What types of emissions are included in the carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint is an essential indicator for measuring the environmental impact of our activities, expressed in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and others. To gain a deeper understanding of what the carbon footprint entails and why it matters, check out our detailed article What is the Carbon Footprint and What is it For?. By measuring our carbon footprint, we can identify which types of emissions are contributing to climate change and what we can do to reduce them.
In this article, we will explore the types of emissions that are part of the carbon footprint calculation, divided into three main scopes: direct emissions, indirect emissions, and other indirect emissions. These scopes allow for a comprehensive assessment of the environmental impact of an organization, product, or event.
Direct Emissions
Direct emissions are those that come from sources owned or controlled by an organization or entity. These are the easiest types of emissions to identify, as they result directly from daily activities.
- Burning fossil fuels in boilers or company-owned vehicles.
- Emissions from refrigerant gases in air conditioning or refrigeration systems.
- Emissions from industrial processes that release gases into the atmosphere.
These emissions are critical for businesses and organizations, as they represent the most direct impact they have on the environment.anizaciones, ya que representan el impacto más directo que generan en el medio ambiente.
Indirect Emissions
Scope 2 explains what types of emissions are included in the carbon footprint related to electricity consumption. Although this electricity is generated outside the organization’s facilities, its use contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, especially if it comes from non-renewable sources like fossil fuels.
This type of emissions includes:
- Electricity consumption generated by coal, gas, or oil-fired power plants.
- Energy purchased from third parties that is not sourced from renewables.
Organizations seeking to reduce their carbon footprint should prioritize the use of renewable energy to decrease this type of emissions.
Other Indirect Emissions
Scope 3 includes indirect emissions that are not directly controlled by the organization but occur as a result of its activities. This is the broadest and most difficult scope to calculate, as it covers the entire supply chain and post-use activities of products. Examples of these emissions include:
- Transportation of products to customers via third parties.
- Business travel by employees using public transport, planes, or vehicles not controlled by the organization.
- Emissions from the production of raw materials purchased by the company.
This scope is crucial for a more comprehensive environmental impact assessment, as it reflects the full life cycle of a product or service.
Importance of Calculating All Three Types of Emissions
Calculating Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions is essential for organizations aiming to implement effective sustainability plans. By measuring all emissions generated by their activities, organizations can establish a realistic emissions reduction plan that covers their entire environmental impact.
To calculate your carbon footprint and start reducing your emissions, try our Carbon Footprint Calculator now: The Best Carbon Footprint Calculator.
Carbon Footprint Certifications and Emission Reductions
Many organizations that calculate their carbon footprint choose to obtain official certifications that verify the accuracy of their measurements and their commitment to reducing emissions. These certifications can be awarded by national or international bodies and serve as valuable tools for enhancing the organization’s reputation and credibility.
