissions You Don’t Own, But Still Must Account For

The global mobility industry is under increasing pressure to track and disclose full carbon footprints, including emissions outside a company’s direct control. Scope 3 emissions often represent the largest share of a company’s climate impact, particularly for relocation management companies (RMCs) and destination service providers (DSPs) that outsource most of their service delivery. The Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) estimated that scope 3 emissions account for an average of three-quarters of a company’s emissions across all sectors.

 

What is Scope 3?

Scope 3 emissions are indirect greenhouse gas emissions across a company’s value chain. Scope 3 emissions are also notoriously challenging to gather data for, measure and track because they encompass various indirect sources and require data from various stakeholders.

For global mobility providers, the most relevant Scope 3 categories include:

• Services from local partners, freelance consultants, and transport providers
• Business travel by relocation consultants and support staff
• Commuting emissions from hybrid teams
• Energy used in coworking offices and home-based work setups
• Embodied emissions from leased laptops and equipment
• Waste generated during day-to-day operations

 

Why Scope 3 Matters to Global Mobility

As large clients pursue science-based targets and decarbonisation goals, they are focusing more on value chain emissions, including those from outsourced providers. As a result, DSPs, RMCs and other global mobility providers are increasingly required to report Scope 3 emissions through:

• Client RFPs and sustainability surveys
• Supplier assessments from net-zero committed companies
• Industry platforms such as Ecovadis and CDP
• Internal ESG programs and ESG-linked financing

Reporting Scope 3 emissions helps global mobility providers demonstrate environmental responsibility, remain competitive, retain key clients, identify efficiency gains, and support broader climate goals.

 

Scope 3 Emissions: Roles and Responsibilities in the Global Mobility Industry

Relocation Management Companies

Relocation Management Companies oversee the full assignment lifecycle, significantly influencing sustainability outcomes. RMCs can design and suggest assignment guidelines that reduce emissions by default, such as limiting air shipments or prioritising virtual services. They can also help corporate clients calculate Scope 3 emissions by collecting data on services provided by partners such as drivers, DSPs, and movers.

Destination Service Providers

DSPs are direct service partners that support assignees on the ground with housing, schooling, settling-in, and orientation. Their services contribute to the client’s Scope 3 emissions by offering sustainable service models such as digital service offerings through platforms such as RelocationOnline, sustainable transport providers where available, and public transport-based support where appropriate. To remain preferred vendors, DSPs should begin tracking their own emissions and be prepared to share data with RMCs and corporate clients.

Movers

Moving companies generate significant emissions through air, sea, and ground transport. They can lower their impact by using sea freight, reducing shipment volume, and adopting efficient or electric vehicles. Clients are demanding low-emission options, and movers who track and report their Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions will be better positioned to respond.

Serviced Apartment Providers

When corporate clients book assignee accommodations, temporary housing providers also contribute to Scope 3 emissions. These emissions come from electricity use, heating and cooling, and property maintenance. To reduce emissions, serviced apartment providers can improve energy efficiency, install low-flow fixtures, and use renewable energy where available. Reporting building-level energy use and implementing basic sustainability practices will help meet growing client requirements and contribute to decarbonisation targets.

Human Resource (HR) Professionals

HR helps guide how organisations manage their people and relocation policies. HR is essential in supporting sustainability and reducing emissions, especially in Scope 3. Important areas for HR to consider include:

•   Mobility policies matter – HR-led policies like flight class, shipment size, and housing type directly impact emissions—simple swaps can reduce the carbon footprint.

•   Greener choices for assignees – Offering virtual orientations, energy-efficient housing, and economy flights supports climate goals and empowers sustainable decisions.

•   Sustainable vendor selection – Asking DSPs, RMCs, and housing providers to report emissions ensures alignment with your organisation’s environmental commitments.

•   Understand remote work emissions – Home-based work shifts energy use offsite; HR plays a key role in tracking and improving these often-overlooked emissions.

•    Aligning for impact – across HR, RMCs and DSPs ensure alignment on sustainability goals and better Scope 3 reporting.