What is A Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, and in particular climate change. It relates to the amount of greenhouse gases produced in our day-to-day lives through burning fossil fuels for electricity, heating and transportation etc.
The carbon footprint is a measurement of all greenhouse gases we individually produce and has units of tonnes (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalent.
Each of us needs to “Play a Part” to reduce our Carbon Footprint.
After all
THE ONLY THING WE HAVE TO LOSE IS CARBON.
Today, it is more important than ever to reduce our Carbon Footprint.
Not only are the developed countries producing more and more carbon emissions, but there is now a growing problem as the population in Africa and Asia start changing their lifestyles in ways that consume more energy.
We need to lead the way…
A carbon footprint is made up of the sum of two parts, the primary footprint (shown by the green slices of the pie chart) and the secondary footprint (shown as the yellow slices)
1. The primary footprint is a measure of our direct emissions of CO2 from the burning of fossil fuels including domestic energy consumption and transportation (e.g. car and plane). We have direct control of these.
2. The secondary footprint is a measure of the indirect CO2 emissions from the whole lifecycle of products we use – those associated with their manufacture and eventual breakdown. To put it very simply – the more we buy the more emissions will be caused on our behalf.
To calculate your carbon footprint – click here
For tips to reduce your footprint – click here
Follow these Links for More Information on carbon reducing technologies:
Cutting Down on Energy Consumption
