What's a Carbon Footprint, Anyway?
By Dr. John Barkanic, ETAC Technical Consultant
Barkanic@etctr.com
Over the past decade, there has been an accelerating pace of discussion and debate about our carbon-based economy. A considerable amount of scientific study suggests global warming and climate change are strongly linked to increases in the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Data collected by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates the global warming effect is largely a result of human activities.
In many different ways, we’ve all seen it, right in front of our eyes. It has happened slowly, over several decades in much the same way someone gains thirty pounds in thirty years. A pound per year is difficult to notice year to year. The year-to-year changes in climate are difficult to distinguish; however the cumulative effect of thirty years of climate change is obvious. Whether it’s the acque alte or seasonal high tides in Venice that seem to frequent the city ten times more often than a century ago, or the slow death of the coral reef and bleaching of this chromatic under-water wonderland. We all have anecdotal data points to present.
The concept of a carbon footprint was developed as a means to measure the impact of our activities on global warming and the environment. It is simply a measurement that quantifies the total amount of greenhouse gas an individual or an organization produces and has units of mass of carbon dioxide equivalence. The concept of a carbon dioxide equivalent is used because there are many gases that produce a greenhouse effect. The carbon footprint takes into consideration carbon dioxide, as well as non-carbon dioxide based greenhouse gases.
In order to calculate your carbon footprint, a primary and secondary footprint need be determined. The primary footprint is the result of direct emissions of carbon dioxide from the consumption of organic materials. These emissions include the burning of coal, oil or natural gas to heat our homes, or the use of gasoline or diesel fuel to commute to school. The primary footprint is a result of direct emissions that are easily controlled. The secondary footprint is a measure of indirect carbon dioxide emissions from products and services that we purchase and use. These emissions are associated with consumer products and the manufacturing, delivery, and lifecycle of the product. These are emissions that we indirectly control through our purchasing habits.
The question is, what can we do to reduce our carbon footprint? It has been estimated that approximately twenty percent of all of the greenhouse gas generated is a result of the use of carbon-based transportation fuel. Reducing the amount of fuel used to commute can have a significant impact on your carbon footprint.
What can you do? For starters, make sure your vehicle is getting the highest gas mileage possible. Keep the air filter clean, the engine tuned, and maintain proper pressure in your tires. It is believed that a well-tuned vehicle can reduce fuel consumption by approximately ten percent. Want to do more? Carpool - this not only reduces fuel consumption but also reduces your cost. Still want to do more? Use public transportation, purchase a hybrid or electric vehicle or use a vehicle that operates on bio-diesel fuel. Using bio-fuel has zero carbon footprint. Combustion of a bio-fuel generates carbon dioxide, but the plant absorbed carbon dioxide from the atmosphere while growing.
A considerable percentage of our carbon footprint is also generated from home heating. This is a result of burning coal, natural gas, propane or heating oil to keep our homes warm through the winter months. Reducing the amount of energy we consume to heat or cool our homes is easier than you might think. An added layer of insulation in the attic, some additional caulking around leaky windows and doorways, or simply turning down a thermostat a few degrees and donning a sweater will have a substantial impact on the amount of energy used. Regarding energy consumption, consider going green. That is, use solar energy for either heating water or generating electricity using photovoltaic cells. Wind turbines capable of generating five kilowatt of power are down in cost to under $5,000 and of course the use of passive solar heating is one of the most effective and least costly means of heating your personal space. To further reduce your energy consumption and electricity usage, consider changing to fluorescent or LED light bulbs. They substantially reduce the amount of electricity required for lighting. Further, when purchasing a new washer, dryer, hot water heater, refrigerator, electric range or freezer, look for energy star certification. These appliances are designed to have high operating efficiency, getting the job done using much less energy.
The important point here is that both individuals and organizations can make changes that help reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Individuals can make positive lifestyle changes and as consumers, purchase green. Companies and organizations have the same opportunity by promoting policy that reduces energy consumption, reduces operating waste and increases recycling everywhere.
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