C
Carbon Footprint
Definition
A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions — expressed in CO₂ equivalent (CO₂e) — caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organisation, product, or supply chain over a defined period. Organisational carbon footprints are measured using the GHG Protocol Corporate Standard (Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions). Product carbon footprints are measured per unit of product over its lifecycle, typically using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology per ISO 14067:2018 (Carbon Footprint of Products). GHG Protocol is currently updating its corporate suite of standards (final standard expected 2027).
Source
GHG Protocol Corporate Standard (2004, under revision); ISO 14067:2018 (Product Carbon Footprint); IPCC Sixth Assessment Report (2021–2022).
Practical Explanation (Compliance Context)
Carbon footprint measurement is the foundation for all GHG reporting obligations — CSRD (ESRS E1), IFRS S2, California SB 253/261, and supply chain customer requirements. Companies should establish an organisational carbon inventory (Scope 1, 2, 3) and product-level carbon footprints using primary data where possible. Product carbon footprints are increasingly required in supply chain disclosures, procurement specifications, and carbon labelling initiatives.