WHAT IS CARBON FOOTPRINT?

The carbon footprint is a measure of the environmental impact of human activities, expressed in units of carbon dioxide, based on the total amount of greenhouse gases generated by an individual or organization through activities such as transportation, heating, electricity consumption, and so on. It consists of two main components: direct (primary) footprint and indirect (secondary) footprint. The primary footprint refers to the direct CO₂ emissions resulting from the burning of fossil fuels, including household energy consumption and transportation (e.g., cars and airplanes). The secondary footprint measures the indirect CO₂ emissions associated with the entire life cycle of the products we use, from their production to their eventual disposal.

WHY IS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATED?

By measuring the carbon footprint, you can determine the environmental impact you leave on the planet, either as an individual or as an organization. You can see how much CO₂ is emitted during household activities (electricity, natural gas, liquid fuels, coal, LPG), flights, and the use of cars, motorcycles, buses, etc. Additionally, based on the information you provide about your lifestyle and production habits, you can also calculate your indirect contribution to this impact.

In addition, other reasons for calculating the Carbon Footprint are listed below:

• Legal requirements
• Corporate social responsibility
• Customer or investor demands
• Marketing and corporate image
• Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction (mandatory/voluntary)
• Participation in emission trading mechanisms 

WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT FOR A BETTER ENVIRONMENT AND FUTURE

1. Whenever possible, we can reduce electricity and natural gas consumption by using renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, energy-efficient bulbs, and solar energy for heating. This helps reduce energy consumption, one of the main sources of emissions.

2. By contributing to reforestation efforts, each planted tree can absorb approximately 12 kg of carbon dioxide per year.

3. We can prevent emissions by disposing of household and workplace waste in recycling bins.

4. We can prioritize recyclable and more environmentally friendly products in our purchases to contribute to the environment. Choosing electronic devices with an “A” energy rating also benefits nature.

5. Instead of using our personal vehicles, we can help reduce emissions by using public transportation, walking, or cycling.

6. Since airplanes consume much more fuel per mile during takeoff and landing than during cruising, we can choose direct flights whenever possible.

7. For daily transportation and heating needs, we can opt for clean fuels. We can replace fossil fuel-powered vehicles with electric or hybrid cars and, for heating, choose natural gas whenever feasible.

   

HOW IS THE CARBON FOOTPRINT CALCULATED?

Various methodologies and standards have been developed internationally for calculating the carbon footprint. The main standards focus on the six greenhouse gases considered under the Kyoto Protocol (CO2, CH4, N2O, PFCs, HFCs, SF6). These include methodologies published by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), along with the GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, CDP, and PAS 2050. Organizations wishing to calculate their corporate carbon footprint can use any of these international standards.

To calculate a carbon footprint, a company should follow a four-step process:

Step 1 – Defining the Purpose:
Determine the objectives of the carbon footprint calculation. For example, the results can be used to set CO2 reduction targets and identify potential CO2 mitigation measures.

Step 2 – Setting Boundaries:
Once the purpose is defined, the company must determine the boundaries for the carbon footprint (within the limits specified by the chosen standard). For corporate reporting, the most commonly used scope is the operational control scope. This means the organization will calculate and take responsibility for the carbon footprint of all activities under its daily operational control. Certain emissions outside the company’s direct activities may also be considered within this scope.

Step 3 – Data Collection and Application of Emission Factors:
After agreeing on the boundaries and scope, data on activities are collected, and emission factors and global warming potentials are applied. Collecting this information in this way is called an inventory. Emission factors may vary by country and can change over time. Sources for emission factors include the IPCC guidelines and the WBCSD GHG Protocol 2007, among others.

Step 4 – Evaluating Results and Reporting the Footprint:
The report should be transparent, with choices and assumptions clearly stated. Information should be compared with a selected reference (baseline) year, e.g., 2010, and any uncertainties in the data or calculations should be noted.

   

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPLES OF GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION CALCULATION AND REPORTING?

1. Relevance: Reflect all greenhouse gases of the organization and ensure alignment with the purpose.

2. Completeness: Include all emission sources and activities within the defined scope. Clearly indicate/explain any sources that are excluded.

3. Consistency: Use similar methods for comparison. Specify any changes in data, methodology, or boundaries.

4. Transparency: Clearly state the data, assumptions, methods, and references used, along with their justifications.

5. Accuracy: Minimize uncertainties, ensure closeness to actual values, and use correct information.   *

  

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSION CALCULATION AND REPORTING?

• For the first reporting, it is required to include at least CO2 emissions. From the first year onward, all greenhouse gases can be included.

• Reporting can be done on a facility or organizational basis. Reporting at the organizational level is more appropriate in terms of completeness. It is recommended to consolidate facility-level data to the organizational level.

• Organizational boundaries must be defined and justified. Boundaries can be set based on operational or financial control. Inclusion of subsidiaries is recommended.

• Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions must be included in the activity boundaries. Scope 3 is optional.

• The first complete reporting year should be used as the reference year. The same year should be used across the organization to track reduction performance.

• Sources contributing less than 2% of total greenhouse gas emissions may be excluded from calculations. However, for a complete and consistent inventory, it is recommended to include all sources. For small sources, estimation methods or assumptions can be used, provided the methodology is justified.