Carbon and water footprints
Carbon footprint
Carbon footprint is a commonly used term to describe the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions produced by an individual, activity, organisation, region or country. Carbon footprinting provides a useful way of communicating the magnitude of greenhouse gas emissions and the effect of mitigating activities. There are many carbon footprint calculators available electronically, some more reputable than others.
There is no single recognised way of calculating a carbon footprint and approaches vary in, for example, the range of greenhouse gases covered and the extent to which upstream and downstream activities are included.
The Middle Way uses a carbon footprinting approach that is rigorous and transparent and matches the purpose for which the footprint is to be used. For example, the methodology might need to comply with the requirements of a statutory greenhouse gas reporting framework such as the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting Scheme. Alternatively, something less detailed may be appropriate; the organisation may wish to include a detailed disclosure on some Scope 3 emissions; or choose to focus on particular products or processes.
The steps in preparing a Carbon Footprint are in summary:
- Define the boundary, scope and methodology
- Prepare a greenhouse gas emissions inventory, collecting data and calculating emissions
- Verify results (optional)
- Communicate the footprint
Water footprint
A water footprint depicts the total volume of freshwater used in the production of goods or services that are consumed by an individual, community or business; or produced by a business. It is geographically explicit showing not only the volumes of water used but also the locations. A corporate water footprint includes both direct (operational) water use by the company and also (indirect) supply chain use.
Organisations with a large water footprint are likely to be more exposed to climate change risk as well as opportunity. There is a clear link between an organisation’s water footprint and its carbon footprint.
Work to develop a universally accepted water footprinting methodology is underway through the World Business Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD) and the Water Footprint Network. The WBCSD has developed a web-based software tool (Global Water Tool) to assist companies with global operations and extended supply chains to assess their water use as well as risks associated with water availability.
The Middle Way can assist organisations develop their water footprints by applying these emerging methodologies, or with simpler approaches such as developing inventories of water consumption from utility invoices and surveying key suppliers.