| Abstract [eng] |
Methodologies for Calculating the Carbon Footprint of Small Organizations The goal of master thesis is to analyze climate changes, carbon footprint indicator, existing assessment methodologies and based on research analysis to prepare methodology for small organization carbon footprint calculation. The work consists of three main parts –the analysis of scientific literature, the research and its results, conclusion and recommendations. Nowadays carbon footprint is one of the most widely used environmental and sustainable development indicator. Organizations can use carbon footprints to reduce activities impact or highlight the positive actions they are have taken. As a yield of concern in the global climate changes and emerging consumer awareness there is a growing interest for the calculation of small organization carbon footprints. Various initiatives, calculation methods, international standards have provided only guidelines in assessing the carbon footprint of organizations. Most of them is based on the philosophy and classification of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol and ISO 14064 standard. However, a lack of explicit formulation and procedure in these standards makes them difficult to apply for small organizations. Moreover, companies that are just starting to assess their carbon footprint may not have the resources and trained personnel to perform a full-scale assessment. To fill this gap, there was methodology for calculation of small organizations’ carbon footprint prepared. The technique presented in this work aims to help small organizations to conduct their own carbon footprint assessment of their daily operation, without the need of having a staff trained in a specialized skill to do so. It provides a categorization of major emission sources and emission factors of a carbon footprint which are promptly identified and implemented. In addition, research results indicate that small organizations and government could include carbon footprint indicator in their sustainable policy making. As a result, it is nationally suggested to launch and develop educational campaigns bringing awareness into carbon footprint indicator and ecological culture. The model of carbon footprint implementation presented in Master’s thesis is based on sustainable development principles. |
