Quality of Data in Scope 3 Sustainability Reporting for the Mining and Extractive Industry

Sammanfattning

Climate change is the most pressing environmental challenge of our time, with global temperatures rising and extreme weather events becoming more frequent. The corporate sector, particularly large industrial entities, faces increasing scrutiny due to its significant contributions to global emissions. This thesis examines Scope 3 emissions reporting within the mining and extractive industries, focusing on data quality and comparing Nordic and international practices. Using a self-developed theoretical model of logic, concepts, metrics, and tools, this research investigates how these industries report their Scope 3 emissions and identifies gaps in current practices. The study utilizes an abductive approach, combining both inductive and deductive methods, supported by a mixed-method combined of empirical data from publicly available sustainability reports and an online questionnaire, targeting mining and extractive companies and sustainability managers. Key findings reveal considerable variability in how companies report Scope 3 emissions, with Nordic companies often lagging behind their international counterparts despite strong sustainability credentials. Data quality concerns, including issues of accuracy, completeness, and timeliness, undermine stakeholders' ability to make informed decisions. Additionally, the research highlights diverse tools and methodologies employed by companies, noting that the lack of clear guidelines often hinders their effectiveness. This thesis contributes to a deeper understanding of Scope 3 emissions management, emphasizing the need for standardized and effective reporting practices.