Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained

Climate change is a significant and immediate threat to humanity, and it’s happening right now. Temperatures are rising, droughts and wildfires are becoming more frequent and global sea levels continue to rise. 

Businesses play a crucial role in tackling this challenge by reducing their carbon emissions. However, you can’t manage what you can’t measure. So understanding Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions is essential for creating a comprehensive carbon footprint and reducing your company’s carbon footprint.

In this blog, we demystify carbon emissions by explaining the differences between Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions and why Scope 3 emissions are so important. We also explore the benefits and challenges of measuring carbon emissions, where to start, and how technologies like automated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) can help measure and reduce your carbon footprint.

PUBLISHED: 11 September 2024

WRITTEN BY: Charlie Walter

Why is measuring and reducing carbon emissions so important?

We’ve all heard the buzz around carbon emissions, but why exactly is it so crucial to measure and reduce them?

Climate change isn’t just about rising temperatures – it’s causing a ripple effect across the planet. Rising sea levels, frequent extreme weather events and biodiversity loss are just a few of the severe impacts we are already experiencing. And if we don’t act now, these effects will only worsen. With carbon dioxide making up approximately 81% of all greenhouse gas emissions, reducing carbon emissions is crucial to stopping climate change.

That’s why the Paris Agreement was introduced – to keep global temperature rise below 1.5 degrees compared to pre-industrial levels. To achieve this, greenhouse gas emissions must be halved by 2030, and we need to reach Net Zero by 2050.

Inaction on climate change could cost the global economy up to $178 trillion by 2070. This staggering figure highlights the urgency for businesses like yours to act now. By reducing your carbon emissions, you’re not only ensuring the planet remains habitable for future generations but also protecting your business from financial risks tied to climate change, such as operational disruptions and rising energy costs.

Why is there pressure for companies to measure and reduce their Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

Companies are under increasing pressure to measure, report and reduce their carbon emissions. Whether it’s from regulators, investors, or customers, the demand for carbon footprints and real, measurable climate action is growing rapidly.

Why the urgency?

Because businesses are responsible for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions. From your operations to the products you sell, your company contributes to climate change. That’s why reducing Scope 1, 2 and crucially Scope 3 emissions is a vital pillar of a robust sustainability strategy.

The global regulatory landscape around carbon emissions is evolving. Most notably, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) in Europe requires companies to disclose their carbon footprints, including the often overlooked Scope 3, which accounts for the majority of emissions. Non-compliance risks significant fines, reputational damage and lost stakeholder confidence.

At the same time, stakeholders including investors, customers, supply chain partners and employees are increasingly scrutinising companies’ carbon footprints. For example, investors are increasingly enquiring about companies’ carbon emissions. Failing to meet these expectations could result in missed investment opportunities.

On the other hand, sustainability-conscious consumers and investors are more likely to support businesses that are transparent and actively reducing their carbon emissions. Not doing this could mean losing ground to competitors who are prioritising carbon measurement and reduction.

The reality is measuring and reducing emissions is no longer optional – it’s essential. This is not only about saving the planet but also about safeguarding your business by making sure you stay competitive with peers.

What is the Greenhouse Gas Protocol?

Before we explore the different types of emissions, let’s first understand the framework guiding this process – the Greenhouse Gas Protocol.

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol is the world’s most widely used framework for measuring greenhouse gas emissions. It divides emissions into three categories – Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 –  giving companies like yours a comprehensive view of their carbon footprint, from direct operations to indirect activities across the value chain.

Why does this matter? 

The Greenhouse Gas Protocol gives companies the tools they need to build their carbon inventory, measure emissions and start reducing them. While the carbon emission scopes may seem confusing at first, they actually help you create a greenhouse gas inventory. By breaking down emissions across different scopes and categories, they help you calculate the total amount of carbon your business produces.

What are Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

To effectively measure your company’s emissions, you’ll need to understand the different types of emissions – Scope 1, 2 and 3 – and how they apply to your business. 

According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, these emissions are classified into three scopes:

Scope 1: direct emissions

These are the direct emissions you emit as a company as a result of company-owned and controlled resources. Think of them as the emissions you’re directly responsible for. 

Examples of Scope 1 emissions:

  • On-site energy generation, such as gas boilers in your facilities.
  • Fuel combustion in company-owned vehicles.
  • Refrigerant leaks from cooling systems or air conditioning in your facilities.

Scope 2: indirect emissions from purchased energy

Scope 2 emissions come from the energy your company buys and uses. Although you don’t produce these emissions yourself, they occur during the production of the energy you consume. They come from the consumption of purchased electricity, steam, heating, or cooling. 

Examples of Scope 2 emissions:

  • Electricity used to power office buildings, factories or retail spaces.
  • Energy used for heating and cooling your facilities.
  • Electricity used to power the electric vehicles (EVs) in your company fleet.

Scope 3: indirect emissions from the value chain

Scope 3 emissions are all the other indirect emissions that occur throughout your value chain, from raw materials to product disposal, aka the life cycle of your products. 

Examples of Scope 3 emissions:

  • Emissions from the production and transportation of the goods and services your company purchases. 
  • Business travel and employee commuting.
  • Waste generated in your facilities.
  • The end-of-life treatment of your products (e.g. recycling or landfilling).

Typically, companies must measure and report scope 1 and 2 emissions, whereas scope 3 emissions are voluntary. However, this is rapidly changing with the rise of regulations like CSRD. 

The key takeaway? Scope 1 and 2 emissions are relatively easy to measure and reduce, but Scope 3 emissions are tricky to measure and usually account for the vast majority of your emissions.

GHG Protocol infographic

Scope 3 - what are downstream and upstream emissions?

According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Scope 3 emissions are broken down into 15 categories, which are divided into upstream and downstream emissions.

When discussing Scope 3 emissions, it’s helpful to understand the difference between upstream and downstream emissions. 

Let’s explore each upstream and downstream category.

Upstream Emissions

Upstream emissions occur in a company’s supply chain before the goods or services enter the company’s operations.

CategoryDefinitionExample
Category 1 – purchased goods and services
Emissions from the extraction, production and transportation of goods and services your company purchases.Emissions from growing, harvesting and processing cotton for a clothing company.
Category 2 – capital goodsEmissions from producing and transporting long-lasting assets such as buildings or machinery.Emissions from building a new manufacturing plant.
Category 3 – fuel and energy-related activities
Emissions from extracting, producing and transporting fuels or energy you purchase.Emissions from refining oil used to power your operations.
Category 4 – upstream transportation and distribution
Emissions from transporting goods from suppliers to your facilities.
Emissions from transporting materials from a supplier to your factory.
Category 5 – waste generated in operations
Emissions from the treatment and disposal of waste generated by your company.Methane emissions produced from waste in factories sent to a landfill.

Category 6 – business travelEmissions from employees travelling for business purposes.Carbon emissions from flights taken for business meetings.
Category 7 – employee commuting
Emissions from employees commuting to and from work.
Emissions from cars used by employees to commute to work.
Category 8 – upstream leased assets
Emissions from the operation of assets leased by your company.
Energy used in leased office spaces.

Downstream emissions

Downstream emissions are the indirect emissions generated after your products leave your control. This includes how your products are transported to retail, used by consumers and eventually disposed of.

Category

DefinitionExample
Category 9 – downstream transportation and distributionEmissions from distributing products to customers or retailers.
Emissions from shipping your product to retail stores.

Category 10 – processing of sold products
Emissions from further processing of products you sell.Energy consumed by a manufacturer that uses your raw materials.
Category 11 – use of sold products
Emissions from customers using your products.Electricity used by customers to wash clothes.
Category 12 – end-of-life treatment of sold products


Emissions from disposing or recycling products at the end of their life.
Emissions from recycling old computers.
Category 13 – downstream leased assets
Emissions from assets you have leased to others.
Energy consumption in buildings leased to other companies.
Category 14 – franchisesEmissions from franchise operations under your brand.Emissions from energy used by a fast-food restaurant franchise.
Category 15 – investmentsEmissions from your company’s financial investments.Emissions from an investment in fossil fuel companies.

By understanding these upstream and downstream scope 3 emissions, your company can identify areas for improvement and take tangible steps to reduce your overall carbon footprint.

According to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, Scope 3 emissions are broken down into 15 categories, which are divided into upstream and downstream emissions.

When discussing Scope 3 emissions, it’s helpful to understand the difference between upstream and downstream emissions. 

Let’s explore each upstream and downstream category.

Upstream Emissions

Upstream emissions occur in a company’s supply chain before the goods or services enter the company’s operations.

Category 1 (purchased goods and services): Emissions from the extraction, production, and transportation of goods and services your company purchases.

Category 2 (capital goods): Emissions from producing and transporting long-lasting assets such as buildings or machinery.

Category 3 (fuel and energy-related activities): Emissions from extracting, producing, and transporting fuels or energy you purchase.

Category 4 (upstream transportation and distribution): Emissions from transporting goods from suppliers to your facilities.

Category 5 (waste generated in operations): Emissions from the treatment and disposal of waste generated by your company.

Category 6 (business travel): Emissions from employees traveling for business purposes.

Category 7 (employee commuting): Emissions from employees commuting to and from work.

Category 8 (upstream leased assets): Emissions from the operation of assets leased by your company.

Downstream emissions

Downstream emissions are the indirect emissions generated after your products leave your control. This includes how your products are transported to retail, used by consumers and eventually disposed of.

Category 9 (downstream transportation and distribution): Emissions from distributing products to customers or retailers.

Category 10 (processing of sold products): Emissions from further processing of products you sell.

Category 11 (use of sold products): Emissions from customers using your products.

Category 12 (end-of-life treatment of sold products): Emissions from disposing or recycling products at the end of their life.

Category 13 (downstream leased assets): Emissions from assets you have leased to others.

Category 14 (franchises): Emissions from franchise operations under your brand.

Category 15 (investments): Emissions from your company’s financial investments.

By understanding these upstream and downstream scope 3 emissions, your company can identify areas for improvement and take tangible steps to reduce your overall carbon footprint.

Why are Scope 3 emissions so important?

Think of Scope 1 and 2 emissions as the tip of the iceberg. The bulk of emissions – and the most significant opportunities for reduction – lie beneath the surface with Scope 3 emissions.

Scope 3 emissions are often called the ‘holy grail’ of carbon emissions because they are the hardest to measure and reduce. However, they also present the most significant opportunity to make a positive impact. By addressing Scope 3 emissions, your company can improve supply chain efficiency, reduce costs and demonstrate a genuine commitment to sustainability. If you’re serious about climate action, you can’t afford to ignore Scope 3 as it accounts for up to 90% of a company’s greenhouse gas emissions

Illustration of Scope 1,2,3 emissions - iceberg metaphor

So, when companies only measure Scope 1 and 2, they’re only scratching the surface of their carbon impact. Without addressing Scope 3 emissions, your company is likely underestimating its overall climate impact.

Often, companies set carbon reduction targets without measuring their scope 3 emissions, so they use an incomplete carbon footprint. This leaves them without the data needed to build a robust, data-driven climate strategy to meet their goals. In other words, they’re setting targets with no clear path on how to achieve them,  which leads to ineffective and misleading climate commitments.

Companies sometimes have to backpedal on their targets. A recent example is Crocs, which pushed back its net-zero commitment by ten years as it had not measured its total carbon footprint when setting the target. Therefore, having a total carbon footprint, including Scope 3, is essential for companies that set credible carbon reduction targets.

Measuring Scope 3 emissions can be daunting. Since they occur across the entire value chain they require close collaboration with stakeholders like suppliers. However, tackling Scope 3 emissions will address the most significant opportunities to reduce your company’s overall carbon impact 

What are the benefits of measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

Measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions gives companies a complete picture of their carbon impact, which is essential for effective climate action. As mentioned, it’s no longer enough to focus only on Scope 1 and 2 because Scope 3 emissions often make up most of a company’s carbon footprint.

Measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions offers your company numerous benefits, including: 

Regulatory compliance

Measuring emissions ensures your company is prepared for existing and upcoming legislation. With an increasing regulatory focus on Scope 3 emissions, particularly in Europe with the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) regulation, measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions will enable your company to be well-positioned to comply with regulatory carbon disclosure requirements.

Product innovation

Understanding your carbon footprint, particularly Scope 3, can lead to new product development opportunities to reduce carbon emissions. 

This is especially true if you measure the carbon footprint of all the products in your portfolio. This lets you pinpoint which products emit the most carbon and where the most carbon emissions occur in each product’s life cycle, allowing you to focus product innovation on where it matters most.

Trust and transparency

Transparent carbon reporting builds trust with stakeholders and enhances your brand’s reputation. It’s now best practice for companies to include carbon data in annual reports, like impact reports. 

Disclosing your carbon footprint shows stakeholders that you’re committed to climate action. It’s no longer seen as an ambitious initiative but a basic expectation for any purpose-driven company.

Data requests from stakeholders

Investors, customers, and employees increasingly ask for data about companies’ carbon footprints. It’s becoming more common for tender requests and supplier inquiries to ask for detailed emissions data, which increasingly includes Scope 3.

Employee engagement

Measuring your carbon footprint is a fantastic opportunity to involve your employees in your sustainability efforts. For example, you can send out surveys to gather footprint data, such as understanding commuting habits, or ask for feedback on potential ways to reduce emissions, like limiting business travel. Engaging your team this way fosters a culture of sustainability and shows employees you’re serious about climate action.

Cost savings

A complete carbon footprint can help identify inefficiencies in energy use, transportation, and materials, which can reduce operational costs. This is especially true in Scope 3 emissions, where the most significant savings opportunities are often found.

Risk mitigation

Measuring emissions helps protect your business from climate-related risks, such as fluctuating energy prices and supply chain disruptions.

Benefits of measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

What are the challenges of measuring scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

While the benefits of measuring Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions are clear, the process presents several challenges. Below are the key obstacles companies typically face:

Data availability and accuracy 

One of the biggest challenges is data availability. Measuring Scope 1 and 2 emissions is relatively straightforward since they are within your company’s control. Scope 3 is more complex as it includes emissions from processes outside your immediate control, such as those from suppliers or product use after it’s left your company’s hands. 

Accurately measuring Scope 3 requires detailed data from stakeholders like suppliers and transportation partners. Unfortunately, many smaller suppliers may not have the infrastructure or tools to measure their emissions, leading to gaps in your reporting. Consequently, many companies rely on proxy data or estimates, which can limit the accuracy of the carbon footprint.

Complex supply chains

Supply chain complexity is a significant challenge, especially for companies relying on a global network of suppliers. It can be challenging to trace the carbon impact of every material, service, or product, particularly in sectors like fashion, where visibility into the supply chain beyond tier 1 suppliers is often limited.

This problem is further exacerbated when companies do not have strong relationships with their suppliers, which makes it harder to incentivise them to provide the necessary carbon data for accurate carbon footprints.

That’s why supply chain transparency and carbon measurement go hand in hand. The more transparent your supply chain is, the easier it becomes to gather the data needed to calculate your carbon footprint.

Voluntary nature

In many parts of the world, reporting on carbon emissions – especially Scope 3 – is still voluntary, reducing the incentive for companies to engage. However, regulations like CSRD are changing the regulatory landscape.

Lack of internal capacity

Measuring carbon emissions, particularly Scope 3, can be a time-consuming and resource-heavy process. Companies may struggle to collect, manage and report their emissions, which is completed annually. The process often requires a dedicated team and extensive coordination with external stakeholders.

Double counting

Another challenge is ensuring emissions are not double-counted across different scopes or Scope 3 categories. Clear boundaries and robust methodologies are essential to avoid duplication.

Despite these challenges, measuring carbon emissions is crucial for companies committed to taking climate action. By having a clear action plan, assembling a dedicated team, and potentially using SaaS solutions to help streamline the process, your business can overcome these obstacles to measure and reduce your carbon footprint.

How can companies measure Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

So, where should companies begin when measuring their carbon footprints? Below are the key steps to get started:

Understand your emissions

Start by identifying which activities fall under Scope 1, 2, or 3 using the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. This ensures you capture a complete picture of your carbon footprint and avoid double-counting emissions. This also helps you understand which teams within your organisation hold the necessary data.

Create a cross-functional team for data collection

Data for your carbon footprint often span across multiple business areas, such as operations, procurement and HR. Identify which teams within your organisation hold the data needed to calculate your carbon footprint, then create a cross-departmental team to collect emissions data. Create this team early to ensure an efficient and accurate data collection process. 

Collect data across all three scopes

With your team in place, begin collecting data. This could include energy usage, transportation records and supplier reports. Engaging with stakeholders early on ensures accurate data collection across all departments. Often, companies partner with sustainability consultancies or use SaaS solutions like carbon accounting software to facilitate data collection. Invest in tools early in the data collection process, whether it’s a simple spreadsheet or carbon accounting software, to ensure consistency and avoid manual errors.

Calculate Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions

Using the collected data, calculate your Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Many companies streamline this process using SaaS solutions, such as carbon accounting platforms.

Seek third-party verification

Work with an independent third party to verify your carbon footprint. This will build trust with stakeholders and ensure the accuracy of the carbon footprint, which will form the foundation of your climate action efforts. 

Communicate results

After calculating your emissions, share the results with stakeholders. Transparent reporting is essential so outline the boundaries, assumptions, methodologies used and highlight when the data is based on proxies or estimates.

Communicate your carbon footprint to showcase your progress in your reduction strategies. Often, companies publish their carbon footprints on their websites or in annual reports such as impact reports. 

Reflect on challenges 

Measuring and reporting carbon footprints is an annual process for companies that have set science-based targets. Reflect on the challenges you faced during the data collection and calculation process, such as data accuracy or gaps in reporting. Use these insights to streamline the process for future years, embedding a more robust carbon footprint management strategy and improving data accuracy over time.

By following these best practices, your company will establish a solid foundation for measuring emissions across all scopes, providing the data and insights needed for meaningful climate action.

How can companies reduce scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions?

So, you’ve measured your carbon footprint, now you need to reduce your emissions. Below are ways companies reduce their emissions across all three scopes:

Reducing Scope 1 emissions (direct emissions)

These strategies target emissions from your company’s direct activities:

  • Improve energy efficiency: Invest in energy-efficient machinery and lighting to reduce your operations’ energy consumption. Use real-time monitoring to track energy use and identify inefficiencies.
  • Electrify your fleet: Transition company-owned vehicles from fossil fuels to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fuel emissions.
  • Monitor fugitive emissions: Regularly inspect your facilities for leaks of refrigerants and other greenhouse gases. Implement maintenance programs to prevent fugitive emissions.

Reducing Scope 2 emissions (indirect emissions from purchased energy)

Scope 2 emissions come from purchased energy. The key to reducing them is switching to more sustainable energy sources:

  • Switch to renewable energy: Purchase electricity from renewable sources such as solar, wind or hydroelectric power. Many companies enter Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) to secure renewable energy at stable rates.
  • Install on-site renewables: To generate clean energy on-site, consider installing solar panels, wind turbines or other renewable energy systems at your facilities.
  • Optimise energy efficiency: Retrofit your buildings to make them more energy efficient, which will reduce energy consumption. This could include upgrading insulation, using energy-efficient lighting, or installing smart thermostats to manage heating and cooling.

Reducing Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions from the value chain)

Scope 3 emissions represent the most challenging – but also the most impactful – area for emission reductions. Reducing them requires collaboration across the entire value chain:

  • Gain supply chain transparency: Understand your value chain’s sustainability impact – if you don’t know your impact, you can’t reduce it.
  • Collaborate with suppliers: Work with your suppliers to reduce their emissions by encouraging more efficient production processes and using more sustainable materials. Encourage suppliers to measure their carbon footprints and set reduction targets.
  • Implement circular economy practices: Shift your business model to promote circular initiatives like reuse, recycling, and remanufacturing. Pilot and scale circular business models such as systems that encourage customers to return products for recycling or reuse after use.
  • Rethink product designDevelop more sustainable products which use less carbon in their life cycle. For example, create products that consume less energy during use.
  • Optimise transportation efficiency: Switch to lower-emission transportation modes like electric or hybrid vehicles. This will help reduce emissions from transporting goods.
  • Encourage employees to use more sustainable transport: Promote remote work, carpooling and public transportation to reduce commuting emissions. Companies often do this by creating a cycle-to-work scheme that financially incentivises employees to bike to work. You can also reduce business travel emissions by limiting business travel and encouraging virtual meetings.

By targeting reductions across all three scopes, your company can contribute significantly to climate efforts while enhancing operational efficiency and meeting regulatory requirements.

Carbon measurement and reduction technology

Technology is transforming the way businesses measure and reduce carbon emissions. Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the Internet of Things (IoT) enable companies to track their carbon emissions in real-time and build scenarios to see the impact of different carbon reduction strategies. These technologies also predict future trends, making it easier to manage and reduce emissions more efficiently.

Automated Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) platforms are crucial in calculating Scope 3 emissions data through their product carbon footprints. We’ll explore the role of automated LCA in more detail later in the blog.

Carbon accounting platforms are a game-changer in measuring and reducing carbon emissions. As mentioned, companies often lack the capacity or internal knowledge to measure their carbon footprints. Companies increasingly use carbon accounting platforms to simplify data collection, identify areas for reducing emissions, and make emissions management more efficient.

The connection between Life Cycle Assessment and carbon footprints

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is instrumental in creating carbon footprints – especially for providing Scope 3 data.  

Simply put, LCA evaluates a product’s environmental impacts throughout its life cycle, from raw materials to disposal. This process generates a product footprint, which includes the essential Scope 3 data needed for a complete carbon footprint.

By conducting LCAs, companies can gather precise, product-specific data that provides a comprehensive view of their carbon impact. This information is vital for accurately measuring and reducing carbon emissions.

Spotlight – Root / Rainbow Scope 3 partnership

The partnership between Root and Rainbow Collection highlights how LCAs play a pivotal role in building carbon footprints.

Root’s automated LCA platform creates carbon footprints for every product in Rainbow Collection’s clients’ portfolios, including the crucial Scope 3 data. This enables Rainbow Collection’s clients to develop robust climate strategies and effectively target and reduce their carbon footprint.

This collaboration demonstrates the value of automated LCA in creating accurate, complete carbon footprints, empowering companies to create data-driven strategies to reduce their emissions.

Measure, reduce and report Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions with Root

At Root, we make measuring, reducing and reporting your carbon emissions simple. 

You can see a product demo of Root’s carbon measurement approach in the video below.

Here’s how we do it in three easy steps:

  • Retrieve data

First, upload your data onto Root’s platform. We need information about your purchase and sales orders to map your supply chain and details about your products, suppliers and transport routes.

  • Organise insights

Once your data is uploaded, Root’s platform will generate thousands of product life cycles at once, converting your product data into impact data. This includes each product’s carbon footprint. Our unique algorithms and LCA databases will give you a comprehensive view of all your products’ scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.

  • Optimise impact

Now that you have the data, it’s time to take action. Our dashboards identify which materials or processes contribute the most to your carbon emissions. Additionally, you can use Root’s scenario builder to test ways to reduce your carbon footprint. With detailed product-level insights, you can implement changes to reduce your carbon footprint.

Root’s LCA platform helps you understand your carbon footprint, including the crucial Scope 3 emissions, by ensuring that every part of your supply chain is accounted for. Our unique approach makes carbon footprint measurement accurate and reduction effects focused and impactful. 

Are you interested to learn more about how Root can help you measure your carbon footprint? Book a demo with our experts here

How we can help

At Root, we aim to redefine the norm by making product footprints universal. Our platform conducts automated LCAs for entire product portfolios – helping businesses report effectively on regulations, avoid greenwashing and become industry leaders in sustainability.

Root creates comprehensive LCAs and carbon footprints that help businesses accurately measure and reduce their emissions.

Interested to learn more? Get in touch with our team to discover how Root can help you achieve compliance and drive sustainable growth.