I had never done a carbon footprint analysis in my life…
Therefore, I thought learning about the topic and sharing my insights will be a good idea.
I teamed up with Dr. Elisa Garcia-Wilson in order to find out how to do such an analysis in an institute.
Today, I want share the knowledge I gathered because this will allow us to discuss the limitations and proper application next time!
Let’s go
Today's Lesson: Carbon Footprint Analysis #1
What it is and how to go about it
Number Of The Day
The European Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research estimated that the global annual carbon footprint in 2022 equated to 53786040 kg of CO2e. Although there was a slight decrease after the COVID pandemic, emissions rose by 1.4% from 2021.
53786040 kg
Institutional Footprint Analyses
What Is A Carbon Footprint Assessment?
A Carbon Footprint is the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event, or product. PS: When it comes to products you will hear terms like cradle to grave or cradle to gate. This will be a topic of another time. Today, we focus on institutes.
The emissions are measured as CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent). This means the GHG effect of other gases are translated as multiples of the effect of CO2.
A quick overview - more about it below : )
Why The Hassle?
A) Reporting Requirements
Many companies and universities are now required to report their carbon footprints publicly, often in sustainability reports.
B) Strategic Insights
Carbon footprints analyses can help to understand current GHG impacts and identify the most effective targets for emission reductions.
C) Awareness and Motivation
These data highlight the often-hidden environmental impacts of our activities, thereby raising awareness and motivate action. Also, quantifying impacts allows for tracking progress and encouraging ongoing efforts to reduce emissions.
This graphic is taken from the mentioned the European Emissions Database for Global Atmospheric Research report 2023. You can find it - here -
Conducting a Carbon Footprint Assessment
The process involves three main steps: 1. Identifying Impact Sources 2. Measuring the amount of emissions from each source 3. Converting these measurements into carbon dioxide equivalents.
Understanding Emission Scopes
Emissions are categorized into the three typical scopes:
Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by the organization, such as on-site fuel combustion and company vehicles.
Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the electricity purchased and used by the organization.
Scope 3: All other indirect emissions, both upstream and downstream, that the organization does not control.
Of course, this list is not exhaustive, it just provides an overview.
How Data Is Gathered
Fuel and Energy Related Emissions:
Quantifying these emissions involves measuring direct energy consumption and accounting for factors like transmission losses and well-to-tank emissions. For institutions using combined heat and power (CHP) plants, calculations must consider the efficiency of both heat and electricity generation to accurately reflect emissions.
Waste:
Institute wide data is often available given the discarding costs of waste. However, for more "local" assessments waste streams are directly quantified by measuring.
Commuting:
Emissions from commuting are commonly estimated through staff surveys that gather data on travel habits, including vehicle types and business travel. For academic institutions, other impacts such as international student travel has also to be considered.
Purchasing Data:
Since specific footprint data for purchased items is rarely available, emissions are often estimated from total annual expenditures. These expenditures are translated into CO2e using industry-specific tools and assumptions, providing a broad estimation of the carbon footprint from procurement activities.
Almost done
Once the analysis is complete, the next step normally is to compile the findings into a comprehensive report. The Structure of the report often looks like: Executive Summary | Purpose & Scope | Methodology | Results | Analysis | Recommendations | Additional data
We have seen this graphics before, here it is again to serve as an example for a Carbon Footprint Analysis.
Applying The Knowledge
At first, there is no need to be worried if you should ever need to do a carbon footprint analysis.
As scientists, we are accustomed to generating our own data, so digging deep and gathering the numbers is not new to us.
Some of the data should be relatively easy to collect and convert; for other pieces of data, a lot more thought is required.
Gathering the data can be quick when for example metering is installed but can be time-consuming if it requires calculation. Finally, do not forget that you will depend on the on the goodwill of others many time as you inquire data.
Upcoming Lesson:
Carbon Footprint Analysis – What To Be Aware Of
Asking You
How much of the global carbon footprint in 2022 stemmed from the combustion of fossil fuels?
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