A carbon footprint is measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent (tCO2e). The carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) allows the
different greenhouse gases to be compared on a like-for-like basis
relative to one unit of CO2. CO2e is calculated by multiplying the
emissions of each of the six greenhouse gases by its 100 year
global warming potential (GWP).
A carbon footprint considers all six of the Kyoto Protocol
greenhouse gases: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous
oxide (N2O), Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and
Sulphur hexafluoride (SF6).
Two types of carbon footprinting
The main types of carbon footprint for organisations are:
1. Organisational carbon footprint
Emissions from all the activities across the organisation,
including buildings' energy use, industrial processes and company
vehicles.
2. Product carbon footprint
Emissions over the whole life of a product or service, from the
extraction of raw materials and manufacturing right through to its
use and final reuse, recycling or disposal.
Calculate your carbon footprint
Our Carbon Footprinting overview guide explains what is
included in both types of footprint, how you can measure and
communicate them, and the benefits of doing so. We also set out the
specific steps you need to take to calculate your carbon
footprint(s), and some of the key things to consider if you
do.
Download Carbon
Footprinting overview (CTV043)
Further information
Greenhouse gas conversion factors are used to calculate
the amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused by energy
use. Our conversion factors
guide contains these factors along with a spreadsheet to
enter your usage and calculate carbon emissions.
Find out more about carbon footprint
measurement and footprint
certification.