The Definition of Carbon Footprint

Definition of Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases released, directly and indirectly, by an organization, site, product, event or person over a set period. It is expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e), which converts gases like methane and refrigerants into the amount of CO2 that would have the same warming effect.

Types of Carbon Footprint

• Organizational footprint: a company's Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions over a year.
• Product footprint: emissions over a product's life cycle, often measured through a life cycle assessment.
• Site or project footprint: emissions from a single facility, construction project or event.

How to Reduce a Carbon Footprint

• Measure first, using the GHG Protocol, so you know where the biggest sources are.
• Cut fuel use through route planning, idling controls and fleet upgrades.
• Improve energy efficiency and switch to renewable electricity.
• Work with suppliers on lower-carbon materials.

Example of a Carbon Footprint

A field services company calculated a footprint of 6,200 tCO2e. Over 70% came from diesel in its service fleet. Using journey management data, it cut unnecessary trips and idling, which reduced fuel use and also lowered driver fatigue and exposure to road risk.

Frequently Asked Questions: Carbon Footprint

What does CO2e mean?

Carbon dioxide equivalent is a common unit that expresses the warming impact of all greenhouse gases as an equivalent amount of CO2.

Is a carbon footprint the same as a GHG inventory?

They are closely related. A GHG inventory is the formal, documented calculation behind an organization's carbon footprint.

How often should a carbon footprint be measured?

Most organizations measure annually, in line with their reporting year.