What is a Carbon Footprint?
As we face the repercussions of climate change, it is crucial to understand, manage, and reduce our carbon footprint. A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide and methane) that are generated by our actions. It calculates the overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from all direct and indirect sources, measured in units of CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalents). Once we identify the immensity and source of these emissions, companies, individuals, governments, and other stakeholders can take targeted measures to minimize their environmental impact.
Globally, the average energy-related carbon footprint per person is approximately 4.7 tonnes of CO2, similar to driving an average SUV for a year and a half.
Greenhouse Gases That Constitute a Carbon Footprint
Various greenhouse gases (GHGs) contribute to a carbon footprint, including :
Carbon Dioxide (CO2) – Carbon dioxide is the heaviest GHG emitted in the atmosphere through human activities. The volume of CO2 is what primarily contributes to climate change, remaining for a long time in the atmosphere. Sources of CO2 include deforestation, fossil fuel combustion, and industrial processes.
Methane (CH4) – As compared to CO2, Methane is much more efficient when it comes to trapping heat. Though it remains for a short time (12 years), it contributes significantly to near-term warming. CH4 sources include agriculture, fossil fuel extraction, and landfills.
Nitrous Oxide (N2O) – Nitrous oxide is a strong greenhouse gas with a long-lasting impact on the environment, around 114 years. It also plays a role in the depletion of the ozone layer. Sources of N2O include combustion, agriculture, and industrial activities.
Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) – These are synthetic gases with high GWPs (global warming potential), although they are emitted in smaller portions as compared to CO2. These are potent GHG gases but do not deplete the ozone layer. Sources involve industrial processes, and refrigeration and air conditioning.
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) – These are steady gases with a lifetime of over thousands of years. Since they have high GWPs, they add remarkably to long-term warming. Aluminum production and semiconductor manufacturing are the sources of PFCs.
Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF6) – SF6 is said to be the most powerful greenhouse gas, with an extremely high GWP and a lifetime of about 3,200 years. Its emissions are comparatively low, but has a crucial impact on global warming.
Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) – CFCs and HCFCs have high GWPs and play their part in the depletion of ozone layer. Despite being greatly reduced under the Montreal Protocol, they still exist in the atmosphere. Their sources include refrigeration and air conditioning, and aerosol propellants and foam blowing agents.
Total U.S. Emissions in 2022
Components That Contribute to a Carbon Footprint
Energy Use
This sector is responsible for 39.3% of the overall global GHG emissions.
- Emissions from burning fossil fuels (oil, coal, and natural gas) to generate electricity, through power plants.
- Emissions from residential, commercial, and industrial heating and cooling systems.
- Emissions from vehicles like cars, trucks, buses, trains, motorcycles and others with non-renewable energy.
- Freight and shipping emissions like ships, airplanes, and others, that rely on diesel or jet fuel.
Industrial Processes
This sector accounts for 28.9% of the global greenhouse gas emissions.
- Emissions from extraction and processing of raw materials, manufacturing and machinery.
- Emissions from producing building materials like steel, cement, and other industrial products as well as their chemical reactions.
- Emissions from construction machinery and transportation of materials to industrial sites.
Agriculture and Land Use
This sector contributes a total of 12% of the global emissions.
- Emissions from enteric fermentation in ruminant animals (cows, sheep, goats) and manure control, that releases methane.
- Nitrous oxide emissions from the use of synthetic fertilizers and the use of machinery for irrigation, planting, and harvesting.
- CO2 emissions from land clearing for agriculture or urban development.
- Stored carbon emissions from soil disturbance during agricultural processes.
Waste Management
- Methane emissions from organic waste decomposition.
- CO2 and other gas emissions from burning waste, processing of recyclable materials and the composting of organic waste.
Supply Chain and Consumption
- Emissions from raw material extraction, production, and manufacturing.
- Emissions from distribution and retail.
- Emissions from the use of products and maintenance during the use of products.
- Emissions from disposal, recycling, or incineration of products.
- Emissions from growing crops, raising livestock, fertilizers, and machinery.
- Emissions from processing, packaging, and transportation of food products.
- Emissions from the decomposition of food waste.
Household Activities
This sector accounts for 9.9% of the total greenhouse gas emissions.
- Emissions from using electricity at home for appliances, heating, cooling, lighting, etc.
- Emissions from using water for shower, laundry, dishwashing, etc.
- Emissions from energy used to distribute, treat, and pump water.
- Emissions from disposal of household waste.
Transportation of all kinds come together to account for 17.9% of the overall greenhouse gas emissions.
How does Carbon affect Climate Change?
Greenhouse Effect
The greenhouse effect is when CO2 traps heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, causing a warming effect, which leads to higher global temperatures.
Ocean Acidification
Oceans absorb 30% of the CO2 we produce, and an increase in CO2 levels results in higher concentrations of carbonic acid in oceans, causing ocean acidification. This harms the marine life and ecosystems.
Air Quality
An increase in carbon emissions from burning fossil fuels can cause air pollution, harming human health and ecosystems,
Melting Ice Caps and Glaciers
With the increase in global temperature, the ice caps and glaciers begin to melt. It leads to a rise in sea level and loss of habitat for species dependent on ice.
The impact of these issues on climate change results in several environmental consequences, including :
Extreme Weather Events
Frequent and extreme weather conditions like drought, hurricanes, and heatwaves are a result of high temperatures.
Sea Level Rise
The melting of ice caps and glaciers contributes to the rise in sea level, leading to coastal flooding, erosion, and displacement of human and animal populations.
Loss of Biodiversity
Climate change disturbs ecosystems and habitats, with species unable to adapt to changing conditions, resulting in a loss of biodiversity.
Agricultural Impact
Fluctuations in temperature and rainfall can affect crop production and food safety, causing economic and social difficulties.
Health Impacts
Increased heat and air pollution can cause heat-related illness, respiratory issues, and other health crises in humans.
What types of Carbon Footprints are there?
Corporate Carbon Footprint
These are the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted directly or indirectly by a company. It helps companies understand and manage their environmental impact, leading to more sustainable practices and compliance with regulations. These emissions include energy used in offices and factories, waste production, transportation of goods, and supply chain activities.
To dive deeper into how corporate carbon footprint is measured, refer to our blog on Corporate Carbon Accounting.
Product Carbon Footprint
The overall greenhouse gas emissions linked to the entire life cycle of a product, starting from the extraction of raw materials to its disposal. It offers guidance on reducing emissions at each stage of a product’s lifecycle, advocating for sustainable product design and consumer preferences. Manufacturing processes, transportation, usage, and disposal of the product are some of the sources that constitute PCF.
For a detailed understanding of how PCF is determined throughout its entire lifecycle, refer to our blog on Product Life Cycle Assessment.
Individual Carbon Footprint
The overall amount of GHG emitted from a person’s individual activities, like transportation (car, plane, etc.), home energy use, diet, and consumption habits. Consumers should be made aware of their personal contributions to the climate change and adapt to lifestyle changes to reduce emissions, such as using public transport, conserving energy, and adopting sustainable diets.
How to Calculate a Carbon Footprint?
Methods Used to Measure Carbon Footprint
Direct Measurement
The process of measuring emissions directly from its sources like fuel consumption, energy use, and waste production.
Emission Factors
Estimating emissions from various activities by applying common emission factors, such as electricity use and transportation.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Measuring the overall environmental impact of a product or service from extraction to disposal.
Tools to Measure Carbon Footprint
Online Calculators
Apps and websites that estimate carbon footprints based on user inputs, like CoolClimate Network and Carbon Footprint Calculator.
Software Tools
These are complete tools assisting businesses and organizations to calculate carbon footprints, such as SimaPro, GaBi, and Carbon Trust Footprint Manager.
Standards and Protocols
To ensure precise and steady measurement of carbon footprints, standards and protocols have been put in place that provide guidelines and methodologies for calculating GHG emissions. Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO 14064, and PAS 2050 are some of the guidelines available.
Factors to Consider When Calculating Carbon Footprint
Scope of Emissions
Understanding of scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is crucial to determine carbon footprints. Refer to our blog on Scope 1, 2 and 3 Emissions.
Data Quality
Data used in calculations must be accurate and reliable
Boundaries
During footprint calculation, it is important to set boundaries, including geographical, operational, and organizational limits.
Emission Factors
Relevant and updated emission factors should be considered for different sources and processes.
Case Studies
Walmart
Walmart uses corporate carbon accounting to measure, track, and report GHG emissions. Their focus has always been on energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy. Walmart obtained 46% of its worldwide electricity from renewable sources by 2021.
Project Gigaton is an initiative launched in 2017 by Walmart that aims to eliminate one billion metric tons (a gigaton) of GHG emissions from its global value chain by 2030. They have installed LED lighting in stores, which reduces energy consumption by up to 50%. Additionally, Walmart improved the fuel efficiency of its truck fleet by 24% from 2005 to 2015.
These significant reductions in GHG emissions have been possible because of the execution of a comprehensive carbon footprint assessment across its supply chain by Walmart.
Walmart’s GHG emissions (2015-2021)
Apple
Apple has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint by strategically focusing on carbon neutrality and renewable energy. Apple’s global corporate operations were already sourced from 100% renewable energy by 2020. By 2023, they have managed to reduce their carbon footprint by 35% from a 2020 baseline.
Apple’s 2020 Macbook Air uses 100% recycled aluminum in its enclosure. They are committed to making their entire supply chain and product life cycle carbon-neutral by 2030. They are also collaborating with suppliers to install solar and wind projects to cover their Apple production.
Through these aims and progress, Apple has managed to enhance brand loyalty and preference among environmentally conscious consumers.
Apple’s GHG Emissions in FY 2023
How to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint?
To reduce your carbon footprint, it is important to implement eco-friendly practices by individuals like using energy-efficient appliances and LED lighting, choosing electric or hybrid vehicles, or reducing food waste by planning meals and storing food properly.
Businesses must understand the significance of conducting regular energy audits, focusing on reuse and recycling, encouraging remote work and flexible schedules, or minimizing packaging and encouraging the use of biodegradable materials.
For a detailed discussion, refer to our blog on Top 10 Ways to Reduce Carbon Footprint.
Conclusion
In conclusion, understanding and managing carbon footprint is crucial to mitigate climate change and build a sustainable environment. For this, companies need to set ambitious goals and implement efficient strategies to achieve those goals and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
With seamless API integration, Carbon Trail helps organizations measure, manage, and reduce their carbon footprint. It connects with various ERP systems like SAP, PLM systems such as Centric, and corporate travel platforms like Egencia to automatically extract necessary data for lifecycle assessments (LCAs) and carbon accounting. The software automates data collection across teams and functions, using customized surveys to eliminate manual follow-up.
Increased carbon emissions are an obvious result of a rapidly growing economy. Hence, sustainable practices and energy sources coupled with efficient technologies are critical for future economic development. By adopting these strategies, companies and individuals can contribute to a more sustainable future, reducing their environmental impact and promoting global climate action.
