A carbon footprint is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), and other related emissions that are directly or indirectly associated with a person, organization, event, product or activity. It quantifies the environmental impact in terms of carbon emissions and provides information on the contribution to climate change. Understanding and reducing the carbon footprint is critical to tackling the global challenge of climate change and transitioning to a more sustainable future.

Components of a CO₂ footprint

Direct emissions (Scope 1): These are emissions that are released directly from sources attributable to or controlled by an organization or individual. Examples include emissions from the combustion of fossil fuels in vehicles, heating systems or other drive systems.

Indirect emissions from purchased energy (Scope 2): These emissions arise from the consumption of purchased energy. Electricity, district heating or coolant flows are examples of purchased energy. Even if the emissions resulting from the use of this energy outside the site are attributable to the user.

Indirect emissions from the value chain (Scope 3): These are emissions that occur outside the direct control of the user but are associated with their activities. These include emissions from the extraction of raw materials, transportation of the product, product use and disposal. Scope 3 emissions can be significant and often require a comprehensive assessment, such as in the case of battery production and their use in electric vehicles.

Why measure CO₂ footprints?

Mitigating climate change: The CO₂ footprint is a way to quantify and understand the contribution of different activities to climate change. By measuring and reducing the CO₂ footprint, individuals and organizations can help mitigate global warming and its effects.

Raising environmental awareness: Measuring the CO₂ footprint raises awareness of the environmental impact of everyday actions and encourages individuals and organizations to adopt more sustainable practices.

Accountability: Measurement enables individuals and organizations to take responsibility for their carbon emissions and encourages them to reduce their environmental impact.

Policy and regulation: Governments and regulators often use carbon footprint data to design policies that incentivize emissions reductions and lead to the adoption of clean technologies.

Given the urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions worldwide, understanding and reducing the carbon footprint is crucial. Governments, businesses and individuals must work together to contribute to global efforts to limit the rise in temperature and mitigate the effects of climate change. By measuring and managing our carbon footprint, we can make the transition to a more sustainable, low-carbon future while preserving the planet for current and future generations.

A carbon footprint is a measure of the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a person, an organization, a product or an activity. It includes direct emissions, indirect emissions from purchased energy and emissions from the value chain. Measuring and reducing the carbon footprint is critical to mitigating climate change, promoting environmental awareness and encouraging sustainable practices at both an individual and organizational level.