Will RichardsonHead of EcoSystems and Networks, 51toCarbonZero · Sustainability & Net-Zero Strategy Leader | Helping £100m+ Enterprises Cut Climate Risk & Operating Costs | Head of EcoSystems & Networks | Host of Sustainability Solved Podcast

Why 79% of Companies Are Lying About Their Carbon Footprint

16 Aug 2026 · 1 min

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0:36

In this excerpt from his YouTube video, Will Richardson argues that corporate carbon accounting is fundamentally flawed because the vast majority of emissions stem from the supply chain (Scope 3). He cites research showing that supply‑chain emissions are about 26 times larger than a company’s direct (Scope 1 & 2) emissions, and that most of these emissions reside in suppliers that are rarely, if ever, audited. Richardson also highlights that 79 % of companies now claim to report across all three emission scopes, suggesting widespread green‑washing and a false sense of comprehensive reporting.

Chapters

Your supply chain is doing most of the damage. Back to the number I opened with. Your supply chain emissions are 26 times bigger than everything your business does directly. That means for every tonne of carbon your own offices, vans, and operations produce, your suppliers are producing another 26 tonnes on your behalf. Most of it is sitting in businesses you've never audited properly. Recent research shows 79% of companies now claim to report across all 3 emission categories.