Award-winning master thesis on sustainability reporting
What if sustainability reporting was not just about compliance—but a driver of better business? In their award-winning master’s thesis, two students explore how industrial companies can improve Scope 3 emissions reporting by collaborating with customers and turning sustainability data into actionable insights.
INDEK students Siri Browaldh and Emma Carlén Björemo have recently won third prize in the Sustainable Finance Lab Award for Best Industry Master's Thesis Pitch and shared a prize of SEK 5,000 for their thesis: "Improving Scope 3 Category 11 Emissions Reporting Through Downstream Collaboration".
How does it feel to receive this award?
"We are incredibly proud and honored to receive this recognition. It is rewarding to see that our work on a complex sustainability challenge is appreciated by both academia and industry", Emma and Siri say.
What is your thesis about?
Our thesis investigates how industrial manufacturing companies can transition from using assumptions and averages to more primary sustainability data in Scope 3 reporting through collaboration and data sharing with customers. We explore both the challenges and opportunities of collecting this data and how such collaboration can create value beyond reporting requirements.
Why is that important?
"Scope 3 emissions often represent the largest share of a company's climate impact, yet reporting is frequently based on estimates rather than actual data. While improving reporting accuracy is important, our research shows that the real opportunity lies elsewhere. Sustainability data can become a strategic asset—helping companies build stronger customer relationships, make more informed decisions, and identify opportunities for long-term sustainability improvements. In other words, better data is not just about better reporting; it can enable better business."
What does this recognition mean?
"This recognition highlights the growing importance of research that connects sustainability ambitions with business realities. We are encouraged to see interest in work that not only addresses reporting requirements but also explores how sustainability initiatives can generate tangible value. We hope our findings can inspire further collaboration between researchers and practitioners working toward more sustainable and data-driven industries."
Do you have plans on how to spend the money?
"After several intense months dedicated to our thesis, the first step is definitely to celebrate reaching the finish line. Beyond that, we'll most likely put the prize money toward some well-deserved summer adventures—and perhaps create a few memories that are easier to measure than Scope 3 emissions", Emma and Siri conclude.
Text: Rita Nõu