In a global landscape marked by climate urgency, the carbon footprint has become an essential indicator for measuring the environmental impact of organizations. This concept, which represents the total greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted directly or indirectly by an entity, is increasingly utilized by businesses, public administrations, and other stakeholders committed to sustainability.
What is the carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint measures GHG emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), or nitrous oxide (N2O), generated by an organization through its activities. These emissions can be direct, such as the use of fossil fuels for heating or transportation, or indirect, such as electricity consumption or outsourced services.
How is it calculated?
Calculating the carbon footprint is based on a simple formula: Carbon Footprint = Activity Data x Emission Factor. The activity data is a parameter that defines the level of emission-generating activity, such as the consumption of natural gas for heating measured in kWh. The emission factor, in turn, is the amount of GHG emitted per unit of that parameter. For example, in 2022, the emission factor for natural gas was 0.182 kg CO2 equivalent per kWh.
To ensure the accuracy of the calculation, there are internationally recognized methodologies, such as the UNE-ISO 14064 standard or the GHG Protocol. These allow for the standardization of the process and ensure that the data is comparable and verifiable.
Steps to calculate the carbon footprint
- Define the calculation year and organizational boundaries: It is essential to establish which areas and operations will be included in the study.
- Gather activity data: Information on the consumption of fossil fuels, electricity, and other sources of direct and indirect emissions.
- Use emission factors: The Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO) provides this data on its website, along with calculators that simplify the process.
- Reflect and act: Once the results are obtained, it is crucial to identify the areas with the most significant impact and design an emissions reduction plan with concrete measures and a defined timeline.
Beyond calculation: the commitment of organizations
MITECO serves as an example of institutional commitment in this area. Since 2010, it has been calculating its carbon footprint annually across scopes 1, 2, and 3, covering not only its direct and indirect emissions but also those from activities like business travel or outsourced services.
Furthermore, since 2014, Spain has had the Carbon Footprint, Compensation, and CO2 Absorption Projects Registry, created to encourage the calculation and reduction of emissions among Spanish organizations. This registry also promotes projects that enhance CO2 absorption capacity, contributing to climate neutrality.
The importance of transparency and certification
Certifying the carbon footprint through an independent third party not only validates the calculations but also strengthens the organization’s credibility with its stakeholders. Additionally, this process can help identify errors and improve the accuracy of the data.
Ultimately, calculating the carbon footprint is an essential step for any organization that aims to reduce its environmental impact and contribute to the fight against climate change. In an era of growing ecological awareness, measuring, reducing, and offsetting emissions has become an unavoidable responsibility.
Sources: Ministry for the Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge (MITECO), Carbon Footprint Registry, UNE-ISO 14064 standards, and GHG Protocol.