‘Downstream Transportation and Distribution’ emissions are the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the warehousing, storage, transportation, and distribution of goods and products to their final destinations. This includes emissions from various modes of transport like trucks, ships, trains and planes. It also includes emissions from energy used in warehouses and distribution facilities.
The key distinction between ‘Upstream Transportation and Distribution’ and ‘Downstream Transportation and Distribution' emissions is that upstream emissions occur in the early supply chain stages, while downstream emissions involve later stages, like product delivery to consumers.
The downstream transportation category only applies if the transportation and distribution costs are not paid for by your company (if they were, they would fall into the category ‘Upstream Transportation and Distribution Emissions’) and if the vehicles and facilities are not owned or controlled by your company (if they were, they would be included in Scope 1 and 2).
Downstream transportation and distribution emissions are Scope 3 emissions.