A corporate carbon footprint is an assessment of a business’s impact on the environment, including direct and indirect actions. The total greenhouse gas emissions generated by the company’s operations are calculated to measure the impact. Carbon offsetting can be used to reduce emissions, and businesses can use alternative forms of energy and recycling to reduce their footprint. Nonprofit agencies and professional services can assist with assessment and reduction strategies.
A corporate carbon footprint is an assessment of the impact a business operation has on the environment. In its broadest sense, this assessment includes the consideration of actions that have both a direct and indirect impact on the ecological balance both in the areas in which the company operates and in the areas in which the products produced by the company are used. However, most attempts to assess corporate carbon footprints are limited to the corporate facilities themselves and the surrounding area.
At the heart of any attempt to measure a corporate carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions generated by the company’s operations. These emissions can be caused by the use of fossil fuels to operate machinery, heating and cooling functions within Company owned and operated buildings, and by any residues or wastes created as a result of the manufacturing process. To calculate a carbon footprint, the total emissions created and the frequency of their release into the local ecological system must be determined.
Once the corporate carbon footprint has been successfully calculated, the impact of that footprint on the environment can be measured. This is often achieved by implementing changes in the company’s function that help reduce emissions. This process of reducing emissions is known as carbon offsetting.
There are several ways a company can help reduce its corporate carbon footprint. One is to use alternative forms of energy production instead of fossil fuels to maintain the operation. Another approach is to retrofit existing heating and cooling systems to use solar or wind energy, rather than relying on electricity provided by a local power grid. Recycling the waste created in the manufacturing process can also help reduce the damage done to the environment and possibly reduce the company’s operating costs in the long run.
Businesses of all sizes and types can benefit from assessing their corporate carbon footprint. There are a number of nonprofit agencies that can assist with this type of assessment, as well as professional services that can help businesses identify strategies for reducing that footprint and remaining profitable. In some cases, helping with the initial calculation does not involve out-of-pocket expenses. While there are usually expenses associated with implementing various methods to reduce the footprint, proponents say such measures are ultimately offset by the company’s increased reputation and continued financial success of the business.
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