Carbon footprint analysis: Utilizing a baseline to learn current impact, working toward reductions

now most of us have heard this phrase, but a majority of us are still a little unclear on the exact meaning or understanding. A carbon footprint is a greenhouse gas emissions assessment or rather the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated from activities an individual, household or business carries out on a daily basis, such as stationary fuel combustion for heating and cooling purposes or the vehicles we drive. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most prevalent greenhouse gas in the atmosphere but there are other greenhouse gases which include nitrous oxide (N2O), methane (CH4), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These gases are equivocated into units of carbon dioxide and are referred to as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). A carbon footprint is expressed in metric tons of CO2e. Developing a carbon footprint baseline is essential to knowing your current impact and to determine future potential greenhouse gas emissions reduction. As with any diet, a starting point is needed to measure progress. There are several protocols that may be used to calculate greenhouse gas emissions. The activities that create greenhouse gas emissions may be separated into scopes, direct and indirect emissions, or primary versus secondary emissions depending on which website and/or protocol you may utilize to develop your carbon footprint analysis. In performing a carbon footprint, the boundaries may seem endless as every activity such as purchasing materials or flying on a business trip generate greenhouse gas emissions. In many cases, the largest contributors to greenhouse gas emissions are fuel combustion via stationary or mobile sources and electricity consumption. Therefore, focusing on reliable emissions data for such direct activities is the first step. As your baseline develops you can begin to further evaluate purchased materials and other activities, the more potential for greenhouse gas emissions and cost savings. P.W. Grosser Consulting encourages businesses to perform a carbon footprint analysis on an annual basis and share the information with employees and/or community. It is also encouraged for preparation of upcoming carbon footprinting/carbon disclosure rules and regulations which may impose such rules as mandatory emissions reporting requirements. Knowing the amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere is essential as we need greenhouse gases to absorb heat and keep the earth at a livable temperature. The higher the concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere means more heat being trapped. Without delving into or debating climate change, it is undoubtedly a good thing to measure the greenhouse gas impact you or your business has. As resources are becoming scarce and the future forecast indicates a continued decreasing trend, businesses are changing their mindset by adopting practices such as the Triple Bottom Line. The Triple Bottom Line, also referred to as People, Planet, Profit, is a business practice that accounts for impacts to the environment, economy and society. Many businesses that have adopted practices like this one have realized a true cost savings from reducing greenhouse gas emissions; clearly a win-win situation. Marie Rangel-Mendes is a project engineer/branch manger at P.W. Grosser Consulting, Inc., Bohemia, N.Y.