Carbon Footprint - what it is and how it is measured
What is the Carbon Footprint
A much-discussed topic in recent times is certainly that of the Carbon Footprint. In this article you will find all the information regarding the Carbon Footprint: what it is and what it means, why it is important, and how it is calculated. A comprehensive and up-to-date guide compiled Gea Factory Ltd. Benefit Society.
What is Carbon Footprint: definition and explanation
Let's look in detail at what it is and what Carbon Footprint means. The Carbon Footprint is a parameter that estimates in CO2 (carbon dioxide) greenhouse gas emissions. caused by a product, individual, event, service or organization. This parameter can be used to detect the impact that greenhouse gases have on the environment. According to the Kyoto Protocol guidelines, the greenhouse gases to be considered and calculated are as follows:
- methane
- nitrous oxide
- sulfur hexafluoride
- nitrogen monoxide
- perfluorocarbons
- hydrofluorocarbons
Carbon Footprint translated into Italian is the equivalent of: "carbon footprint." It is often expressed in tons of CO2 and is used to determine the environmental impacts that emissions have on source climate change anthropogenic, i.e., the set of interventions for the transformation of thenatural environment by theman.
Why the Carbon Footprint is Important
The most relevant aspect is undoubtedly that of safeguarding the environment. This aspect accumulates and includes everyone: companies, businesses, individuals and organizations. Any entity should try to reduce CO2 emissions, respecting the community and of course respecting the environment. For companies, Carbon Footprint is a crucial point both for cost reduction and to be able to improve reputation from a business, strategic and communication perspective.
How is the Carbon Footprint calculated and how is it measured?
COMPANY CONSUMPTION CALCULATION:
A carbon footprint is the quantification of greenhouse gases of an individual or a company's product, service or organization. Emissions can be of two different types:
- Le direct emissions: emissions caused by the company itself
- Le indirect emissions: emissions caused by a consequence, but not by the company itself
The international standards for carbon footprint calculation in relation to companies are the GHG Protocol and theUNI EN ISO 14064-1.
PRODUCT CONSUMPTION CALCULATION:
The calculation of consumption related to a product includes all greenhouse gas emissions. "All GHG emissions" means all stages of the life cycle of the product itself: from the extraction of raw materials to the final disposal of them. Alternatively, the calculation, can be quantified only for certain stages of the life cycle.
How to Reduce the Carbon Footprint
Once C02 emissions have been analyzed, they will be calculated and quantified. The calculation of the carbon footprint makes it possible to identify the areas, sectors or production steps that contribute the most to the production of greenhouse gases. Only now will it be possible to implement the reduction plan.
To reduce the Carbon Footprint, it is advisable to use renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power. Another technique is definitely to encourage sustainable mobility and all green practices. Sustainable mobility refers to the use of electric or hybrid cars. Alternatively, means such as electric scooters and bicycles can also be used. Green practices, on the other hand, mean the elimination (or drastic reduction) of plastic consumption. More and more companies are replacing plastic with other types of materials.
Another important aspect of reducing the Carbon Footprint is to contribute to reforestation. Suffice it to say: every single tree planted goes to absorb some of the CO2 in the atmosphere. In essence, then, the Carbon Footprint is reduced by. Limiting impacts along the value chain or offsetting emissions.
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