Best Foot Forward

Carbon Footprint

Anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions have been identified as the major cause of climate change. To minimise the scale of climate change, emissions from human activities need to be measured, reduction opportunities identified, and then actions taken. The first measurement step is crucial and is termed the carbon footprint.

Carbon footprints can be measured for individuals, products, services, events, organisations or entire regions. Correct footprint assessments draw wide boundaries to include offsite emissions from organisations, and ‘cradle to grave’ emissions for products. International standards such as ISO 14064 and the GHG Reporting Protocol provide guidance on setting boundaries.

The largest single contributor to climate change is carbon dioxide although other greenhouse gases have higher global warming potential. A carbon footprint measures the total set of greenhouse gas emissions and is expressed in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). Results may be measured in grams, kilograms or tonnes and are normalised to meet the study objectives. Examples of normalised results include per person, per unit produced, per m² or per million pounds.

The carbon footprint is the first step. Footprint outputs provide a baseline measurement so show current impacts. Further studies can be completed to run comparative scenarios to measure potential savings, and to develop carbon management plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon footprinting is a simple concept but its practical application can be complex. We provide carbon accounting services and technical training to enable organisations to understand, measure and reduce their emissions.