A carbon footprint is a measure of the impact our activities have on the environment, notably on climate change. It is important to determine the carbon footprint of your business to be in compliance with environmental laws and statutes, as well as for the preservation of the world in which we live.

There are two aspects to the makeup of the carbon footprint. The first, known as the primary footprint, is the measure of C02 emissions from the impact of an individual or business. The second, called the secondary footprint, is the measure of indirect C02 emissions, such as the environmental impact that goes into manufacturing a product we have purchased.

Fortunately, several options exist when choosing products and services to help determine and regulate carbon footprint information. The helpful selections in this field are designed for businesses of all sizes and a variety of budgets. Some of the available resources include:

1. Software and web-based tools to find exactly where we're at on the sustainability scale;

2. Consultants specializing in sustainability and carbon footprint issues;

3. Organizations offering carbon offsets to balance our C02 emissions and lessen our carbon footprint.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find carbon footprint software to help determine and regulate your emissions

As environmental concerns grow more and more, it is important to keep your business in line with current regulations and industry standards. Investing in appropriate software is an ideal first step to aid you in your beginning movements toward sustainability.

I recommend: CleanMetrics offers both desktop and web-based software to help your business analyze and optimize its environmental plan. Verisae provides real-time carbon footprint reporting software, allowing your business to take control of its environmental impact.

Investigate consultants specializing in carbon footprint issues

It can be overwhelming when sifting through the pages of carbon footprint information and ever-changing standards to determine just what direction your business needs to go. This is where a consultant can come in handy, helping to steer you in the right direction toward environmental responsibility.

I recommend: At Climate Earth, you will be walked through, step by step, all of the information you'll need to lessen your carbon footprint. It also offers additional services in carbon offsets advisory and in-depth education on global warming. Carbon Footprint gives free on-site surveys to qualifying businesses and will counsel you on the best ways to reduce your footprint and save money in the process.

Look into carbon offsetting when working with your carbon footprint

Carbon offsetting is taking a balanced approach to the carbon footprint. It's simply not realistic that every business will be able to radically lower their C02 emissions, so carbon offsetting was developed for just these types of businesses. It is a financial instrument used to fund environmentally responsible initiatives somewhere else when it's just not possible for your business.

I recommend: TerraPass will help you determine your footprint and the best ways to offset your C02 emissions. Carbon Pass is a carbon footprint provider of information and resources, including projects to offset your output and products designed for a carbon-free business.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Because laws and regulations in this field are constantly evolving, it's important to stay on top of the latest developments. Contact your state or local department of environmental affairs to receive the latest carbon footprint list of information, news and specialists.