Definition
GHG emissions per unit of economic output. It is expressed as the amount of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emitted per unit of economic output, for example, tons of CO2e per million euros of revenue.
Further information
The carbon footprint is closely related to greenhouse gas emissions, which are divided into three categories: Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3
Measuring the carbon footprint involves calculating the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by our daily activities. This includes energy use at home, transportation, food production and consumption, and the purchase of goods and services.
Knowing our carbon footprint helps us understand the impact of our actions on the environment. This is crucial for identifying areas where we can reduce our emissions and adopt more sustainable practices.
This environmental indicator quantifies both direct and indirect emissions of various compounds, including methane (CH4), nitrous oxide (N2O), hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), sulfur hexafluoride (SF6), and notably, carbon dioxide (CO2), which has been the main contributor to global warming since 1990.
Related concepts
References
Legal frame
- Directive (UE) 2022/2464 - Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD).
- Comission Delegated Regulation (UE) 2023/2772 - European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS).
Update date: May 2025
