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June 26, 2024
At LSC Engineering Group, our environmental engineers face the daily challenge of guiding companies towards more sustainable practices. Among the essential tools at their disposal, carbon footprint assessment stands out as crucially important.
We meet Veronica Craighero, circular economy engineer at LSC Environmental Engineering, who will give us the keys to starting the process of conducting carbon footprint assessments.
A carbon footprint is an assessment of the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated by a company’s activities. It includes all direct and indirect sources of emissions, such as energy consumption, travel and production processes. It is essential for companies to understand their environmental impact in order to take effective measures to reduce their emissions and contribute to the fight against climate change.
There are many benefits to a carbon footprint assessment, but three stand out. First, it allows companies to quantify their GHG emissions, providing a clear understanding of their impact on climate change. Second, by identifying specific sources of emissions, companies can assess the risks associated with their activities and take steps to mitigate them. Thirdly, conducting a carbon footprint assessment enhances a company’s credibility and reputation in terms of sustainability, which can improve its brand image and stakeholder relations.
To get started with a carbon footprint assessment, a company must follow several key steps. First, it is crucial to clearly define its objectives, whether they are to reduce GHG emissions, comply with environmental regulations, or improve energy efficiency. It is important to understand that carbon footprint assessments are not one-off processes, but require a long-term vision and must be repeated regularly.
Next, it is essential to collect accurate and reliable data to feed into the carbon footprint assessment process and to define the methodology to be followed. Finally, once the data has been collected and processed, an in-depth analysis of the results allows priority areas for action to be identified and emission reduction targets to be set.
I recommend that companies fully commit to the carbon footprint assessment process by involving senior management and forming a multidisciplinary team. This will facilitate data collection efforts in particular. Next, it is advisable to collaborate with specialised consulting firms to benefit from their technical expertise and assistance throughout the process. Finally, I would emphasise the importance of transparency in communicating the results of the carbon footprint assessment and innovation in finding solutions to reduce emissions.
