Carbon Footprint
The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by an organisation, product, or activity — expressed in CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). For companies, typically refers to Scope 1 + Scope 2, sometimes including Scope 3.
A carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas emissions directly or indirectly caused by an organisation, product, event, or individual — expressed as a single figure in metric tonnes CO2 equivalent (tCO2e). For organisations, a corporate carbon footprint typically covers Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions at minimum, with progressive inclusion of Scope 3 as measurement maturity improves.
Organisational vs product carbon footprint
An organisational carbon footprint covers all emissions within the company’s defined boundary — all facilities, all fuel types, all electricity consumption. A product carbon footprint (PCF) measures emissions from a single product across its entire lifecycle — from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. These are separate methodologies (PAS 2050, ISO 14067 for product) and should not be confused.
Carbon footprint in BRSR context
BRSR Principle 6 requires companies to report their organisational Scope 1 + Scope 2 carbon footprint with intensity ratios. The term “carbon footprint” is colloquial — the technical BRSR requirement is for GHG emissions in tCO2e using a recognised accounting methodology.
Accuracy and assurance
A stated carbon footprint is only as credible as the methodology behind it. For BRSR Core assurance, the footprint must be calculated using documented, auditable methods — not estimated using industry averages or benchmarks.