Carbon Footprint: Concept, Methodology and Calculation
27
and machine learning) as a possible way to support global researchers in a more
effectively estimation of emissions.
– There is a lack in the practical utilization of research outcomes on CF as a basis to
understand the current situation of GHG emissions and consequently implement
effective action plans. Thus, it is crucial to fill this gap between the research and
practices, employing research to estimate CF, but also to identify and implement
reduction/mitigation strategies.
– As observed, the perspective of CF analysis has been gradually turned from the
“macro” to the “micro” level and, in this context, it is acknowledged the significant role that individuals are playing and will play. Moreover, citizen engagement
in science and policy-making is becoming more and more central in policies and
strategies. At the EU level, in particular, the importance of more citizen engagement has been recognized and strengthened in the Lisbon Treaty with the European citizens’ initiative and in a number of documents and political declarations,
such as the Commission contribution to the Sibiu Declaration for a “new strategic
agenda for the EU 2019–2024”. In such a context, therefore, the promotion of
research regarding individuals CF represents a key aspect to provide a scientific
basis for developing a low-carbon economy.
– Today’s efforts to combat climate change have focused mainly on specific
sectors/actions, such as for instance transportation or energy production and
consumption (with the significant role of renewable energy and energy-efficiency
measures). However, in order to meet emission reduction targets it is also necessary to tackle other emissions and, as already well stressed, products have consequently become one of the main focus of CF calculation. In this regard the Circular
Economy represent a unique opportunity to help tackle the climate crisis by
reducing GHG emissions along supply chains, preserving the embodied energy
of products and materials and increasing carbon sequestration through the regeneration of natural systems [17]. It is therefore crucial to strengthen research on
the nexus between CF and Circular Economy actions, also integrating CF with
other tailored indicators in a specific circularity measurement scheme.
References
1. Ahlgren S, Björklund A, Ekman A, Karlsson H, Berlin J, Börjesson P, Strid I (2015) Review
of methodological choices in LCA of biorefinery systems-key issues and recommendations.
Biofuels, Bioprod Biorefin 9(5):606–619
2. Andersson D (2020) A novel approach to calculate individuals’ carbon footprints using financial
transaction data – App development and design. J Cleaner Prod 256:120396
3. BSI (2008) Publicly available specification 2050. Specification for the assessment of the life
cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services. British Standards Institute
4. Baker LA, Hartzheim PM, Hobbie SE, King JY, Nelson KC (2007) Effect of consumption
choices on fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus through households. Urban Ecosyst
10(2):97–117
27
and machine learning) as a possible way to support global researchers in a more
effectively estimation of emissions.
– There is a lack in the practical utilization of research outcomes on CF as a basis to
understand the current situation of GHG emissions and consequently implement
effective action plans. Thus, it is crucial to fill this gap between the research and
practices, employing research to estimate CF, but also to identify and implement
reduction/mitigation strategies.
– As observed, the perspective of CF analysis has been gradually turned from the
“macro” to the “micro” level and, in this context, it is acknowledged the significant role that individuals are playing and will play. Moreover, citizen engagement
in science and policy-making is becoming more and more central in policies and
strategies. At the EU level, in particular, the importance of more citizen engagement has been recognized and strengthened in the Lisbon Treaty with the European citizens’ initiative and in a number of documents and political declarations,
such as the Commission contribution to the Sibiu Declaration for a “new strategic
agenda for the EU 2019–2024”. In such a context, therefore, the promotion of
research regarding individuals CF represents a key aspect to provide a scientific
basis for developing a low-carbon economy.
– Today’s efforts to combat climate change have focused mainly on specific
sectors/actions, such as for instance transportation or energy production and
consumption (with the significant role of renewable energy and energy-efficiency
measures). However, in order to meet emission reduction targets it is also necessary to tackle other emissions and, as already well stressed, products have consequently become one of the main focus of CF calculation. In this regard the Circular
Economy represent a unique opportunity to help tackle the climate crisis by
reducing GHG emissions along supply chains, preserving the embodied energy
of products and materials and increasing carbon sequestration through the regeneration of natural systems [17]. It is therefore crucial to strengthen research on
the nexus between CF and Circular Economy actions, also integrating CF with
other tailored indicators in a specific circularity measurement scheme.
References
1. Ahlgren S, Björklund A, Ekman A, Karlsson H, Berlin J, Börjesson P, Strid I (2015) Review
of methodological choices in LCA of biorefinery systems-key issues and recommendations.
Biofuels, Bioprod Biorefin 9(5):606–619
2. Andersson D (2020) A novel approach to calculate individuals’ carbon footprints using financial
transaction data – App development and design. J Cleaner Prod 256:120396
3. BSI (2008) Publicly available specification 2050. Specification for the assessment of the life
cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services. British Standards Institute
4. Baker LA, Hartzheim PM, Hobbie SE, King JY, Nelson KC (2007) Effect of consumption
choices on fluxes of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus through households. Urban Ecosyst
10(2):97–117