Carbon Footprint
The total amount of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly or indirectly by an individual, organisation, event, or product, usually expressed in carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e).
Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
Gases in the Earth’s atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to the greenhouse effect. Common GHGs include carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and fluorinated gases.
Scope 1 Emissions
Direct GHG emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as fuel combustion in company vehicles or facilities.
Scope 2 Emissions
Indirect GHG emissions associated with the purchase of electricity, steam, heating, and cooling consumed by the reporting company. These emissions occur at the facility where the energy is generated.
Scope 3 Emissions
Indirect GHG emissions not included in Scope 2 that occur in the value chain of the reporting company, including both upstream and downstream emissions. This includes emissions from purchased goods and services, transportation, waste disposal, and product use.
Baseline Emissions
The level of emissions from a particular source over a specified time period, used as a reference point for measuring reductions.
Carbon Credits
A permit that allows the holder to emit a certain amount of carbon dioxide or other GHGs. One carbon credit typically represents one metric tonne of CO₂e. These credits can be traded in carbon markets.
Carbon Neutrality
Achieving net-zero carbon emissions by balancing the amount of carbon emitted with an equivalent amount of carbon removed from the atmosphere or offset through credits.
Emissions Inventory
A comprehensive account of all GHG emissions produced by a company or organisation, usually categorised by source and scope.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A systematic analysis of the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its life cycle, from raw material extraction through production, use, and disposal.
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
A widely used international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify, and manage greenhouse gas emissions. It provides standards and guidance for companies and organisations to prepare their GHG inventories.
Decarbonisation
The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions associated with energy consumption and industrial processes to mitigate climate change.
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