The reduction of emissions thanks to an energy transition contributes to minimizing the carbon footprint.
The carbon footprint is data that reveals the level of greenhouse gases (GHG) that a certain activity carried out by humans emits directly or indirectly. It is an environmental indicator that is usually expressed through the unit of measurement known as CO2 equivalent , which converts all GHGs through a formula to a value that is equivalent to that of carbon dioxide .
It can be stated that the carbon footprint reflects the impact that a certain action has on the environment , focusing on the effects it generates in relation to climate change or more precisely global warming . As this footprint grows, the negative influence of the act in question on the atmosphere also increases.
About the carbon footprint
To understand exactly what the carbon footprint is, several concepts must be analyzed. In principle, it must be indicated that a footprint can be an impression, a trace or an indication.
Carbon , meanwhile, is a chemical element abundantly present in the atmosphere, minerals and living beings, of enormous biological relevance and a pillar of so-called organic chemistry . The union of a carbon atom and two oxygen atoms gives rise to carbon dioxide ( CO2 ), one of the greenhouse gases .
These gases, which also include nitrous oxide ( N2O ) and methane ( CH4 ), emit and absorb infrared radiation , thereby promoting the greenhouse effect .
At this point we must consider that the sun's rays, upon reaching planet Earth , pass through the atmosphere . Of these rays, a part heats the ground and another is reflected and returns to space. However, with the accumulation of GHGs in the atmosphere, solar radiation is retained and no longer comes out, thus favoring an increase in Earth's temperature.
The use of a fossil fuel - such as oil , coal and natural gas - at an industrial level and in vehicles causes emissions of carbon dioxide and other GHGs and, therefore, causes an ecological impact that can be expressed through the carbon footprint.
In summary, it can be said that human activities that emit GHGs contribute to the greenhouse effect and, consequently, drive global warming . The carbon footprint is a way to quantify this consequence.
Reforestation allows carbon offset.
How to calculate
The carbon footprint is calculated by multiplying the consumption data by its emission factor , which varies depending on the activity, the type of energy or the fuel used. To express it as CO2 equivalent , the mass of the gas is multiplied by the global warming potential (known as GWP due to the English expression global warming potential ).
This parameter establishes a comparison between the heating power of a mass of GHG with the heating power of that same mass of carbon dioxide. CO2 equivalent is measured in tons .
It is important to mention that the measurement of the carbon footprint can be based on different international standards. Beyond the applied operations, there are calculators that allow you to enter information and automatically obtain the carbon footprint as a result. Even the United Nations ( UN ) has developed one of these carbon footprint calculators that can be used online for free.
Betting on sustainable mobility (such as bicycles) and the consumption of locally produced products are measures that reduce the carbon footprint.
Types of carbon footprint
For analytical purposes, several types of carbon footprint are distinguished. The personal carbon footprint , for example, examines individual consumption habits considering the use of means of transportation , home heating and food, among other factors.
The product carbon footprint , meanwhile, analyzes the GHG emissions linked to the production and use of a good. It covers everything from obtaining the raw materials necessary for production to the method of use by the buyer, including the production process itself and transportation.
The corporate carbon footprint , in turn, compiles all GHG emissions linked to the operation of a company.
On the other hand, GHG emissions are also classified according to their characteristics. Direct emissions are those that are carried out in the same place where the activity is carried out and by the person or company themselves. A subject is responsible for direct GHG emissions when starting and using a car whose engine runs on gasoline or gasoline.
Indirect emissions , on the other hand, originate from a source that is not owned or controlled by the individual or entity. When a company acquires a raw material, it does not generate an emission with that operation, although the extraction and transfer of that raw material may have caused emissions.
Measures to reduce it
Multiple measures can be taken to achieve a reduction in the carbon footprint. In the case of individuals, minimizing consumption at a general level is the most effective and far-reaching alternative.
Disconnecting appliances that are not in use, choosing appliances with high energy efficiency , traveling by bicycle and favoring public transport over private vehicles are other positive decisions for the environment. Choosing local and seasonal foods also helps limit GHG emissions associated with means of transportation and the use of refrigeration chambers in the food industry.
For companies, promoting the circular economy, optimizing the supply chain and using green energy are actions that reduce the carbon footprint.