Concern for sustainability has become a priority among companies and one of the several possible measures to preserve the environment is the reduction of the carbon footprint. In this article, you will understand this important concept and what to do to adapt production processes to the demands of society without giving up operational efficiency. Check it out:
Basically, the carbon footprint is a measure of the environmental impact caused by a certain activity or product. It is expressed in tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and takes into account the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted during the entire life cycle of a product or service, from production to disposal.
To calculate a company's carbon footprint, it is necessary to:
Some online calculators, such as the one on the site Carbon Footprint, can provide an estimate. However, it is essential to verify the accuracy and integrity of the data collected and the calculations performed, identifying possible gaps or errors.
Based on the result, it is possible to identify opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and develop an action plan to implement the identified measures.
The carbon footprint has significant impacts on the environment, such as:
On the other hand, reducing the carbon footprint reduces these risks and can still bring several benefits to companies, such as the reduction of operating costs and the improvement of the brand's image before society and consumers.
There are several actions that companies can take to reduce their carbon footprint and become more sustainable. Some of them are related to the concepts of ESG and the circular economy. These are the main ones:
One of the main sources of GHG emissions by companies is the consumption of electrical energy generated from fossil fuels. To reduce their carbon footprint, companies can invest in renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydro.
In addition to reducing GHG emissions, this measure also results in other benefits: such as the reduction of long-term electricity costs and the attraction of customers, suppliers, and investors who value sustainable practices.
Another way to reduce energy consumption and, consequently, GHG emissions, is to adopt energy efficiency practices. This includes, for example:
The transportation of goods and people is another important source of carbon emissions in companies. The reduction of these emissions can be achieved through the promotion of sustainable mobility, which involves the use of electric vehicles and the valuation of public transport, among other actions.
In addition, companies can invest in technologies that improve the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, such as the adoption of low-resistance tires, which help reduce fuel consumption.
Effluent treatment, when done with suitable products, can also help reduce the carbon footprint, as it reduces the release of gases such as methane and carbon dioxide. However, this is only possible through a holistic approach, which considers all the processes in the production chain.
Water reuse practices tend to reduce the consumption of water resources and are a sustainable and appropriate alternative to national and international legislation.
Do you want to know more? Check out 6 water preservation actions that your company can take today!
