Carbon footprint, in general terms, is the measurement of the damage caused directly or indirectly by human activities in nature in terms of carbon dioxide (CO₂). This impact is the CO₂ emission caused by the activities of individuals, companies, or organizations.

Within the framework of the Kyoto Protocol, carbon footprint is the measurement of the equivalent values in CO₂ of the impact of greenhouse gases, including CO₂, after activities such as production, service, processing, distribution, and consumption. In this regard, carbon footprint has different concepts such as primary (direct) carbon footprint and secondary (indirect) carbon footprint.

So, what is Carbon Footprint Measurement for?

CO2 emitted into the atmosphere because of companies using fuel for their needs in production and supply processes or at the life level of individuals can create a greenhouse effect. While this effect causes global warming and climate change, carbon footprint measurements are carried out to understand what this effect left on the earth causes and to take measures.

What are the Types of Carbon Footprint?

As mentioned, carbon footprint is divided into two as primary or secondary. To put it simply at this point, the secondary, indirect carbon footprint is the calculation of the amount of CO₂ emitted into the atmosphere in the entire process from manufacturing to consumption and degradation due to the products used. The other important definition is the primary direct carbon footprint.

What is Primary Direct Carbon Footprint?

When it comes to carbon footprint, the primary (direct) carbon footprint will actually express the measure of CO₂ emission directly into the atmosphere, as it is clearly understood. In other words, the primary (direct) carbon footprint refers to the calculation of carbon gas emissions released into nature due to fossil fuels burned by individuals or organizations for their activities.

The primary carbon footprint shows the CO₂ emission resulting directly from the use of fuel. If this point is considered institutionally, it is the emissions that the measured organization emits through the resources it owns, controls, or operates. When the organization uses fossil fuels while producing or providing services, CO₂ emissions occur, while these emissions are included in the first scope and are called primary carbon footprints.

What is the Scope of Carbon Footprint Calculation?

ISO 14064-1 and the GHG Protocol are used when performing corporate carbon footprint calculations. Direct and indirect emissions are also taken into consideration in emission sources. In this framework;

• Scope 1 emissions include direct emissions from owned and controlled sources.
• Scope 2 emissions include indirect emissions from purchased energy.
• Scope 3 emissions include indirect emissions from the company’s value chain that are not included in Scope 2.

While the primary carbon footprint is assessed under Scope 1 as mentioned earlier, several examples can be given. For these examples;

• Stationary combustion at points such as turbine, cooler or engine
• Mobile combustion in vehicles such as cars and airplanes
• Process emissions in cement manufacturing or aluminum processing
• Fugitive emissions from wastewater treatment or gas processing facilities

How to Calculate the Primary Carbon Footprint?

Since the primary carbon footprint is a direct carbon footprint, the direct carbon emission calculation will need to be explained in this question. In fact, in the same way, it will be explained how the calculation within Scope 1 is made.

While direct emissions are calculated for the carbon footprint at every point, whether individual or institutional, carbon emissions based on fossil fuel consumption are calculated. For individual emissions, carbon emission values can be obtained by answering some questions with very simple calculators available online nowadays. For examples, the carbon emissions for some fossil fuels are as follows.

• One American gallon of gasoline emits 8.7 kg of CO₂.
• A British gallon of petrol emits 10.4 kg of CO₂.
• When a vehicle traveling at 100 kilometers consumes 7.5 liters of diesel fuel, for example 400 kilometers, 30 liters of diesel will be consumed, and the corresponding amount of CO₂ emitted by adding the direct carbon footprint of the driver will be 81 kg over 30x 2.7.
• In addition, a British gallon is 4.54 liters
• 1 US dry gallon 4.04 liters
• 1 US gallon of liquid takes up 3.78 liters of volume.

From an individual perspective, the following activities cause 1 kg of CO₂ to be added to the personal carbon footprint.

• Driving a car for 6 km
• 32 hours of operation of a computer at 60 W power
• Production of 2 plastic bottles
• Making 10-12 kilometers in public transportation
• An airplane covers 2.2 kilometers
• Production of 5 plastic bags
• Production of approximately 1/3 hamburgers

What Can Be Done to Reduce Individual Carbon Footprint?

Human beings can easily reduce their individual direct carbon footprint through simple preference changes. In this respect, 6 very practical steps can be examined.

1. If you realize the damage you cause in the area you live in by acting consciously, you can make a start by learning how to take measures at this point.
2. By walking or cycling for transportation, you can take a step that is both healthy and beneficial for the world.
3. If you don’t have the opportunity to walk or cycle using public transportation, you can at least reduce fuel consumption per person and stop using your personal car.
4. By using electricity in a balanced way, for example by using energy-saving light bulbs and only using electricity where it is needed, you can achieve significant cost savings and reduce your footprint.
5. By choosing renewable energy, healthy and clean energy such as solar energy can be used instead of fossil fuels.
6. In terms of spreading knowledge, sharing what you have learned and what you have done for the environment can lead to a more conscious society and the opportunity to develop new methods.