Organisational Carbon Footprint
Definitions
Organisational Carbon Footprint
Organisational Carbon Footprint means the direct and indirect Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions originating from all activities across [insert organisation name].
Drafting notes
Direct emissions are emissions from activities within an organisation’s control. This includes emissions from on-site fuel combustion, manufacturing and process emissions, refrigerant losses and company vehicles. Under the World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, these are termed Scope 1 emissions.
Indirect emissions are emissions from any electricity, heat or steam purchased and used by an organisation and any other indirect emissions from sources outside the organisation’s direct control. The organisation is indirectly responsible for the release of GHG associated with that power or other source of GHG. These emissions are classed (respectively) as Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions under the GHG Protocol. Scope 3 emissions can include use of sold goods, employee commuting and business travel, outsourced transportation, waste disposal and water consumption.
For more information, see definition of Scope 1, 2 & 3 Emissions.
Application
Supply chain clauses, model laws, government guidance, loan agreements.
References
UNFCCC, The Climate Change Committee (CCC), GHG Protocol:
Carbon Trust: Carbon footprinting (PDF)
Carbon Trust: Carbon footprinting management guide (PDF)
ScienceDirect: Carbon Footprint of an Organization: a Tool for Monitoring Impacts on Global Warming