What is Carbon Footprint? How to Reduce It?

What is Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint is defined as a metric that measures the amount of greenhouse gases released into the atmosphere as a result of the activities of people or organizations. The carbon footprint includes greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels, electricity generation, transportation, industrial processes, and other activities.

Since the carbon footprint leads to climatic changes, it is aimed to reduce it as much as possible. For this reason, the carbon emissions of organizations are carefully monitored and recorded. There are many strategies and methods we can follow as individuals and organizations to reduce our carbon footprint.

How to Reduce Carbon Footprint?

Before the topic of how the carbon footprint can be reduced, we are faced with the question “How to calculate the carbon footprint”. The carbon footprint measurement process includes data collection, determination of emission factors, and calculation/analysis stages and is used to evaluate the impact of human activities on the environment by determining the amount of greenhouse gases. By reporting the carbon footprint measurement results, sustainability strategies are developed and carbon reduction targets are determined.

How can individuals reduce their carbon footprint?

By reducing energy use: We can reduce our carbon footprint by using energy-efficient equipment at home and at work, turning off electrical appliances, and unplugging them when not in use.

Using sustainable transportation methods: We can also reduce our carbon footprint by choosing public transportation whenever possible, using alternative modes of transportation such as cycling or walking, and opting for fuel-efficient vehicles.

How can organizations reduce their carbon footprint?

Taking energy efficiency measures: Analyzing energy use in the workplace and switching to energy-efficient lighting systems and devices is of great importance. In addition, energy savings and carbon footprint reduction can be achieved by optimizing business processes.
Switching to renewable energy sources: Meeting the organization's energy needs with renewable energy sources is considered the most important step that can be taken. The use of environmentally friendly energy options such as solar energy and wind energy makes a big difference in the amount of carbon footprint compared to non-renewable energy sources.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: Energy Efficiency and Sustainable Transportation

One of the most important points in the goal of reducing the carbon footprint is considered to be the transportation sector. Turning to sustainable transportation methods is the biggest solution in this regard.

Using public transportation, preferring alternative transportation methods such as cycling or walking, and considering car sharing help reduce the carbon footprint. These steps enable both individuals and organizations to contribute to environmental sustainability and support the fight against climate change.

Borusan Cat's Carbon Footprint Reduction Steps

With our company’s purpose statement "We Create Solutions for a Better World", we evaluate every step we take within the framework of sustainability. We take our sustainability steps under the headings of "protecting the environment, making social contributions, and creating value" and we consider reducing our carbon footprint as one of our top priorities.

With the composite pallets we use in our Ankara location, we avoid the need to cut trees for wooden pallets. We save much more than the investment cost on an annual basis with the improvements we make to our Gebze CRC facility, such as electricity tariff changes, and weather system improvements, which are low in cost and high in environmental benefits.

Thanks to our energy transformation projects, we have managed to reduce over 3,100 tons of carbon emissions, and we continue to develop and implement new ideas to further reduce emissions. In our revision centers, we extend the life of old parts and recycle over 6,500 tons of metal.

We are proud of the points we have reached with the steps we have taken and we take strength from these achievements to do more. As Borusan Cat, we will continue our work with our company’s purpose statement 'We Create Solutions for a Better World'.

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