The Concept of Carbon Footprint - Essay Example

Carbon Footprint: Climate Change Student name: Instructor’s name: Course name: Date of submission: Increased Focus on Carbon Regulation Abstract This paper gives focus to understanding the concept of carbon footprint. Furthermore, it tries to enlighten the reader on the steps involved, and research methods applied when carrying out studies on different types of carbon footprints. In addition, increased focus is given to carbon regulation strategies applied in reducing the amount of carbon dioxide by industries and organization. According to current research conducted, it is evident that focus is given to the emission accounting and reduction, the carbon tax, carbon emission trading platform, and carbon emission policy. Will help in conceptualizing how carbon footprint affects or impacts business organizations around the globe. From the conducted research, it is critical to note that carbon footprint is one of the basic and crucial researches in relation to the research on low-carbon. However, due to this, consistent results have not been achieved as yet. This implies that government institutions and researchers have a lot on their plate when it comes to carbon footprint. In this paper, elaboration is going to be given on the various areas where emissions occur both at home and in organization settings. This platform helps to educate readers on what aspects and strategies need to be implemented in order to succeed in the reduction of global warming activities in the globe. This platform is vital because it has resulted in the emission of gases that affects both the environment and human activities, which has hampered the growth of business, lives, and politics of the nations. Increased Focus on Carbon Regulation Introduction Paul Hawken is the author of the world’s recognized environmental, and business articles stating, “sustainability is all about stabilizing the relationship between the two most complex systems of the earth (living world and human culture), which are currently disruptive (2008).” Sustainability strives to bring alignment between human progress and the ecological system of the Earth for them to operate in harmony. More so, in a manner that does not destroy or deteriorate the other. ‘Carbon footprint’ is a concept and term widely used in public debates on abatement and responsibility action against global climate change threat. Nowadays, it is a buzzword widely used across the business world, the media, and the government. Carbon footprint is used to mean the best estimate that individuals can get off the full climate change impact of something, which can be an item, activity, country, lifestyle, company or the whole world (Berners-Lee 2010, p. 1). In other words, it is the climate change metric that is standardized, in nature, to measure the demand for natural capital contrasted with the planet’s ecological capacity to regenerate. This concept of carbon footprint originated from the concept ecological footprint (Wackernagel and Rees 1996), a human demand measure on the Earth’s ecosystems (Wiedmann and Minx 2007, p. 2). Therefore, it represents the amount of land and sea area that is biologically productive, which is necessary to supply the resources for human population consumption and later, assimilate the waste associated (Wiedema et al. 2008, p. 4). From this description, it is possible for one to estimate how many planet Earths is required to support humanity, that is, if everyone followed a specific lifestyle. Carbon footprint classifications and methods For organizations, the main carbon footprint types are: a) Value chain carbon footprint – these are emissions outside the organisation’s operations (Scope 3 emissions) and includes emissions from both consumers and suppliers and all use and end of life emissions. b) Organizational carbon footprint – emissions from all activities in an organization that includes buildings’ energy use, company vehicles, and industrial processes. c) Product carbon footprint – these are emissions all over the whole product or service life, recycling or disposal, from raw material extraction and manufacturing through to its use and final reuse. Personal carbon footprint is the emission of carbon dioxide caused by each person’s housing, clothing, daily life traffic, and food. Country carbon footprint gives focus to the emission of carbon dioxide in the entire country, which is mostly generated by the overall consumption of energy and materials, vegetation and, other sequestrations of carbon. It also includes the direct and indirect emissions, which are caused by activities of import and export. Country carbon footprint aims to analyse the emission of carbon dioxide in the entire country. Today, humans’ impact on the climate is the largest and most dramatic misalignment between Earth’s ecological system and human progress. According to scientists, the climate change phenomena are due to increased energy and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which is primarily carbon dioxide (CO2) all which are associated with human activity. These human activities include the burning of fossil fuels, (things like electricity generated from coal, gasoline-powered automobiles, and the burning activities of other fossil fuels) and other industrial or manufacturing processes that emit GHGs (Franchetti & Apul 2012, p. 3). For example, Methane (CH4), which is emitted by landfill and agriculture sites; and is 25 times more potent per kilogram than carbon dioxide. While nitrous oxide (N2O) is 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide; and mostly released from processes of farming and industry. The most outstanding challenge that is facing the human race is global warming because it is radically reducing our carbon footprint. Global warming (gradual warming of the planet) has impacted on water levels, local temperatures, and ocean currents; that can affect climate. Moreover, it has managed to evolve into a range of issues that encompass the economy, technology, politics, ecology, society, and the environment globally. This is because of the imbalance existing when it comes to the warming and cooling of the Earth (Bishop 2008, pp. 8-9). It is critical to note that we are now deemed to be living in the anthropogenic era. This is where human activity is critically shaping the force on the environment and not the Earth’s physical systems. Therefore, the onus lies with us to take the appropriate action in order to save ourselves. As such, a series of international conventions signed include the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (1992), The Kyoto Protocol (1997), Bali roadmap (2007), and Copenhagen Agreement (2009). All these reflected on the determination and efforts of government institutions in response to global warming effects. Consensus shows how various countries have managed to make a commitment in reducing emission and action plan that will foster the livelihood of its people and the world at large. Brian Fagan, the climate archaeologist and historian, warned us and urged us not to forget the fact that climate change can catch us unawares since it is unpredictable and at times vicious (Sim 2009, p. 4). As a result, low-carbon economy, low-carbon life, the carbon tax, low-carbon city, carbon trade is some of the innovative concepts implemented and strategized with the aim of reducing carbon emissions around the globe. Studies conducted have pointed out how many organizations are pulling their economic and social resources in order to find the path that has low-carbon development. Three principal methods used to calculate carbon emissions are input-output (IO) analysis (Huang et al. 2009, p. 218), life-cycle assessment (LCA), and IO-LCA. This paper gives focus to the life-cycle assessment because it is favored mostly by consumer products who apply the bottom-up LCA (Hammerschlag & Barbour 2003). As a result, companies, industry organizations, federal facilities, and academia are advised to use this concept because it helps them learn on how to incorporate environmentally based performance into their decision-making processes. In Australia, for example, a not-for profit organisation called the Australian Life Cycle Assessment Society (ALCAS) was developed in 2001. It has been able to promote life cycle practices and sustainable development and; co-ordinates the rapidly growing Australian professional community. CO2 negatively influences the quality of life, and air hence increases the greenhouse effect. These gases have a direct impact on the environment and has caused extreme changes to the weather patterns, increase in global temperatures, ecosystems loss, and has potential hazardous effects to people’s lives. Approaches that are incentive-based in reference to policies that reduce emissions are at a lower cost than the approaches that are more restrictive command-and-control. The reason for this is because they provide more flexibility in terms of where and how reduction of emission is achieved (CBO 2008, p. 9). As such, many have sought federal government mandates that assist in the regulation of carbon emissions. The prevailing schools of thought regarding carbon emissions by the government control include: the carbon tax and cap-and-trade legislation. Carbon tax involves direct taxation of companies, but basis is given on the amount of carbon put in the atmosphere. Carbon taxes trading schemes involve explicit carbon prices while other policies like direct technology regulation, subsidies for low emissions technology, renewable energy targets all impose less transparent carbon prices. This helps to convince businesses and organisations to reduce their total emission of carbon dioxide to the atmosphere. The cap-and-trade legislation, on the other hand, is used by the government who set a “cap” on the maximum amount of emissions allowed. Thereafter, emissions are then auctioned off by giving allowance to companies until their cap is reached (Patel 2006). Hence, those organisations that are not in a position to cover their emission allowances are forced to either buy or reduce their totals allowances from other companies or organisations. The implementation of this system is designed to promote stricter standards of emissions without direct taxation of companies. The risks and opportunities associated with carbon footprint include: the regulations of environment affects competitiveness; business strategy will be affected by energy price and its availability; brand will be affected by actions of the public environment; and supplier relationships will be affected by new laws and ultimately, the price of goods and services. The opportunities available for the reduction of carbon emissions are vast and will all depend on the organization. For example, in areas of transportation or facilities, implementation or programs that are energy efficiency is encouraged, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) integration, and the purchase of greener power and fleet optimization among others (Mathews 2009, p. 2). For Australia’s government, the Clean Energy Future Plan was announced in 2011, which addressed climate change through the reduction of GHG emissions, encouraging energy efficiency, investing in renewable and clean energy technologies, and through land action. The central element on the plan is the mechanism of carbon pricing that will provide Australia’s largest polluters with incentives that will help reduce their GHG pollution. However, this will require them to acquire and surrender an eligible unit of emissions or every tonne of GHG pollution released into the atmosphere or pay a shortfall charge (Australian Government 2013, p. 3). Case Studies It is estimated that 75% of companies around the globe are actively measuring their carbon footprint. In order to be successful, it is important for a company to look at the strategies applied by different companies in managing their emission of GHG. Stonyfield Farm produces yogurt and is based in Portland, Oregon. In 1996, it became fully committed to offsetting 100% of its carbon emissions from its production facility. However, the company managed to achieve its goal later one year, which prompted it to start a carbon fund. This enabled other companies invest in the project of carbon-offset, and it has also managed to publish an “Environmental Cookbook” that fully describes its success on the project. On the other hand, Starbucks in 2003 managed to hire CH2M Hill that calculated its carbon footprint o all its 3,700 stores across the republic. It is from this that Starbuck managed to implement measures that are energy efficient for use in their stores. Moreover, Starbucks decided to join the World Research Institute’s Green Power Market Development Group in 2005. This organization helps all its members to purchase renewable energy. As a result, its North American stores wind power was increased in 2006 to 20% of the total consumed energy (Tukker & Jansen 2006). In addition, the stores are installing individual meters to help them reduce their consumption of energy. These have been placed on specific equipment that helps monitor and track their usage of energy. Yahoo has also managed to go “carbon neutral” in 2007 through investing in greenhouse gas projects. This will help to neutralize the environmental impact by committing to the powering of facilities with renewable energy, promote the conservation of energy to its consumers, and encourage their employees to reduce emission of vehicles (Wackernagel et al. 2005). Conclusion From the research conducted, it is evident that carbon footprint has become synonymous to a comprehensive account of GHG, that is, over the life cycle stages of any activity or product. In the study of carbon footprint, basis is given to the research of low-carbon. Thereby, carbon footprints commercialization has been utilized by various organisations and counts themselves and their products’ carbon. As such, organisations have adopted measures that will ensure that emissions are cut down in order to meet the expectations of green consumers or the requests made by the government. Hence, enormous opportunities have been provided that encourage enterprises to improve on their production efficiency and reduce on their consumption and waste resources. Additionally, has helped enterprises open new business opportunities, achieve sustainable development, and promote CSR (corporate social responsibility). Calculations of carbon footprint follow PAS worldwide and GHG protocol because it extends to cover the natural system. Therefore, this becomes essential when dealing with the unavoidable emissions. Reports presented of carbon footprint respond to legal and business requirements. The proposition also looks at policies associated with the reduction of emissions in countries like Australia and the United States of America. It also looks at the risks and opportunities involved by companies who are not aware of their carbon emission levels. Therefore, it is important or ‘carbon footprint’ to include both direct and indirect CO2 emissions. The methodology given emphasis is the life cycle assessment since it touches on the practices of carbon trading and offsetting. References List Australian Government 2013, Clean Energy Future: Starting Emissions Trading on 1 July 2014 – Policy Summary: 2013, viewed 22 August 2014, http://www.climatechange.gov.au/sites/climatechange/files/files/reducing-carbon/carbon- pricing-policy/cef-policy-summary-moving-ets.PDF Bernes-Lee, M 2010, How Bad Are Bananas?: The carbon footprint of everything, Profile Books, London. Bishop Amanda 2008, How to Reduce your Carbon Footprint, Crabtree Publishing Company, UK. CBO 2008, Policy Options or Reducing CO2 Emissions viewed on 23 August 2014 http://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/cbofiles/ftpdocs/89xx/doc8934/02-12-carbon.pdf Franchetti, J & Apul, D 2012, Carbon Footprint Analysis: Concepts, Methods, Implementation, and Case Studies, CRC Press, New York. Hammerschlag, R & Barbour, W 2003, Life-cycle Assessment and Indirect Emission Reductions: Issues Associated with Ownership and Trading (R), Institute of Lifecycle Environmental Assessment, Seattle, Washington, USA. Hertwich, E & Peters, G 2009, ‘Carbon footprint of nations: a global, trade-linked analysis’, Environ Science Technology, vol. 43, pp. 6414-20. Huang, A, Lenzen, M, Weber C, Murray, J, & Mathews, S 2009, ‘The Role of input-Output Analysis for the Screening of Corporate Carbon Footprints’, Economic Systems Research, vol. 21, pp. 217-42. Mathews, J 2009, Managing Your Corporate Carbon Footprint – The Benefits Go Beyond the Environment, Advisory Services Group, e3 Solutions Inc, viewed 23 August 2014, http://www.escinst.org/pdf/ManagingYourCorporateCarbonFootprint.pdf Patel, J 2006, ‘Green sky thinking’, Environment Business, vol. 122, p. 32. Sim, S 2009, The Carbon Footprint Wars: What Might Happen If We Retreat from Globalization? Edinburgh University Press, UK. Tukker, A & Jansen, B 2006, ‘Environmental impacts of products: A detailed review of studies’, Journal of Industrial Ecology, vol. 10, no. 3, p. 159. Wackernagel, M & Rees, WE 1996, Our Ecological Footprint - Reducing Human Impact on the Earth, New Society Publishers, Gabriola Island, B.C., Canada Wackernagel, M, Monfreda, C, Moran, D, Wermer, P, Goldfinger, S, Deumling, D & Murray, M 2005, National Footprint and Biocapacity Accounts 2005: The underlying calculation method. Weidema, BP, Thrane, M, Christensen, P, Schmidt, J, & Lokke, S 2008, ‘Carbon footprint’, Journal of Industrial Ecology, vol.12, no. 1, pp. 3-6. Read More