It refers to the amount of greenhouse gases released from the activities of individuals or organizations, which is primarily associated with the use of energy sources that generate greenhouse gases. Examples include using electricity generated from burning oil or coal, driving vehicles that run on gasoline, air travel, manufacturing products, and other activities related to the combustion of fuels, material production, or the transportation of goods and people.
Carbon footprint assessment helps us understand the impact of various activities on the environment and supports the development of sustainable management plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future.
Reducing the carbon footprint is one of the key methods in the fight against climate change. This can be achieved by using energy more efficiently, reducing the use of non-renewable energy sources, and shifting to renewable energy sources such as solar power, wind energy, and biomass energy.
As mentioned earlier, carbon footprint refers to the amount of greenhouse gases released and absorbed from products or activities we engage in, such as using electricity. The carbon footprint can be divided into two categories:
Carbon Footprint for Organization (CFO): The amount of greenhouse gases released and absorbed from an organization’s activities, measured in tons (or kilograms) of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Carbon Footprint Product (CFP): The amount of greenhouse gases released and absorbed from a specific product.
Understanding and managing the carbon footprint is essential in reducing negative impacts on the environment and global climate.
Measuring your carbon footprint is similar to weighing yourself and checking the nutritional value of the food you eat every day. It is a crucial step for anyone looking to reduce their weight (or carbon impact) effectively by making targeted behavior changes.
CFO (Carbon Footprint of an Organization) divides greenhouse gas emissions into three categories:
These are emissions that come directly from the activities of the organization, such as:
By tracking these direct emissions, businesses can start to understand their carbon footprint and take the necessary steps to reduce it.
These are emissions that occur from the consumption of purchased energy used within the organization or industrial facility, such as:
Electricity,Steam,Heat, orCooling
These emissions are generated outside the organization but are tied to the energy it purchases for its operations.
These are emissions that occur throughout the supply chain beyond the first two scopes, such as:
Scope 3 covers a wide range of emissions that come from various activities in the value chain.
CFP (Carbon Footprint of Product) divides the steps for assessing greenhouse gas emissions into 5 stages as follows:
Raw Material Procurement (Scope 1 and 3)
Emissions from sourcing raw materials, including emissions from extraction and transportation.
Production (Scope 1 and 2)
Emissions generated during the manufacturing process, including energy use and direct emissions.
Distribution (Scope 1 and 3)
Emissions from the transportation and distribution of products to retailers or customers.
Use/Consumption (Scope 3)
Emissions that occur when the product is in use by the consumer or end-user.
End-of-Life Waste Management (Scope 3)
Emissions associated with the disposal, recycling, or treatment of the product after its use.
As we can see, measuring and assessing the carbon footprint is a mechanism that not only helps organizations understand the “global impact” they create through the amount of greenhouse gases released at every point throughout the supply chain, but also serves as a compass for organizations to adjust their strategic plans. This allows them to shift their business models, find new solutions in areas such as energy, manufacturing processes, and sourcing more environmentally friendly materials. This approach benefits the organization itself, its partners, consumers, and ultimately, the planet.
Onemorelink Co., Ltd. offers carbon footprint assessment services to help us understand the impact of various activities on the environment. This process also supports the development of sustainable management plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the future. We are certified with ISO 9001 and 14001, ensuring that our company adheres to international standards, operates in full compliance with the law, and is fully auditable.