A Simplified Carbon Footprint Calculator

Abstract

The objectives of this study have their origins in moves to reduce the carbon footprint of human activities and thus moderate global warming and the impacts of climate change. The objectives are: 1) to study the main daily activities affecting the release of greenhouse gases; and 2) to develop and provide a website containing information on ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The study used the following research methodologies: 1) data collection from brainstorming with industry specialists; 2) data gathering from a simplified online Carbon Footprint Calculator; and 3) testing and adjusting the calculator programme.
The results showed that transportation, electricity use, food consumption, waste production, water use, chemical use, and utilities were the six activities that contributed most to the release of greenhouse gases. The results also showed that of the two programmes developed – the Carbon Footprint Calculator and the questionnaire: “Are you a green consumer?” – The latter was accessed more. Furthermore, it was found that people were unclear about the term “carbon footprint” and the average per person per day carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) was in agreement with that found in similar studies.