An organisation's carbon footprint is a measure of the greenhouse gas emissions caused by its activities. These emissions can be those directly released by the organisation by its on site activities or the footprinting exercise can be extended down the chain of suppliers. For many organisations, the main greenhouse gas emission will be carbon dioxide (CO2) and this will be mainly related to the use of fossil fuels at the site or the use of electricity generated by fossil fuels. However, other source of greenhouse emissions may include the way waste is disposed of (methane may be released as waste decays) or clearing of forests by logging activities. The carbon footprinting activity therefore would seek to identify all sources of greenhouse emissions.
Consumer pressure is forcing companies to investigate and reduce their carbon footprint. Some of this pressure has turned violent in the past as seen at Drax power station in the UK. Many leading companies now report their carbon footprint and their progress in reducing it.
Reduction of carbon footprint is not just a case of reducing energy use, partly because not all forms of energy have the same CO2 emissions per kWh, but more importantly because energy use is not the only source of greenhouse gas emissions. One of the decisions an organisation should therefore make is as to the scope of the carbon foot printing exercises, should it just cover manufacturing or also include logistics and as to what methodology should be followed.
Environmental Efficiency has experience of carbon foot printing and can advise you on how to proceed in this relatively new area.