GreenFixes

Wikipedia definescarbon footprintas "the total set of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, event or product (UK Carbon Trust 2008). The concept and name of the carbon footprint originates from theecological footprintdiscussion. The carbon footprint is a subset of the ecological footprint. An individual, nation or organization's carbon footprint is measured by undertaking a GHG emissions assessment. Once the size of a carbon footprint is known, a strategy can be devised to reduce it."

So, what is your carbon footprint?

It's a question that's being asked more and more of both large and small companies. And it can be tough to answer, as most companies still don't have a basic understanding of what "carbon footprint" means and how to even begin measuring it. To start of with, there is no standard definition or measurement of carbon footprint. In some contexts, it simply refers mainly to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions: what an individual or company is emitting to contribute to the greenhouse gasses would be this carbon footprint definition.

In others it refers to the full measure of impacts involved with designing products, sourcing materials, sales, IT departments, etc -- and in deeper depth, the use and disposal of products or the manufacturing and distributionof products. In either case, figuring out what to count involves several layers and deeper understanding of science.

Many companies are assessing their footprint today, especially for carbon, and a few are disclosing them publicly. It is becoming more and more the trend for companies to disclose their environmental and corporate social responsibilities. Soon, it will be a required feature for company's, not just a nice-to-have function that raises their brand awareness and creates a positive rapport. It is a promising trend. As companies begin to fully understand their impacts, they will be better able to find opportunities for reducing emissions and costs, and their customers will be better able to make smarter choices, reducing their impacts and raising their knowledge and awareness on environmental policies, too.

So...what's your carbon footprint? What's your company's carbon footprint? Will you be able to answer those questions when asked?