TeamViewer sets new benchmark for supplier-specific scope 3 emissions accounting

In collaboration with climate intelligence platform ClimateChoice, TeamViewer makes a significant step forward in the company’s climate strategy and its commitment to science-based targets.

The challenge: Addressing scope 3 complexity

As part of its Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) Net-Zero commitment and in anticipation of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), TeamViewer sought to significantly improve the precision of its Scope 3 emissions data. Historically, like many companies, TeamViewer relied on spend-based emission factors from standard databases. However, general emission factor averages offer limited granularity — particularly in sectors like IT and professional services, where supplier-specific data and Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) are not yet widely available.

A new approach: Accurate, auditable, actionable

To overcome this, TeamViewer used a new calculation methodology centered around supplier-specific emissions intensities. This involves:

• Identifying material suppliers within IT and professional services
• Collecting verified GHG emissions and revenue data through the ClimateChoice platform
• Calculating supplier-specific emission factors based on Scope 1, 2, and upstream Scope 3 emissions
• Applying these intensities to TeamViewer’s spend volumes to calculate more realistic emissions

This methodology was reviewed by Five Glaciers Consulting and externally verified by TÜV Süd to ensure compliance with ISO 14064 standards, positioning TeamViewer’s Scope 3 data as both verifiable and regulator-ready.

The results: Transparency that drives impact

The implementation of this methodology led to a median 75% reduction in reported Scope 3 emissions for the evaluated supplier group, highlighting the degree to which standard emission factors had previously overestimated impact.

More importantly, this new level of transparency enables:

• Accurate emissions attribution at the supplier level
• Clearer identification of decarbonization hotspots
• Strategic engagement with suppliers based on measurable data
• Enhanced regulatory readiness under CSRD and alignment with the SBTi Net-Zero standard

"By adopting a supplier-specific approach to emissions calculation, we’ve not only improved the accuracy of our Scope 3 emissions accounting but also set a benchmark for data-driven decarbonization. This approach allows us to better target our emission reduction efforts and collaborate with suppliers towards shared sustainability goals." - Alexander Gührer, Vice President Procurement & ESG

Learn more about the project in the full case study by ClimateChoice: https://theclimatechoice.com/teamviewer