As the biotech and pharmaceutical industries strive to align with global climate goals, addressing Scope 3 emissions has become a critical priority. According to the recently released My Green Lab (MGL) 2024 Carbon Impact of Biotech & Pharma Report, Scope 3 emissions—indirect emissions resulting primarily from the supply chain—make up the largest share of the industry’s carbon footprint.
MGL found that for public companies, Scope 3 emissions are 5.4 times higher than the direct emissions generated within the four walls of a lab (Scopes 1 and 2 combined). In private companies, that number increases to 6.5 times. Tackling these types of emissions clearly requires a shift in mindset across the biotech and pharmaceutical sectors.
It’s vital that analytical scientists understand their role in addressing Scope 3 emissions. Beyond the immediate impacts of analytical workflows, scientists hold significant influence in shaping greener practices throughout their labs and supply chains.
Scope 3 Emissions in Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
Scope 3 emissions refer to all indirect emissions that occur across a company’s value chain, including purchased goods and services, business travel, transportation, and waste disposal. According to the report, in biotech and pharma, purchased goods and services dominate Scope 3 emissions, contributing 79% of the total. Other key contributors to Scope 3 emissions are capital goods (10%) and fuel- and energy-related activities (3%).
James Connelly, CEO of My Green Lab, asserts that addressing these emissions requires collaboration efforts. “The majority of emissions from labs come from the supply chain,” he emphasizes. He also warns that Scope 3 emissions can be the most difficult to address. “It’s crucial that vendors—particularly equipment manufacturers—engage in the sustainability effort and work to reduce the environmental impact of the products and services they offer.”
The Role of Collaboration in Driving Change
One of the most effective ways to tackle Scope 3 emissions is by fostering collaboration between scientists, procurement teams, and vendors. Connelly points to the ACT label as a tool for creating transparency and accountability in the supply chain. Developed by MGL, the ACT label serves as an environmental certification for laboratory products, providing data about their carbon footprint and overall environmental impact.
“Through the ACT label, manufacturers can measure and reduce their environmental footprint while providing customers with the information they need to make greener choices,” says Connelly. “This kind of transparency is critical for reducing Scope 3 emissions.”
For analytical scientists, working directly with vendors to prioritize ACT-labeled products can lead to significant reductions in their lab’s carbon footprint. Connelly notes that even researchers who are not directly involved in procurement have a voice. “It’s amazing how much influence scientists can have simply by talking to vendors about their expectations during visits or other interactions.”
Similarly, My Green Lab Certification—the international gold standard for lab sustainability best practices—helps laboratories identify, track, and improve their environmental impact. By addressing key areas such as energy and water use, procurement, and waste management, the certification empowers labs to adopt greener operations and contribute meaningfully to collective climate goals.
Taking Action in the Lab
While tackling Scope 3 emissions may seem like a daunting task, there are tangible steps analytical scientists can take to make a difference. Here are a few ways to get started:
- Advocate for sustainable purchasing decisions: Collaborate with your lab’s procurement team to prioritize products and equipment that have been evaluated and certified for their lower environmental impact, for example, those with ACT labels.
- Engage in green lab initiatives: Connelly encourages scientists to explore opportunities such as MGL’s Ambassador and Accredited Professional programs. These resources empower scientists to implement sustainable practices in their workflows and influence their peers.
- Streamline laboratory practices: Look for opportunities to optimize analytical workflows, such as reducing solvent waste, switching to greener reagents, or improving the energy efficiency of instruments.
- Leverage influence with vendors: Use interactions with suppliers to advocate for more sustainable products and services. Even brief conversations about your lab’s expectations can drive change.
Even seemingly small steps can help result in incremental progress toward sustainability goals.
The Opportunity Ahead
The MGL report highlights a promising trend—more companies are making significant commitments to reduce their emissions. Over 31% of companies in the dataset have set Scope 1 and 2 targets aligned with a 1.5°C pathway. However, as Connelly points out, these commitments must be matched by action—particularly when it comes to addressing the harder-to-tackle Scope 3 emissions.
For analytical scientists, this represents both a challenge and an opportunity. By championing sustainability in their labs, scientists can play a pivotal role in reducing emissions across the value chain. “Addressing Scope 3 is about collective action," advises Connelly. "It’s about getting everyone working together to drive change."
Meet the Expert
James Connelly
James is a visionary sustainability executive with a track record of growing organizations that have transformed industries in multiple sectors, including manufacturing, real estate, tech, and life science. Over his career, he consulted with and developed sustainability programs for some of the world's largest companies and institutions. An internationally recognized corporate sustainability expert, James has deep knowledge of ESG reporting and strategy. James was selected as a Greenbiz 30 under 30 sustainable business leader in 2017 and a Net Zero Energy Trailblazer in 2019 and is passionate about rapidly catalyzing a global transition to Net Zero.
