Will carbon footprint become the future of responsible business? It is certainly becoming a key indicator for companies striving for sustainability and reducing their environmental impact. Today, however, calculating a carbon footprint is not just fashion or ethics - for some companies it is also an obligation under the latest regulations. What else is worth knowing?
In this article you will find answers to such and other questions:
- A company's carbon footprint - what is it?
- What are the main components of the carbon footprint?
- Who needs to calculate a carbon footprint today already?
- What are the methods for calculating the carbon footprint?
- Carbon footprint monitoring - key benefits for companies and contractors
- Good today, better tomorrow - mission and vision Geo Globe Poland
A company's carbon footprint - what is it?
A company's carbon footprint is a key indicator that shows the sum of greenhouse gas emissions associated with a company's operations. It covers the full cycle of a company's operations: from production processes, transportation, use of raw materials and products, to their final disposal. These emissions are most often expressed in tons of carbon dioxide (CO₂) and include not only CO₂ itself, but also other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming, such as nitrous oxide and methane.
What are the main components of the carbon footprint?
When calculating a company's carbon footprint, three main ranges of its emissions are considered:
- Scope 1 (direct emissions)
Includes greenhouse gas emissions generated by a company's direct operational activities. Examples include the combustion of fossil fuels in production machinery or company vehicles, and emissions generated by the company's own production facilities and processes.
- Scope 2 (indirect energy-related emissions)
Refers to emissions related to purchased electricity, heat, steam or cooling energy that the company uses in its operations. These are emissions generated outside the company, but linked directly to its operations.
- Scope 3 (other indirect emissions)
Scope three, on the other hand, includes all other indirect emissions that result from a company's operations but take place outside its direct control. It includes emissions related to the transportation of employees, suppliers, consumer use of products and emissions from waste.
Who needs to calculate a carbon footprint today already?
Currently, the obligation to calculate a carbon footprint mainly applies to large companies, especially those operating in high-emission sectors such as heavy industry, energy and transportation. For many companies, especially those in key industries, the requirement to monitor and report their carbon footprint stems from EU regulations, such as the following Directive on sustainable reporting (CSRD). Let's take a look at what changes have been made to the GHG reporting obligation in recent years and the timeline for the next steps:
- From 2024:
Companies with more than 500 employees are required to report their carbon footprint.
- From 2025:
The obligation will extend to companies with more than 250 employees.
- From 2026:
Emissions reporting will also extend to selected small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It is worth noting, however, that SMEs will have the option to declare that they are not ready to report and extend the deadline for complying with the new regulations until 2028.
What are the methods for calculating the carbon footprint?
Calculation of carbon footprint in companies is mainly based on guidelines Greenhouse Gas Protocol (GHG Protocol), which is recognized as the global standard for reporting greenhouse gas emissions. The GHG Protocol offers precise methods and tools that enable companies to account for emissions at every stage of the product life cycle, from plastics manufacturing Through transportation and use to disposal. For many multinational companies, such as those on the list of Fortune 500, GHG Protocol is the basis for reporting - more than 90% uses it to transparently present its sustainability efforts.
Carbon footprint monitoring - key benefits for companies and contractors
Carbon footprint monitoring, while not yet mandatory for many companies in Poland, has numerous benefits. Among the most important of these are:
- Increase cost efficiency
By identifying areas with high emissions, a company can reduce operating costs by investing in more efficient technologies and processes. Through detailed analysis, the company can identify which areas of its operations generate the most emissions - whether it is production, transportation, energy consumption or waste management. With this knowledge, the company can make changes that contribute to lower emissions, for example by upgrading machinery, using greener energy sources, or optimizing logistics.
- Preparing for future regulations
With tightening environmental regulations, carbon footprinting may become a requirement in many industries. Regular monitoring allows a company to smoothly adapt to these changes and avoid sanctions.
- Increase reputation and enhance competitiveness
Companies that care about their environmental impact are better perceived by consumers, and their brand gains in value. In addition, many companies are operating in an environment where more and more customers, investors and business partners expect sustainability measures. Regular monitoring and reduction of the carbon footprint can also help companies meet regulatory requirements, especially in industries where a carbon footprint is formally required.
Both small and large companies have much to gain from monitoring your carbon footprint. This gives them the knowledge to reduce operating costs, improve energy efficiency and build trust among stakeholders. What's more, calculating and reducing carbon footprints can help companies achieve environmental certifications and competitive advantages.
Good today, better tomorrow - mission and vision of Geo Globe Poland
W Geo Globe Poland we aim to minimize our carbon footprint through conscious and advanced manufacturing processes, which are the cornerstone of our mission -. Good Today, Better Tomorrow.
What reduces our carbon footprint?
Plastic recycling and own recycling line
The modern machinery we have at our disposal enables us to make full use of production waste. Every material we reprocess reduces the need for virgin raw materials, which significantly reduces the emissions associated with their production. This approach to reducing our carbon footprint has a positive impact on the broader ecosystem. By using resources efficiently, we also help our customers achieve their environmental goals by providing products that are manufactured more sustainably. By consistently achieving our mission Good Today, Better Tomorrow We believe that we can shape a sustainable future by supporting our business partners in this effort as well.
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