Did you know that everything we do impacts our planet, and that impact can be calculated? We call it the “carbon footprint”, and we can calculate it for individuals and corporations. Everything we do around the world, whether it's our transportation preferences, our eating habits, our energy consumption, or the production processes of companies, creates that effect. So how is this footprint calculated? Let's see.

The carbon footprint is the amount, in tons, of all greenhouse gases (CO2), including carbon dioxide and methane, released into the atmosphere due to our activities. Just as individuals each have their own carbon footprint, companies also produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons during the production phase or during the transportation of products.

The carbon footprint of individuals and organizations includes any greenhouse gas emissions released directly or indirectly through their activities. A direct carbon footprint for individuals is the carbon emissions we generate directly during our daily activities, such as food, transportation, electricity, and water use. On the other hand, the indirect carbon footprint for individuals is the amount of greenhouse gases in terms of carbon released during the production, transportation, and destruction of the products we use, that is, throughout the entire life cycle.

“The carbon footprint is the amount, in tons, of all greenhouse gases (CO2), including carbon dioxide and methane, released into the atmosphere due to our activities. Just as individuals each have their own carbon footprint, companies also produce greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrofluorocarbons during the production phase or during the transportation of products.”

The terms \"Scope 1, 2, and 3\" are used for companies' greenhouse gas emissions. Let's get into some details about them.

- Scope 1 refers to direct releases from sources owned and controlled by the company. In other words, the emissions are released into the atmosphere through a series of company activities.

- Scope 2 covers indirect emissions from the production of energy such as heat, electricity, and steam purchased by a company.

- Scope 3 includes all indirect emissions that occur in the business value chain and are not included in Scope 2.

The emissions calculated at these three steps are assessed according to the ISO and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol criteria. Then, the carbon footprint is calculated.

What is SOCAR Carbon Footprint Calculation System?

With the 'SOCAR Carbon Footprint Calculation System', which we developed as SOCAR Türkiye so that businesses can easily calculate their carbon footprints, we measure the carbon footprints of companies from the following sources:
- Energy,
- Operation,
- Process,
- Other Emissions

Before we start the calculation, we identify the users, break down the facilities, and determine the emission sources that will be calculated.

In the energy, operations, and transportation categories, calculations are made under the following emission sources:

Energy: Fuel Consumption, Electricity Consumption, and Generator

Operation: Gas Leakage, Fire Extinguishers, and Chemicals (both purchases and leakage gases are calculated)

Transportation:Company Vehicles, Flights, Employee Transportation, and Logistics

The carbon footprint of all the chemicals behind the greenhouse effect used in the process can be calculated quickly. The carbon footprint of chemicals used in your facilities is calculated in two stages: \"Amount of consumption\" and \"Date of consumption\". Calculations start with the top 5 chemicals used in the chemical inventory, and the number of chemicals increases over time.

Lastly, the Other Emission Sources section calculates the carbon footprint of the paper and mixed household waste purchased by your company. Scope 3 emission sources are diversified by making company-specific additions.

As a responsible company that views the Sustainable Development Goals as a guide and pioneers in low-carbon energy, we regularly monitor and report our emissions. We aim for a 40% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2050. We are doing our best for a sustainable future and reducing our carbon footprint, working for tomorrow with the responsibility of today.