Carbon footprint

The total greenhouse gas emissions caused by a company, product, event or person, usually in tonnes of CO2e.

A corporate carbon footprint is built from Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. A product footprint covers one item across its life cycle.

Find providers and guides

• GHG Protocol providers
• Carbon accounting and emissions management

Related terms

• CO2e (carbon dioxide equivalent)
• Scope 1 emissions
• Scope 2 emissions
• Scope 3 emissions

Guides

• How to collect Scope 3 data from suppliers
• Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions explained, with examples
• Best carbon accounting software in 2026: how to shortlist and compare

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Reviewed 14 October 2026. General information, not legal advice.