What is the carbon footprint?

The carbon footprint is defined as the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by a person, organization, event, or product. These gases, primarily carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O), contribute to global warming by trapping heat in the atmosphere.

In simpler terms, the carbon footprint measures the impact our activities have on the climate.

Why is it important?

• Quantify the impact: Allows you to measure and compare the emissions of different activities, products or companies.

• Setting reduction targets: Facilitates the definition of clear objectives to reduce emissions and mitigate climate change.

• Promote sustainability: Encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices across all sectors of society.

  
  

How is it calculated?

Calculating the carbon footprint can be complex and depends on the activity or product in question. Generally, the entire life cycle is considered, from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal of a product.

Basic methodology for calculating the carbon footprint:

1. Scope definition:

   
   

   Scope 1: Direct emissions from own sources (e.g. boilers, company vehicles).

   Scope 2: Indirect emissions associated with the generation of energy that is consumed (e.g., purchased electricity).

   Scope 3: Other indirect emissions along the value chain (transport of raw materials, waste, etc.).

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2. Data collection:

   • Energy consumption: Electricity, natural gas, fossil fuels.

   • Waste generation: Quantity and type.

   • Transportation: Distances traveled, type of vehicle, fuel used.

   • Purchases: Quantity and origin of raw materials.

   • Travel expenses: Business trips, events.

     
     

3. Calculation of emissions:

   • Emission factors: These factors indicate the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of energy consumed or material used. They are obtained from national inventories or specialized databases.

   • Multiplication: The consumption of each resource is multiplied by its corresponding emission factor.

   • Sum: All calculated emissions are added together to obtain the total carbon footprint.

     
     

4. Analysis of results:

   
   

   • Identification of the main sources of emissions: This will allow reduction actions to be focused on the most relevant areas.

   • Comparison with benchmark tests: Results can be compared with those of other companies in the sector or with established objectives.

     
     

Simplified example:

Let's imagine we want to calculate the carbon footprint of a small office.

• Scope 1: Natural gas consumption for heating is measured and multiplied by the corresponding emission factor.

• Scope 2: Electricity consumption is measured and multiplied by the emission factor of the electricity grid.

• Scope 3: Paper consumption is estimated and multiplied by the emission factor associated with its production and transportation.

Tools for calculation:

There are various tools and software that facilitate the calculation of the carbon footprint, such as:

• Online calculators: Offer simplified calculations for individuals or small businesses.

• Specialized software: Allows for more detailed and complex calculations.

Important:

• Accuracy: The accuracy of the calculation will depend on the quality of the data and the methodology used.

• Update: Emission factors can change over time, so it is important to update calculations periodically.

• Verification: It is recommended that the calculation be verified by an expert in the field.

  
  

Would you like to delve deeper into a specific aspect of carbon footprint calculation? For example, I can explain in more detail how to obtain emission factors, how to calculate a product's carbon footprint, or how to reduce it.

Additional resources:

• Government organizations: Many government agencies offer guides and tools for calculating carbon footprints, such as the CAR and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development.

• Consulting firms: There are specialized companies that offer carbon footprint calculation and reduction services.

• International Standards: ISO 14064 provides guidance for the quantification and management of greenhouse gas emissions.

Literature:

• IPCC (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. Cambridge University Press.