Due to the progressing climate change, more and more consumers make purchasing decisions more carefully and pay attention to the carbon footprint of products and companies. So far, there is no requirement to calculate it in Poland. More and more companies are taking this step. Why is it worth doing?
Product and company carbon footprint - what is it? The most important information
Climate change is one of the greatest civilizational challenges of the present day. Their effects can be seen with the naked eye. Rising water levels in the seas and oceans, increased frequency of extreme weather events or changes in the growing season of flora are just some of the consequences that are getting deeper every year and have an increasingly severe impact on the lives of humanity around the world.
No wonder that along with the growing environmental awareness, the number of consumers who attach importance to the carbon footprint of not only purchased products, but also of companies operating on the market is increasing. In response, more and more companies outsource carbon footprint research, which is the first step towards reducing the emission of harmful substances into the atmosphere.
By the term carbon footprint is understood the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted: in the case of products - in relation to the entire life cycle, and in the case of enterprises - in connection with the conducted economic activity and the activities undertaken for its benefit, direct and indirect (on an annual basis).
when determining the carbon footprint is taken into account gases such as:
- carbon dioxide,
- methane,
- nitrous oxide.
The higher the score achieves a product or enterprise, that's what it is less ecological. Knowing this allows consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions. No wonder that they increasingly require information on this subject from producers of goods and services.
Is calculating the carbon footprint mandatory? Why is it worth taking this step?
Polish law does not impose a requirement to calculate the carbon footprint. Therefore, this step is usually decided by those domestic entrepreneurs who want to cooperate with contractors from outside Poland (e.g. from Great Britain) or expand their activities to foreign markets, where consumers are more aware of environmental threats, and the price is not the main determinant of the value of the product.
Of course, this does not mean that transparency regarding greenhouse gas emissions is not an important issue for customers in Poland. More and more people want to reduce their negative impact on the environment, hence makes purchasing decisions more carefully. In order to persuade them to purchase a product or service, the entrepreneur must show initiative.
Calculating the carbon footprint of a product or company involves additional costs, but it gives measurable results. Why is it worth choosing them?
- Positive image. By calculating the carbon footprint (and disseminating information about it), the company builds the image of a socially responsible company that is no stranger to environmental issues. This has a positive effect on its reception among potential customers.
- Competitive advantage. Based on information on the carbon footprint of products, the company can build its competitive advantage. There are still many companies in Poland that are not interested in environmental issues.
- Higher profits. Consumers' environmental awareness is growing. Therefore, they are more and more willing to choose products and services that have a lower negative impact on the natural environment.
The calculation of the carbon footprint of a product or enterprise is the most common the first step towards change. In order to reduce the obtained values, companies often take numerous actions, e.g. they decide to invest in renewable energy sources.
No wonder that also the European Union puts more and more emphasis on calculating the carbon footprint. It is expected that it will soon become mandatory for all companies operating in the Member States. So now it is worth deciding to entrust the service qualified specialists. This is a guarantee of correct results.
