Carbon footprint

The carbon footprint measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and other greenhouse gases released directly or indirectly through human activities such as energy consumption, transportation, or production. It serves as an indicator of climate change and is expressed in metric tons of CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).

The carbon footprint considers not only direct emissions, such as the fuel consumption of a vehicle, but also indirect emissions that occur during the production and transportation of goods. The impact of various greenhouse gases, such as methane (CH₄) and nitrous oxide (N₂O), is made comparable through conversion into CO₂ equivalents (CO₂e).

This concept helps to better understand the environmental impact of activities and products, enabling targeted measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Companies use the calculation of their carbon footprint to optimize their sustainability strategies and reduce emissions across their entire value chain. Consumers can lower their carbon footprint through conscious decisions in areas like diet, energy use, and transportation.

A lower carbon footprint makes a significant contribution to climate protection and supports the achievement of global goals, such as limiting global warming under the Paris Agreement. At the same time, it promotes the adoption of renewable energy and sustainable technologies.

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