How can businesses measure their carbon footprint?

2 What to measure in your carbon footprint?

To measure your carbon footprint, you need to determine the scope and boundaries of your assessment. The GHGP categorizes GHG emissions into three scopes: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3. Scope 1 covers the direct emissions from your own sources, such as fuel combustion, vehicles, or refrigerants. Scope 2 covers the indirect emissions from the electricity, heat, or steam that you purchase from external providers. Scope 3 covers the indirect emissions from your upstream and downstream activities, such as raw materials, transportation, or waste disposal. Depending on your business objectives and stakeholders' expectations, you can choose to measure all or some of these scopes.

3 How to measure your carbon footprint using emission factors?

One of the most common methods to measure your carbon footprint is to use emission factors. Emission factors are coefficients that estimate the amount of GHGs emitted per unit of activity or input. For example, an emission factor can tell you how many kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) are emitted per kilowatt-hour of electricity or per liter of gasoline. To use this method, you need to collect data on your activities or inputs, such as energy consumption, fuel use, or travel distance. Then, you need to multiply the data by the corresponding emission factors, which you can find from various sources, such as government agencies, industry associations, or online databases. Finally, you need to add up the results to get your total carbon footprint.

5 How to measure your carbon footprint using online tools?

A third method to measure your carbon footprint is to use online tools. Online tools are web-based applications that can help you estimate your carbon footprint using predefined formulas, data, and assumptions. Online tools can vary in their complexity, accuracy, and scope, depending on the purpose and audience of the tool. Some examples of online tools are the Carbon Footprint Calculator, the Ecological Footprint Calculator, and the Cool Climate Calculator. To use these tools, you need to input some information about your business, such as the size, sector, location, and activities. Then, the tool will generate a report or a score that indicates your carbon footprint and compares it with other businesses or benchmarks.

6 How to improve your carbon footprint measurement?

Measuring your carbon footprint is an ongoing process that requires regular updates and improvements. To do this effectively, you should use reliable and consistent data sources and methods, appropriate emission factors and assumptions, transparent and verifiable documentation and reporting, peer review and third-party verification, and feedback and learning to refine your measurement. By measuring your carbon footprint, you can demonstrate your commitment to corporate social responsibility and climate action. You can also gain insights into your environmental performance and identify areas for improvement. Although measuring your carbon footprint is not a difficult task, it does require planning, data collection, calculation, and communication. With the right methods and tools, you can start measuring your carbon footprint today and make a positive difference for your business and the planet.