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The term "carbon footprint" increasingly appears in discussions surrounding environmental protection and sustainable development. But what exactly does it mean, and why is it so important? In simple terms, a carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases, particularly carbon dioxide (CO2), that are directly or indirectly emitted by an entity, individual, organization, product, or event. Calculating and understanding our carbon footprint allows us to assess the impact our actions have on climate change and take steps to reduce it. In the face of growing challenges related to global warming, awareness of our carbon footprint is becoming a key element in the pursuit of a more sustainable lifestyle and economy.
The Meaning Behind the Term "Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint measures the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), but also other gases like methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O). These emissions result from various human activities, including the production and consumption of goods and services, transportation, household energy use, as well as industrial and agricultural processes. A carbon footprint can be measured at the level of an individual, organization, product, or even an event. Typically, it is calculated in tons of CO2 equivalent per year, enabling comparison across different sources of emissions. Monitoring carbon footprints is crucial for understanding our environmental impact and taking actions to reduce it, which is essential in the fight against climate change.
What Increases a Carbon Footprint?
The largest component of a carbon footprint is carbon dioxide (CO2), but other gases, such as methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), also contribute. The carbon footprint arises from activities such as burning fossil fuels—coal, oil, and natural gas—for electricity generation, transportation, industrial production, and heating. The World Health Organization estimates that the energy sector accounts for 60% of global greenhouse gas emissions. However, the specifics depend on the context—calculating the carbon footprint of a process or product involves factors like production methods, transportation, energy consumption, and other considerations.
Carbon Footprint of Organizations - GHG Protocol
The topic of carbon footprint is complex, and although many tools and calculators are available to measure this reporting element, accurate determination relies on defined international standards. The most reliable and recognized standard is the GHG Protocol (Greenhouse Gas Protocol). It provides detailed guidelines for calculating an organization's carbon footprint, focusing on understanding emission scopes—namely Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3.
Scope 1 (Direct Emissions)
This covers direct emissions resulting from the combustion of fuels, technological, and production processes performed by the company itself. Scope 1 includes:
- Fuel combustion in vehicles owned by the organization,
- Leakage of refrigerants,
- Emissions from production processes involving greenhouse gas emissions,
- Fuel combustion in production processes.
Scope 1 relates to internal factors within the company.
Scope 2 (Indirect Emissions from Purchased Energy)
Scope 2 addresses indirect emissions arising from the production of purchased heat and electricity. Reporting in this area requires a detailed analysis and inventory of the purchased energy, including information from the energy provider.
Scope 3 (Other Indirect Emissions)
Scope 3 includes the entire range of the company's activities and the external influences affecting it. This means it measures not only the carbon footprint of materials used but also the emissions during the product's production, usage, and disposal. Scope 3 also accounts for indirect emissions resulting from the company's operations in various aspects.
Examples of Scope 3 emissions include:
- Employee business travel,
- Office material usage,
- Raw material extraction and processing,
- Waste management from production,
- Emissions from the transportation of suppliers.
Scope 3 is the most challenging to calculate, requiring collaboration both within and outside the company, as well as an in-depth analysis of business processes. However, Scope 3 can significantly impact the total emissions, accounting for up to three-quarters of a company's total carbon footprint.
The Biggest Challenges in Managing Carbon Footprints
As mentioned, managing a carbon footprint can be quite challenging. Data collection and process coordination within a company can be time-consuming, especially when gathering information related to Scope 3. However, there is no doubt that, particularly in the context of ESG reporting, the issue of calculating carbon footprints will not be sidelined. It is essential to prepare for upcoming legal changes in environmental protection and seek expert assistance. At Ecothesis, we offer comprehensive services not only for carbon footprint calculations but also for actively managing initiatives to reduce it.