All terms

Carbon Footprint

The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted directly and indirectly by an entity.

What is a Carbon Footprint?

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (GHG), primarily carbon dioxide (CO₂), released into the atmosphere directly and indirectly as a result of the activities of an individual, organization, product, or event. It is typically measured in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).

Why is a Carbon Footprint important?

Calculating and understanding one's carbon footprint is crucial for identifying the main sources of emissions and developing strategies to reduce them. It raises awareness about environmental impact and serves as a baseline for setting reduction targets and tracking progress towards sustainability goals.

Related terms

Want to explore this topic further? Browse connected glossary terms below.

Carbon Accounting

The process of measuring, tracking, and reporting greenhouse gas emissions and removals.

Core definitions
Scope 1 Emissions

Direct greenhouse gas emissions from sources owned or controlled by an organization.

Removal methods
Scope 2 Emissions

Indirect greenhouse gas emissions from the generation of purchased electricity, heating, or cooling.

Removal methods

Frequently asked questions

How is a carbon footprint calculated?

Calculating a carbon footprint involves quantifying emissions from various sources (e.g., energy consumption, transportation, waste, supply chain activities) using emission factors that convert activity data into CO₂e.

What are the three scopes of a corporate carbon footprint?

The three scopes are: Scope 1 (direct emissions from owned or controlled sources), Scope 2 (indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam), and Scope 3 (all other indirect emissions in the value chain).

Can an individual have a carbon footprint?

Yes, individuals have a carbon footprint based on their lifestyle choices, including transportation, diet, home energy use, consumption patterns, and waste generation.