Carbon footprint of the organization

The carbon footprint of an organization is the total greenhouse gases emitted directly or indirectly through the activity carried out by that organization.

Different models for different organizations.

Please mark a different approach for

How do you calculate?

The carbon footprint generated by each emission source is the result of the product of the consumption data (activity data) by its corresponding emission factor:

  • Carbon footprint = Activity data * Emission factor
    • Activity data: is the parameter that defines the level of activity that generates greenhouse gas emissions. For example, amount of natural gas used in heating (kWh of natural gas).
    • Emission factor: is the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per unit of the "activity data" parameter. For example, for natural gas, the emission factor would be 0.202 kg CO2 eq/kWh of natural gas.
  • Based on this formula, there are several methodologies for calculating the carbon footprint (UNE-ISO 14064, GHG Protocol, etc.). We recommend that you master one methodology and apply it consistently.

What data do you need?

You will need to know, at the very least,

  • fossil fuel consumption data (in offices, machinery, warehouses, vehicles, etc.), and
  • electricity for a given year
  • as well as their corresponding emission factors.
    Additionally, indirect emissions other than electricity could be included, such as work trips with external means, subcontracted services such as waste management, etc.

Basic concepts, what steps to follow?

  • Choose the year of calculation
  • Establish organizational and operational boundaries: which areas will be included in the information collection and calculation process. Identify emitting sources associated with operations within the areas.
  • Collect all consumption data (activity data) from all operations to cover the 3 main scopes. Minimum required Scope 1+2, Scope 3 voluntary
    • Scope 1: Direct emissions
      • Fuel consumption of buildings (natural gas boilers, gasoil)
      • Expansion refrigerant gas leaks in refrigeration, air conditioning/refrigeration equipment (gas recharge performed in such equipment).
      • Fuel for vehicles
    • Scope 2: Indirect emissions related to electricity consumption
      • Electricity consumption in buildings
    • Scope 3: Other indirect emissions
      • Business travel with external means of transportation
      • Outsourced services (waste management, cleaning, security, etc.)
      • purchase of products
      • Etc
  • It is advisable to accompany the first effort to calculate the footprint with the implementation of a data collection system. The objective is to facilitate the task in subsequent years and to ensure the quality and completeness of the data. In addition, these data should be backed up by invoices or other
  • Perform the calculations by multiplying the activity data by the emission factors.

Example of Spanish methodological sources.

  • The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Food and Environment of Spain (MAPAMA) provides the following information
    • emission factor data on its website for each year as well as carbon footprint calculators for the 1+2 range that include them and that can be very useful.
    • Three are provided: one for calculating the 1+2 footprint of any organization, one for organizations dedicated to the agricultural sector, and one for municipalities.
  • Once you know how much is emitted and where, think about where to act to reduce emissions. This will be reflected in
    a reduction plan that should include the measures to be carried out, as well as the quantification of the estimated reductions that
    would imply. It is recommended that a timetable be included in the plan.
  • You can choose to certify your carbon footprint by going to an independent third party. This will help you detect possible errors and provide you with a backup.
    to your calculation.
  • You can register your Carbon Footprint on the MAPAMA website following all the requirements.