Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product, expressed in terms of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e). This metric encompasses all relevant GHGs, including carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases, each weighted by its global warming potential (GWP) to provide a standardized measure of climate impact.

Key components of a carbon footprint include:

• Direct Emissions: Emissions from sources that are owned or controlled by the entity, such as fuel combustion in vehicles or industrial processes.
• Indirect Emissions: Emissions resulting from the consumption of purchased electricity, heat, or steam, as well as those associated with the entire supply chain and product lifecycle.

Calculating a carbon footprint involves assessing emissions from various activities, including energy use, transportation, waste management, and production processes. Understanding and quantifying carbon footprints are essential for developing effective strategies to reduce GHG emissions and mitigate climate change.

Source(s):

• Vision 2025. (2024). Glossary of Sustainability Terms.
• Britannica. (n.d.). Carbon footprint | Definition, Examples, Calculation, Effects, & Facts.
• Center for Sustainable Systems, University of Michigan. (2022). Carbon Footprint Factsheet.

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