At Green Circle Solutions, we work with small and large businesses, many are starting out and some are already well on their way with their sustainability journey.
Either way, we like to keep it simple. No question is stupid, and therefore it is worth going back to basics sometimes, so we are all on the same page. In this series of articles, we answer some of our most frequently asked questions.
So, what is carbon footprinting?
A carbon footprint quantifies the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions—such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O)—produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product.
Expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e), this metric encompasses emissions from all stages of a product's or service's lifecycle, including material production, manufacturing, usage, and disposal.
For businesses, calculating the organisational carbon footprint involves assessing GHG emissions from all operations within a specific timeframe, typically a year. This process is vital for identifying emission sources and implementing effective reduction strategies. By understanding their carbon footprint, companies can set measurable targets to decrease emissions, enhance operational efficiency, and demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship.
The process of carbon footprinting generally follows these steps:
- Define the Scope: Determine which operations, products, or services will be included in the assessment. This may involve choosing between a comprehensive organisational footprint or focusing on specific products or services.
- Data Collection: Gather relevant data on energy consumption, transportation, waste generation, and other activities that result in GHG emissions.
- Emission Calculation: Utilise established conversion factors to translate activity data into CO₂e emissions. This calculation often involves categorising emissions into three scopes:
- Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as company vehicles or on-site fuel combustion.
- Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting entity.
- Scope 3: All other indirect emissions occurring in the value chain, including both upstream and downstream activities like employee commuting, waste disposal, and product use. - Analysis and Reporting: Use a carbon calculator tool like the ones from Green Circle Solutions to help you interpret emissions and actionable reduction steps.
Effectively communicating carbon footprint results is crucial. Transparency in reporting builds trust with stakeholders, including customers, investors, and regulatory bodies. It also positions the organisation as a leader in sustainability, potentially providing a competitive advantage in markets that value environmental responsibility.
In summary, carbon footprinting serves as a foundational tool for businesses aiming to understand and mitigate their environmental impact. By systematically measuring and managing GHG emissions, companies can save money, increase efficiencies and minimize their impact on the planet while enhancing their operational sustainability and reputation.