ASME is One of the First North American Engineering Societies to Complete Full Scope 1-3 GHG Emissions Baseline
ASME is One of the First North American Engineering Societies to Complete Full Scope 1-3 GHG Emissions Baseline
ASME provides blueprint for other professional associations, focuses on supply chain reductions
NEW YORK (September 25, 2025) — The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) today announced it is among the first North American engineering societies to complete a comprehensive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions baseline covering all three scopes of emissions, totaling 4,026.14 tonnes CO2e for fiscal year 2023. The achievement, supported by sustainability consultancy OnePointFive, reveals that 93% of emissions come from Scope 3 activities, establishing transparency among leading associations and providing a replicable methodology for peer institutions worldwide.
ASME's baseline captures emissions data from fiscal year 2023 across all operations, including five office locations in the United States and China. The assessment follows the GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard, measuring direct emissions of 36.83 tonnes (Scope 1), purchased energy of 241.62 tonnes (Scope 2), and value chain emissions of 3,747.69 tonnes (Scope 3)—with purchased goods and services representing 80.6% of Scope 3 emissions. Notably, events-related activities account for 587 tonnes, or 15.6% of Scope 3 emissions, highlighting a key area for targeted reduction efforts.
"These data tell a powerful story—93% of our emissions come from our value chain, particularly the goods and services we purchase," says ASME Managing Director of Sustainability Iana Aranda. "By being transparent about these numbers, we're showing that real climate action requires looking beyond direct operations to address supply chain and event impacts. Our methodology provides a blueprint for any organization ready to take comprehensive accountability."
The FY23 baseline reveals clear priorities: with purchased goods and services (80.6%), business travel (14%), and transportation/distribution (4%) comprising nearly all Scope 3 emissions, ASME's future Emissions Management Plan will focus on supplier engagement, travel optimization, and event sustainability. These strategies will be reviewed against outcomes of FY24 and 25 emissions analysis and scheduled for the ASME Committee on Sustainability’s review in the first quarter of 2026. Resulting recommendations will outline specific reduction targets aligned with the Society’s largest impact areas.
“ASME is committed to working with our suppliers and service providers to drive these emissions numbers down,” says ASME Executive Director/CEO Tom Costabile. “While our footprint is smaller than a manufacturer, for example, our influence is considerable. With more than 70,000 members, our transparency can inspire thousands of organizations."
For more information on ASME’s GHG emissions reduction, visit https://www.asme.org/about-asme/sustainability/climate-action/emissions-reduction.
About ASME
ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, and skill development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education, and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. In 2020, ASME formed the International Society of Interdisciplinary Engineers (ISIE) II & III LLC, a new for-profit subsidiary to house business ventures that will bring new and innovative products, services, and technologies to the engineering community. For more information, visit www.asme.org.
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