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Carbon Footprint and Greenhouse Gases: Why Measure Them?

Updated on
May 29, 2025

The carbon footprint and greenhouse gases are at the center of today’s business conversation.

This isn’t a trend or empty talk: measuring these emissions is now a real requirement if we want to remain competitive.

More and more companies are measuring their impact. Why? Because if you don’t, you can’t comply with regulations, enter tenders, or access certain investors.

And worst of all: you won’t know where to begin improving.

Can we relax? Not really. Regulatory pressure won’t stop, but the good news is that measuring and reducing your footprint doesn’t have to be a headache.

If we use data properly, we can turn this obligation into a real business advantage.

What is the carbon footprint and how does it relate to greenhouse gases?

The carbon footprint is the measurement of greenhouse gases (GHG) generated by a company, product or service.

And yes, it’s directly connected to everything we do: producing, transporting, selling or using something.

Each phase of a product’s life cycle adds emissions, from raw material extraction to delivery to the customer or disposal. If we don’t know how much we emit, we can’t reduce or improve anything.

And why does this matter now more than ever? Because measuring and managing these emissions is no longer optional.

It’s the starting point for any serious ESG strategy.

Why is it key to measure our carbon footprint?

1. Increasingly strict regulations

Tried to dodge compliance? Bad idea. The rules are clearer and stricter every day. ISO 14067, GHG Protocol, CSRD… they all demand concrete data.

Good intentions aren’t enough. You need to prove it with numbers.

2. No measurement, no major investments or contracts

More and more tenders and investors require verifiable ESG data. Want to play in that league? Then you need to measure your footprint, no exceptions.

It’s not posturing, it’s a requirement if you want to be where it matters.

3. Optimizing without data is like driving with your eyes closed

Measuring your footprint helps you understand where in your process you’re losing efficiency. And that’s where the money’s going.

Where can you cut costs and improve operations? Emissions data will tell you.

4. It’s the foundation of any ESG report

CSRD, SBTi, EINF, Taxonomy… all those names have one thing in common: without carbon footprint data, you can’t comply.

Measuring is the first step to aligning with what’s being asked of you (if not now, then soon).

What emissions are considered when calculating the carbon footprint?

They’re divided into three scopes. And yes, you need to look at all three.

Scope 1: direct emissions, the ones you generate yourself (factories, company vehicles…).

Scope 2: indirect emissions from purchased energy (like electricity).

Scope 3: everything else. Suppliers, logistics, product use… everything that happens in your value chain.

And why is this last one so important? Because it can account for more than 70% of total emissions. If you ignore it, you’re not seeing the full picture.

How does this apply in practice?

In the textile industry, for example, most emissions come from material sourcing and transportation.

In the food sector, the impact may come from farming or refrigeration processes.

Measuring accurately means making better decisions. If you know where the problem is, you know where to start fixing it.

How is the carbon footprint measured in a company?

Measuring your carbon footprint starts with data and ends with decisions. But not just anything goes, there are recognized methodologies we need to follow to do it right.

Main methodologies: how to choose the right one?

GHG Protocol, ISO 14064, PAS 2050… Each has its own approach, but all share one thing: they require real data, not assumptions.

Which one should you choose? It depends on your sector, goals and the standards you want to align with. There’s no magic formula, but there are best practices.

What matters is using a methodology that allows for rigorous reporting and aligns with the ESG frameworks you need to meet.

Digitalizing the process: data collection, calculation and visualization

Can it be done manually? Technically yes. But does it make sense? Not at all.

Collecting ESG data manually is slow, error-prone and hard to scale. What we need is automation and centralization.

The key is using a solution that connects your data, transforms it into metrics, and prepares it for reports like CSRD, SBTi or ISOs, all in one streamlined process.

5 reasons why reducing your carbon footprint improves your competitiveness

1. It prepares you to comply with SBTi, CSRD, EINF, EU Taxonomy and more

Want to be ready for what’s coming? Then measure and reduce. These regulations will become mandatory, and those who aren’t prepared will be left behind.

2. It boosts your credibility with investors, clients and partners

Promises aren’t enough anymore. If you want to be taken seriously, you need data. And reducing emissions speaks louder than any marketing campaign.

3. It improves the efficiency of your operations

Fewer emissions, more efficiency. When you measure, you identify energy leaks, unoptimized processes and costs you can cut.

4. It makes managing your ESG information much easier

Everything starts with the footprint. If you control your emissions, it’s much easier to structure and connect the rest of your ESG information.

5. It sets you apart from competitors who aren’t measuring yet

The difference between leading and falling behind lies in the data. If you’re measuring and reducing, you’re already playing in a different league.

Can we afford not to do it? Clearly not.

3 common barriers to managing the carbon footprint

1. Gathering quality ESG data is a challenge

Where’s the data? That’s the first question everyone asks. It’s everywhere and nowhere at once.

And we know it: getting accurate, up-to-date and comparable data is one of the biggest blockers to starting serious measurement.

2. Lack of traceability in the supply chain

What about what we don’t control directly? A big chunk of emissions comes from there.

But if we have no visibility, we can’t improve. We need traceability to understand what’s happening at every link in the chain.

3. Complexity of regulations and standards

Where do I start with so many acronyms? CSRD, SBTi, ISO, EU Taxonomy… each demands something different.

The hard part isn’t just understanding them, but connecting your data to each one without losing your mind.

How Dcycle helps you

Measuring your carbon footprint shouldn’t be chaos.

And you don’t need five different tools to stay compliant.

With Dcycle, you centralize all your ESG information in a single platform.

You collect, analyze and connect your data with CSRD, SBTi, ISOs, EU Taxonomy, or whatever applies.

Real automation, audit-ready reports, and zero manual work.

If you’re serious about ESG, this is where you start.

Where do I start if I want to measure my carbon footprint?

1. Identify your emission sources (Scopes 1, 2 and 3)

Where are your emissions generated? From your direct processes to everything that happens across your value chain.

2. Define your ESG goals and the standards you want to align with

Why are you measuring? Clarifying your goal helps you choose the right methodology and set the direction.

3. Choose a solution that automates the process (like Dcycle)

Doing everything manually? No need. There are tools that make it easy.

4. Set key indicators and track their progress

What doesn’t get measured doesn’t improve. Define clear KPIs and monitor them to keep moving forward with focus.

5. Act based on real data, not guesses

Do we want real results or pretty slides? Only solid data lets you make decisions that truly make an impact.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between carbon footprint and greenhouse gases?

Greenhouse gases (GHG) are the emissions that cause climate impact. The carbon footprint is the way we measure how many GHGs we generate through our activities.

In short: GHGs are the “what,” and the footprint is the “how much.”

Which sectors have the highest carbon footprint?

It depends on the type of activity, but some sectors have a heavier impact. Food, fashion, construction and energy are usually among the most intensive.

Why? Complex processes, transportation and high use of raw materials.

How much does it cost to measure a company’s carbon footprint?

There’s no universal number, but it’s not an expense, it’s an investment. The cost depends on the company’s size, operational complexity and level of detail required.

With solutions like Dcycle, it’s accessible, efficient and scalable.

Is it mandatory to calculate the carbon footprint?

More and more regulations are demanding it. In many cases, it’s already no longer optional, especially if you operate in regulated markets like the EU.

Can we afford to relax? Not really. It’s better to stay ahead than be left out.

How does the carbon footprint fit into a broader ESG strategy?

It’s the starting point. Measuring emissions gives us a solid base to structure all our ESG information.

Without environmental data, we can’t properly connect or report the rest: social, governance, and regulatory compliance. Everything begins there.

Take control of your ESG data today.
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Cristina Alcalá-Zamora
CSRD Specialist | Content Creator

Domande frequenti (FAQ)

Come si può calcolare l'impronta di carbonio di un prodotto?

Analisi del calcolo dell'impronta di carbonio tutte le emissioni generate durante il ciclo di vita di un prodotto, compresi l'estrazione, la produzione, il trasporto, l'uso e lo smaltimento delle materie prime.

Le metodologie più riconosciute sono:

  • Valutazione del ciclo di vita (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • FINO AL 2050

Strumenti digitali come Dcycle semplifica il processo, fornendo informazioni accurate e fruibili.

Quali sono le certificazioni più riconosciute?
  • ISO 14067 — Definisce la misurazione dell'impronta di carbonio per i prodotti.
  • EPD (Dichiarazione ambientale di prodotto) — Impatto ambientale basato sull'LCA.
  • Da culla a culla (C2C) — Valuta la sostenibilità e la circolarità.
  • PIOMBO E BREAM — Certificazioni per edifici sostenibili.
Quali settori hanno la più alta impronta di carbonio?
  • Costruzione — Elevate emissioni da cemento e acciaio.
  • Tessile — Intenso utilizzo di acqua ed emissioni prodotte dalla produzione di fibre.
  • Industria alimentare — Impatto su larga scala sull'agricoltura e sui trasporti.
  • Trasporto — Dipendenza dai combustibili fossili nei veicoli e nell'aviazione.
In che modo le aziende possono ridurre l'impronta di carbonio dei prodotti?
  • Usare materiali riciclati o a basse emissioni.
  • Ottimizza processi di produzione per ridurre il consumo di energia.
  • Passa a fonti energetiche rinnovabili.
  • Migliorare trasporto e logistica per ridurre le emissioni.
La riduzione del carbonio è costosa?

Alcune strategie richiedono investimento iniziale, ma i benefici a lungo termine superano i costi.

  • Efficienza energetica riduce le spese operative.
  • Riutilizzo e riciclo dei materiali riduce i costi di approvvigionamento.
  • Certificazioni di sostenibilità aprire nuove opportunità di business.

Investire nella riduzione delle emissioni di carbonio non è solo un'azione ambientale, è un strategia aziendale intelligente.