Three Definitions of “Carbon” Carbon Footprint, Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Carbon

The main problem in raising awareness about environmental management, to reduce the effects of global climate change, is the disconnect between action taken “today” and lack of immediate results. Most people, therefore, partake in activities with the understanding that what they are doing is beneficial to society and the environment, but may not be responsive to or incentivized by the immediate results, which actually require more long-term consideration.

Common terms of measurement are used for clarification and straightforward measure of progress regarding effectiveness of our environmental management, and for assessment and direction of specific changes, including Carbon Footprint, targeting Carbon Neutrality, and Net-Zero Carbon. Many people may already understand these definitions, although some may still wonder about their origin, or the way of thinking from which they originated?

Today, we will explain it once more to help spread understanding and encourage consideration of our collective action, in order to see the big picture and provide more encouragement to reach set goals.

Carbon Footprint

Thailand Greenhouse Gas Management Organization (public organization), or TGO, under the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, defines Carbon Footprint as “the amount of greenhouse gases emitted per each unit of product, from acquisition of raw materials, to production processes, assembly, distribution, use, and end-of-life waste management, including related transportation, calculated in terms of grams, kilograms, or equivalent tons of carbon dioxide”.

TGO requires consideration of all 6 types of greenhouse gas emissions, namely:

(1) carbon dioxide (CO2); (2) methane (CH4); (3) nitrous oxide (N2O); (4) hydro-fluoro-carbons (HFC); (5) fluorocarbons (FC); (6) sulfur hexafluoride (SF6). These are calculated and evaluated from the activities of households and organizations, for entire systems from origin to destination (life cycle assessment), e.g. product use, product origin, electricity consumption, fuel consumption, waste management and transportation, measured in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide. The TGO provides a framework for consideration in 3 main parts (SCOPE).

SCOPE I: Calculation of Direct Carbon Footprint (Direct Emissions); direct result of activities by the organization, such as internal combustion machinery, use of corporate vehicles (those owned by the organization), use of chemicals in waste water treatment, leakage/byproducts of a process or activity, etc.

SCOPE II: Calculation of Indirect Carbon Footprint (Energy Indirect Emissions); from use of energy, i.e. purchase of energy for use by the organization, such as electricity generated via thermal, steam, etc.

SCOPE III:  Calculation of Other Indirect Carbon Footprints, e.g. employee travel using non-corporate vehicles, travel to off-site venues, use of various materials, equipment, etc.

The TGO has created a mobile application – CF Calculator Personal – for households and organizations to calculate their carbon footprint, available on both iOS and Android platforms, to improve the convenience of calculation. Simply enter the relevant information, such as electricity usage, vehicle usage, etc.

Link: https://apps.apple.com/th/app/thai-carbon-footprint-calculator/id938564037?l=th

Carbon Neutrality

Carbon Neutral means that the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted into the atmosphere is equal to the amount of carbon dioxide reabsorbed. Generally, the term is often used in connection with creation of forested areas or green areas and for re-absorption of carbon (locking carbon in soil and plants) and the purchase of carbon credits.

Net Zero Carbon

…or Net Zero Emission, or, Net Greenhouse Gas Emission, means the amount of greenhouse gas emissions are equal to the amount of greenhouse gases reabsorbed from the atmosphere, with focus on the 3 main gases: (1) carbon dioxide (CO2), (2) methane (CH4), and (3) nitrous oxide (N2O). This equates to not adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere, or halting emissions of greenhouse gas.

With these definitions of Carbon Neutrality and Net Zero Carbon, small or local organizations tend to use Carbon Neutrality as an objective, as it is considered a starting point for reaching Net Zero Carbon, which must begin with management and continue throughout the entire product chain, from upstream to downstream. Reducing and offsetting carbon emissions is a simple initiative – understanding and co-operation are not difficult – and results are clear to see within the organization, such as when reducing or omitting unnecessary activities, including electricity usage, use of internal combustion cars, use of solar and clean energy, addition of green areas, followed by calculation of carbon sequestration, etc.