Carbon footprinting guide

What is a carbon footprint, and how should you measure, calculate and communicate it?

Carbon footprinting introductory guide

Overview

What is a carbon footprint?

A carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by a person, organisation, event or product. 

About the guide

Our guide explains the different types of carbon footprints, how you can measure and communicate them and the benefits of doing so. We also set out some of the key things you need to consider.

Publication date: January 2018, Publication code: CTV043v3 
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Contents 

  • Introduction to carbon footprinting 
  • Organisational carbon footprints 
  • Why calculate your organisational carbon footprint? 
  • Carbon Trust Footprinting services 
  • The Carbon Trust Standard 
  • How to calculate an organisational carbon footprint 
  • Scope 2 reporting guidance 
  • Setting a science-based carbon reduction target 
  • Communicating your organisational carbon footprint 
  • Product carbon footprint  
  • Why calculate your product carbon footprint? 
  • How to assess your product carbon footprint 
  • Communicating your product carbon footprint 

This guide was produced as part of the Green Business Fund programme which ended in 2019.

Related services

Product carbon footprint label

Footprint measurement and analysis

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