CO2 footprint / carbon footprint
Some speak of the CO2 balance, others of the carbon footprint, company carbon footprint (CCF) or product carbon footprint (PCF). What is meant is always the proportion of CO2 that is generated in a company or, for example, during the production of a product. There are different ways of looking at things, depending on the situation.
A carbon footprint is a very good EnPI (Energy Performance Indicator), as is absolutely necessary for an energy management system. The respective viewing direction is important.
Do I look at the CCF or the PCF or possibly also the CO2 emissions per employee, vehicle, area, etc.?
The determination and certification of a CO2 balance is subsidized by the BAFA in module 5 of the funding program energy and resource efficiency in the economy. The grant is 50% (60% for SMEs) of the eligible costs and is capped at €80,000 per concept.
CO2 related to a company
There are 3 ways of looking at a carbon footprint:
Scope 1 includes all direct greenhouse gas emissions of a company. In summary, everything that can be read on the energy supply company meters or other energy sources (fuel, steam, etc.) via bills or other evidence.
Scope 2 includes indirect emissions from the use of energy. In addition to Scope 1, there is also the proportion of CO2 that is generated in the energy supply companies during energy generation.
Scope 3 still includes the proportion of CO2 that is generated when purchasing materials, parts and services.
Carbon related to a product
Identical to the CCF, the focus of the CO2 emissions is on the product, the CO2 emissions are broken down into the product.
The entire life cycle of a product is also considered differently.
If the information from the suppliers is not available, Scope 3 is problematic for PCF.
