Measuring the carbon footprint

Measuring one’s carbon footprint has become a priority for companies wishing to play an active part in the ecological transition. But what exactly is a carbon footprint, why is it crucial for companies to measure it, and how do you go about it? This article takes a simple and accessible look at these aspects.

What is the carbon footprint?

The carbon footprint represents the total quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an activity, a company, or even a person. These gases, mainly carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), are emitted by various sources such as the combustion of fossil fuels, industrial processes, or even deforestation. These emissions contribute to global warming by increasing the Earth’s natural greenhouse effect.

In simple terms, the carbon footprint is a measure of the environmental impact of an activity in terms of GHG emissions. The more natural resources and non-renewable energy a company consumes, the higher its carbon footprint.

Why is it important for companies to measure their carbon footprint?

Measuring a company’s carbon footprint enables it to understand its environmental impact. But why is it so important? Here are a few key reasons:

Meeting the expectations of consumers and partners: More and more consumers and business partners prefer companies with a strong commitment to sustainability. Measuring and reducing one’s carbon footprint can strengthen a company’s reputation and build customer loyalty.
Reduce operational costs: By identifying the main sources of emissions, companies can implement strategies to reduce energy and resource consumption, which can lead to substantial savings.
Complying with regulations: Environmental regulations are becoming increasingly stringent. Measuring its carbon footprint is one way for companies to comply with current and future legislation, thus avoiding fines and penalties.
Preparing for the future: By measuring their carbon footprint, companies are better prepared for future challenges linked to climate change, including potential supply chain disruptions and growing expectations in terms of social and environmental responsibility.

How do you measure your carbon footprint?

Measuring the carbon footprint may seem complex, but it is based on a clear methodology that can be followed by companies of all sizes. The most widely recognized international protocol is the GHG (GreenHouse Gas) protocol, which classifies direct and indirect emissions into 3 distinct scopes with sub-categories.

The GHG protocol scopes

Here are the main steps involved in measuring a company’s carbon footprint:

Define the scope: Identify the entities to be included in the scope (daughter companies, joint ventures or others), the sources of emissions you wish to measure (according to the GHG protocol categories) and the reference year.
Collect data: Gather data on energy consumption, fuel use, business travel, raw materials used, etc. The more accurate the data, the more reliable the carbon footprint measurement, hence a preference for physical data (e.g. kg) over financial data.
Calculate GHG emissions: use standardized emission factors to convert collected data into CO₂ equivalents. There are specific, recognized tools and databases that make the calculation more accurate and reliable.
Analyze and interpret the results: Identify the main sources of emissions and opportunities for reduction. This analysis enables you to target the actions you need to take to reduce your company’s carbon footprint.
Set up an action plan: develop emission reduction strategies, such as improving energy efficiency, switching to renewable energies, or reducing waste.
Monitor and communicate: Continue to measure carbon footprints regularly, and communicate results and progress to stakeholders. This demonstrates the company’s commitment to sustainability and reinforces transparency.

Conclusion

Measuring one’s carbon footprint is an essential step for any company wishing to commit to sustainable development. Not only does it help minimize environmental impact, it can also offer significant economic and strategic benefits. By adopting a proactive approach and using the right tools, your company can not only reduce its emissions, but also position itself as a leader in the fight against climate change.

Ready to take the plunge? Discover our carbon footprint measurement service and start building a more sustainable future today.