Tuesday 17 July 2007

Carbon Footprint

Carbon footprint is a measure of the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted through the combustion of fossil fuels; in the case of an organization, business or enterprise, as part of their everyday operations; in the case of an individual or household, as part of their daily lives; or a product or commodity in reaching market. In materials, it is essentially a measure of embodied energy, the result of life cycle analysis.
A carbon footprint is often expressed as tons of carbon dioxide or tons of carbon emitted, usually on a yearly basis. There are many versions of calculators available for carbon footprinting.
This is directly related to the amount of natural resources consumed, increasingly used or referred to as a measure of environmental impact. Carbon dioxide is recognized as a greenhouse gas (GHG), of which increasing levels in the atmosphere are linked to global warming and climate change.
The Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) under the Kyoto Protocol sets forth a methodology by which voluntary emission reduction can be monetized in the form of a carbon project. These standards involve the use of an environmental proof called additionality.
A carbon label - which shows the carbon footprint embodied in a product in bringing it to the shelf was introduced in the UK in March 2007 by the Carbon Trust. Examples of products featuring their carbon footprint are Walkers Crisps, Innocent Drinks, and Boots shampoos.
source: wikipedia

Calculate your carbon footprint!
Everyone has a carbon footprint - it's your own personal measure of how much carbon dioxide you create and how much you contribute to climate change.
Calculate your carbon footprint!
Use the Act on CO2 calculator to find out what your carbon footprint is. You'll also get a personalised action plan with recommendations about how you can help tackle climate change - including links to further information on Directgov and the Energy Saving Trust website.
Act on CO2
Climate change is a serious problem that affects us all. There is strong evidence that human emissions of greenhouse gases are changing the world's climate. The main greenhouse gas is carbon dioxide (CO2), produced when we burn fossil fuels like coal, oil and gas for energy.
Over 40 per cent of CO2 emissions in the UK come directly from what we do as individuals; for example, heating and using electricity in our homes - and driving vehicles. Flights are the next biggest source of individuals’ CO2 emissions.
Ways in which the Government will help people act
There are many ways the Government is planning to help you act on reducing CO2 emissions - now and in the future. This means working in partnership with businesses, organisations and manufacturers.
('My CO2' climate change film
This short film shows how energy use in your home creates CO2 emissions, and how we can all reduce our emissions to help tackle climate change
Get straight to information about leading a greener life, reducing your emissions, climate change and more... )
source: Directgov website- UK

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