ISO 14064-1 Carbon Footprint Verification is an international standard titled "Carbon Footprint - Principles and Requirements" and provides a framework for the calculation, reporting, and verification of greenhouse gas emissions. The Carbon Footprint is used for organizations or individuals to determine and disclose their greenhouse gas emissions. Verification means that these emission calculations are checked and approved by an independent third party.
ISO 14064-1 Carbon Footprint Verification Process
- Selecting an Independent Verification Body
- Verification Application
- Document Review
- Site Audit (Optional)
- Preparation of Verification Report
- Receiving the Certificate
How is Carbon Footprint Calculated?
ISO 14064-1 Carbon Footprint Verification calculation is a process used to measure and evaluate the greenhouse gas emissions of an organization, product, or activity. This process helps organizations to assess their environmental sustainability performance, develop strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve their sustainability goals. Here are the basic steps:
The first step is to determine what the calculation will cover. This defines the scope of the carbon footprint. For example, the scope of your organization's carbon footprint calculation may include energy consumption, transportation, waste management, and your activities.
You must collect the relevant data. This data may be related to energy consumption, fuel consumption, transportation activities, waste generation, and other factors affecting greenhouse gas emissions. It is important to collect data reliably and accurately.
You must use emission factors or coefficients to convert the data into emissions. These factors indicate how much greenhouse gas is produced per unit of energy or fuel. Official emission factors provided by environmental agencies or energy providers are generally used.
Calculate greenhouse gas emissions using the data and emission factors. These calculations must be made separately for each emission source. For example, emissions for electricity consumption can be calculated based on the amount of electricity used and the type of its source (fossil fuels, wind energy, solar energy, etc.).
Different greenhouse gases have different effects. Therefore, it may be necessary to convert measured greenhouse gas emissions into carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2e). This takes into account the impact potential of different gases.
Analyze the calculated emission data and evaluate the results. This helps you identify the largest emission sources and reduction opportunities. Report the results and share them with the relevant stakeholders.
One purpose of calculating the carbon footprint is to identify opportunities for emission reduction and to improve sustainability efforts. Therefore, develop and implement reduction strategies.
What is a Greenhouse Gas?
Greenhouse gases (GHG) are some gases present in the atmosphere that contribute to the warming of the Earth's surface. These gases trap the sun's rays and cause the heat on the surface to be retained in the atmosphere. This natural greenhouse effect is necessary for the sustainability of life on Earth. However, an excessive increase in greenhouse gas emissions leads to an increase in this effect and global warming. Here are some of the most common greenhouse gases:
- Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Released into the atmosphere as a result of human activities such as burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes.
- Methane (CH4): Released through processes such as landfill sites, rice paddies, cattle farms, and natural gas production.
- Nitrogen Oxides (NOx): Produced by combustion processes, vehicles, and industrial plants.
- Fluorinated Gases: Commonly found in refrigeration machines, air conditioning systems, and electronics production used in industrial processes.
- Sulfur Dioxide (SO2): A gas released into the atmosphere during the burning of fossil fuels.
What are Carbon Footprint Reduction Methods?
You can use the following methods to reduce your carbon footprint. These methods are valid for both individuals and organizations:
- Energy Efficiency
- Use of Renewable Energy
- Transportation Options
- Sustainable Nutrition
- Waste Reduction and Recycling
- Sustainable Shopping
- Sustainable Travel
- Digitalization and Remote Work
- Tree Planting and Forest Conservation
- Education and Awareness
- Investment and Support
Reducing your carbon footprint is an important contribution to combating climate change. These steps can offer both environmental and economic benefits and help you contribute to a green and sustainable future.