Most human activities require energy and cause greenhouse gas emissions. We produce greenhouse gas emisions when we burn fossil fuels to drive our cars and heat our buildings. Emissions are also generated when we use conventional electricity to turn on the lights and power our airco's, computers and other appliances. For many organisations this is already the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions. And, indirectly, organisations also cause emissions when purchasing materials, when employees drive to work and when customers use the products produced. All these emissions contribute to global warming and climate change.
The sum of all the greenhouse gas emissions within an organisation's whole sphere of influence is what we call an organisation's Climate Footprint. By including the whole sphere of influence, we stimulate companies to use their leverage and involve employees, customers and suppliers. It provides an incentive to reduce emissions by suppliers in countries like China and India, creating a 'level playing field' for business and encourages technology transfer before it is too late.
By measuring your organisation's Climate Footprint, you get a better sense of your organisation's impact on our climate and you learn which parts of your business deserve the greatest attention. Armed with this information, you can more readily take effective action to combat climate change.
