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Your Emissions Readiness Checklist - Scope 1 Emissions

With Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions reporting on the horizon, and so much mixed information out there, we’ve pulled together some practical insights, tips and a simple checklist to help our industry peers get started. For a sector heavily reliant on fuel-powered equipment and vehicles, decarbonisation is already a growing focus across construction. Navigating this new reporting framework will be a learning curve for everyone, and we’re here for support as we all adapt to this new framework.

Understanding Scope 1 Emissions in Construction

Scope 1 emissions are the direct greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that come from sources your business owns or controls - the equipment, vehicles and fuel that keep your projects moving every day. In practice, this typically includes emissions from assets and activities under your operational control.

In construction, that includes:

  • Diesel used in plant, generators, and cranes
  • Gas used for heating or drying
  • Company-owned or leased fleet vehicles and heavy machinery

These emissions are often the most visible, and the most immediate opportunity to take action.

Why Scope 1 Matters Now

From reporting periods starting on or after 1 January 2025, large Australian entities captured by the new Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards (AASB S2 / ASRS 2) will need to disclose their Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions, with Scope 3 requirements phasing in over time and assurance requirements ramping up over several years.

While reporting boundaries can differ depending on whether organisations apply NGER or GHG Protocol methodologies, Scope 1 emissions are generally anchored in assets and activities a business controls day to day.

For many large construction businesses, that will first bite in the FY2025–26 reporting year. 

This isn’t just about compliance. It’s about understanding how fuel use drives both cost and carbon: rising fuel prices, tighter reporting rules and growing expectations from clients and investors all depend on accurate Scope 1 data.

Key Challenges on Construction Sites

  • Data collection: Fuel use is often split between subcontractors, hire equipment, and multiple suppliers.
  • Boundary clarity: Determining which assets are company-controlled (versus hired or subcontracted).
  • Measurement accuracy: Variations in fuel quality and incomplete usage records can distort totals.

How to Get Ready - Your Scope 1 Checklist

  • Start with establishing the boundary for emissions
  • Develop inventory for emissions including documenting sources of emissions and appropriate emission factors (using sources such as NGER measurement determination)
  • Look for direct measurement of emissions where possible (e.e. telematics or fuel-tracking etc.)
  • Explore options for estimations where there are gaps
  • Audit all fuel and gas consumption across owned and controlled sites
  • Identify opportunities for emissions reduction (including reduction targets, electrification etc.)

Small steps taken early make reporting smoother later, and often lead to cost savings and operational gains along the way.

Tools and Resources

A helping hand from OptHire

Preparing for emissions reporting can feel complex, but you don’t have to tackle it alone.
OptHire is here to support your team’s efforts - with hybrid and electric hire options, fuel-tracking solutions and practical data tools that make Scope 1 management easier day-to-day.

Strong data today means fewer surprises when reporting becomes mandatory, and a smoother path to more sustainable operations.

Need a hand getting started?

Visit OptHire.com.au or contact our team to discover sustainable site solutions.