The emission factors are coefficients used to estimate the amount of greenhouse gases released for each activity.
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What Are Emission Factors?

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Emission Factors: Benefits, Updates, and Customization

Updated on
February 20, 2025

Environmental care and the pursuit of sustainable solutions have become essential today. One crucial aspect of this effort is the management of organizations' carbon footprint and their activities. To calculate this footprint, "emission factors" are used, representing the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) or other greenhouse gases released per unit of activity or consumption. In this article, we will explore what emission factors are, their benefits, and how Dcycle, a leading sustainability tool, allows for customization.

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What Are Emission Factors?

Emission factors are coefficients used to estimate the amount of greenhouse gases released into the environment as a result of human activities or industrial processes. These factors vary by year, type of activity, or substance and are generally expressed in units of CO2 equivalent mass per unit of activity. For example, electricity consumption, transportation, industrial production, and the use of chemicals are some of the activities that generate greenhouse gas emissions, and emission factors help quantify these emissions.

Benefits of Emission Factors

In measuring the Carbon Footprint, emission factors are fundamental in calculating the impact of an organization or activity. This measurement enables companies to understand and quantify their environmental impact.

In the identification of Emission Sources, emission factors help identify specific sources of emissions in an operation or supply chain. This allows organizations to take specific measures to reduce emissions in critical areas.

Finally, in the establishment of Reduction Objectives and Plans, knowing emission factors facilitates the establishment of emissions reduction goals and the planning of sustainability strategies.

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Alba Selva Ortiz
Brand Manager

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How Can You Calculate a Product’s Carbon Footprint?

Carbon footprint calculation analyzes all emissions generated throughout a product’s life cycle, including raw material extraction, production, transportation, usage, and disposal.

The most recognized methodologies are:

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
  • ISO 14067
  • PAS 2050

Digital tools like Dcycle simplify the process, providing accurate and actionable insights.

What Are the Most Recognized Certifications?
  • ISO 14067 – Defines carbon footprint measurement for products.
  • EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) – Environmental impact based on LCA.
  • Cradle to Cradle (C2C) – Evaluates sustainability and circularity.
  • LEED & BREEAM – Certifications for sustainable buildings.
Which Industries Have the Highest Carbon Footprint?
  • Construction – High emissions from cement and steel.
  • Textile – Intense water usage and fiber production emissions.
  • Food Industry – Large-scale agriculture and transportation impact.
  • Transportation – Fossil fuel dependency in vehicles and aviation.
How Can Companies Reduce Product Carbon Footprints?
  • Use recycled or low-emission materials.
  • Optimize production processes to cut energy use.
  • Shift to renewable energy sources.
  • Improve transportation and logistics to reduce emissions.
Is Carbon Reduction Expensive?

Some strategies require initial investment, but long-term benefits outweigh costs.

  • Energy efficiency lowers operational expenses.
  • Material reuse and recycling reduces procurement costs.
  • Sustainability certifications open new business opportunities.

Investing in carbon reduction is not just an environmental action, it’s a smart business strategy.