The term „carbon footprint“ belongs in the fields of sustainability and Environment 4.0, digital transformation, and Industry and Factory 4.0. It describes the total amount of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), that are directly or indirectly caused by a person, company, or product.
The carbon footprint is usually stated in kilograms or tonnes of CO2 and helps to better understand the impact of human actions on the climate. The lower the carbon footprint, the more environmentally friendly the behaviour or product is. Companies use the carbon footprint to implement targeted measures and reduce emissions – for example, through the use of renewable energies or efficient production.
A vivid example: The production of a cotton T-shirt can cause a significantly higher carbon footprint than the production of a T-shirt made from recycled material, because more energy and water are needed for cultivation, transport, and processing.
By measuring and reducing their carbon footprint, businesses and consumers make an important contribution to climate protection and sustainable business practices.
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