Category One

Let’s start with the basics: What is a carbon footprint? Think of it like this: Every action we take—whether it’s powering a factory, running a car, or even turning on the lights—creates emissions, mainly carbon dioxide. Your carbon footprint is the total amount of these emissions, measured in tons of CO₂e (that’s ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’)

Why should small businesses like Emma’s care about carbon accounting? Think of Emma’s Coffee Shop. Every day, she brews coffee, powers equipment, and serves customers. All these activities create emissions—like the electricity for her coffee machines, the transportation of coffee beans, and even the waste from takeaway cups. These emissions make up her carbon footprint.