1. What Is Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product, expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e).

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the carbon footprint formula:

Where:

• \( Footprint \) — Carbon footprint in kg CO2e
• \( Activity Data \) — Quantity of activity in units
• \( Emission Factor \) — Emission rate in kg CO2e per unit

Explanation: This formula calculates the environmental impact by multiplying the amount of activity by its corresponding emission factor.

3. Importance Of Carbon Footprint Calculation

Details: Calculating carbon footprint is essential for understanding environmental impact, setting reduction targets, complying with regulations, and making informed sustainable decisions.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter activity data in appropriate units and the corresponding emission factor. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are common emission factors?
A: Emission factors vary by activity - electricity (kg CO2e/kWh), transportation (kg CO2e/km), materials (kg CO2e/kg), etc.

Q2: Why use CO2e instead of just CO2?
A: CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent) accounts for all greenhouse gases by converting them to the equivalent amount of CO2 based on their global warming potential.

Q3: What activities contribute most to carbon footprint?
A: Typically energy consumption, transportation, food production, and manufacturing processes have the highest contributions.

Q4: How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
A: Use renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, reduce transportation emissions, and choose sustainable products.

Q5: Are there standards for carbon footprint calculation?
A: Yes, standards like GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, and PAS 2050 provide guidelines for consistent and accurate calculations.