Downstream Transportation and Distribution (Scope 3 Category 9)
Category 9 of Scope 3 covers emissions from the transportation and distribution of sold products from the reporting company to the end consumer, where the transportation is not paid for by the reporting company.
What is Downstream Transportation and Distribution (Scope 3 Category 9)?
Category 9 is the downstream counterpart to Category 4. It captures logistics emissions that occur after the product leaves the reporting company’s control — including third-party distribution, retailer distribution networks, and final delivery to the end customer.
The boundary between Category 4 and Category 9 depends on who pays for the transportation. If the reporting company pays, it’s Category 4. If the customer or an intermediary pays, it’s Category 9. For many B2B companies, the customer arranges collection, making Category 9 less significant. For B2C companies selling through retail networks, the retailer’s distribution emissions fall here.
Calculation often requires assumptions about distribution routes and modes, as the reporting company may have limited visibility of downstream logistics. Industry-average data, customer surveys, or distribution partner data can help fill gaps.
Practical Examples
A consumer goods manufacturer estimates the emissions from retailers distributing its products to stores using average UK retail distribution emission factors per tonne-kilometre.
A B2B chemical supplier finds that most customers collect products using their own vehicles, so Category 9 is minimal compared to Category 4.
An e-commerce company tracks last-mile delivery emissions from its fulfilment partners, finding that same-day delivery has 3x the carbon intensity of standard delivery.
How Climatise Helps
Climatise models downstream distribution emissions using industry-average data or actual logistics partner data where available, helping you understand the full lifecycle emissions of your products beyond the factory gate.
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