Greenhouse gas emissions from energy use:
'A carbon footprint is a measure of the exclusive total amount of carbon dioxide emissions that is directly and
indirectly caused by an activity or is accumulated over the life stages of product 1' (Wiedmann & Min, 2007)
A carbon footprint is a tool used by individuals or institutions to conceptualise how their energy usage (the
emission of greenhouse gases) directly or indirectly contributes to global warming and climate change. Direct
emissions are greenhouse gas emissions that are generated from the direct use of energy (e.g. the use of
electricity or fuel in transportation). In contrast, indirect emissions, are the greenhouse gases that are emitted as
a result of the consumption or use of goods and services (e.g, the production and transportation of food, or a
visit to the doctors). To calculate a carbon footprint, all greenhouse gases are converted into a carbon dioxide
unit which is measured in either kilograms (kg) or tons. For example, 1kg of methane = 21kg of carbon dioxide;
1kg of nitrous oxide = 310kg of carbon dioxide2, thus a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases
emitted measured in units of carbon dioxide.
Calculating a School’s Energy Carbon Footprint
Facts
1kg of carbon dioxide at room temperature = 1 standard size family fridge
1kw of energy is approximately 1kg of greenhouse gas emission
Greenhouse gases are usually measured in units of carbon dioxide (kilograms or tons)
Preparation

Use a map of the school or list each room, area or space that may contain lights, computers or heaters/
air-conditioners.

Systematically go through each area of the school and add up the different types of lights (e.g
incandescent or fluorescent), computers (monitors, desktops, laptops), and heating/ cooling units (e.g
gas wall furnaces, central heating, reverse cycle air-conditioning etc.) and their total quantity in the
school.

Use the spreadsheet to calculate your schools total energy carbon footprint.

Take into consideration your schools use of carbon neutral energy sources such as wind or solar
energy. Your school office or grounds keeper may be able to provide you with the amount of energy
gained from carbon neutral sources.
'CALCULATING YOUR SCHOOL'S CARBON FOOTPRINT'
1 Wiedmann, Thomas & Minx, Jan., 'A Definition of a 'Carbon Footprint'', ISA UK Research and Consulting, 07-01, 2007, p.4,
http://www.isa-research.co.uk/docs/ISA-UK_Report_07-01_carbon_footprint.pdf, viewed 21 July 2007.
2 Kilograms of Carbon, Global Environment Group, http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/airwatch/global_3.pdf ,
viewed 21 July 2008