What is the carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint is defined as ‘the total greenhouse gases emitted by the direct or indirect effect of an individual, organisation, event or product’.

These types of gases, because of their chemical composition, absorb part of the heat that reaches us from the sun, and as a result, the average temperature of the Earth is increasing more than it would have to under natural conditions.

What are the greenhouse gases?

The main ones are:

• Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
• Methane (CH4)
• Nitrous oxide (N2O)
• Fluorinated gases (HFCs, PFCs, SF6, NF3)
• Hydrogen (H2)

How can we measure the greenhouse gases emitted?

With carbon footprint analysis, we can measure the amount of greenhouse gases. The two most common types of carbon footprints today are:

• Carbon footprint of an organisation: Measures the total GHG (Greenhouse Gases) emitted directly or indirectly from the development of the activity of this organisation.
• Product carbon footprint: Measures the GHG emitted during the entire life cycle of a product (LCA): from the extraction of raw materials, through processing, manufacturing and distribution, from the stage of its use to the end of its useful life (storage, reuse or recycling).

The carbon footprint analysis results in a figure (kg CO₂ equivalent) that can be used as an overall environmental indicator of the organisation's activity.

What are the benefits of calculating my organisation's carbon footprint?

The calculation of an organisation's carbon footprint is a tool with a dual purpose: on the one hand, to reduce the costs involved in the consumption of energy and resources for lighting, air conditioning, heating and transport; and, on the other hand, to contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, increasing environmental awareness. Therefore, if your organisation calculates its carbon footprint, in addition to contributing to the fight against climate change, it will be able to extract the following benefits:

• Identification of GHG emission reduction opportunities. Most of them will derive from the reduction of energy consumption and resources, which will also result in economic savings.
• Becoming part of national (carbon footprint registry, offsetting and carbon dioxide absorption projects), regional or private voluntary schemes.
• Improve the corporate reputation and positioning of the company. The fact of voluntarily calculating and communicating the GHG emissions caused by the company usually generates external recognition by stakeholders.
• Identify new business opportunities: attract investors and customers who are aware of climate change and the environment.

At Grup Carles we are committed to helping you calculate and reduce your carbon footprint effectively to contribute to a more sustainable future. Our team of experts is able to offer you effective and customised solutions for managing your carbon footprint.

Contact us today to start your journey towards corporate environmental sustainability.