Just about every facility emits some type of greenhouse gas. In an effort to encourage businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, there is an important tool called a carbon footprint calculator to assist in identifying ways to reduce carbon emissions. By using a calculator, entities can more easily recognize their greenhouse gas emissions, implement measures to reduce them and set benchmarks to gauge their progress.

Many efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions, as witnessed by the US Clean Air Act and the formation of The Climate Registry, a powerful organization that sets the standards for calculating, verify and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst membership is voluntary, most states, provinces, territories and sovereign nations are taking part in the effort within North America, to reduce carbon emissions.

A carbon footprint calculator allows data about daily facility operations to be entered and processed, with the expectation that this will contribute greatly to greenhouse gas emission reduction. Several major areas play a role in harmful gas emissions — energy use, waste generation, purchased materials and transportation, to be specific.

Harmful gases are thought to remain in our atmosphere for hundreds of years following their emission. As the future health of our planet depends on reduction, it is imperative that businesses measure their carbon footprint accordingly. Research has shown that certain gases deplete the ozone layer and contribute to global warming.

Gases proven to cause most harm to the atmosphere are measured by a carbon footprint calculator. The villains of the piece include carbon dioxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons, chlorofluorocarbons and perfluorocarbons. Scientists believe that these gases contribute to warming, to extreme heat waves, rising sea levels and corresponding harm to all manner of life. Thus immediate action is required to stop these damaging effects.

Following EPA requirements, an organization can identify the extent of their greenhouse gas emissions, can create a management plan, can set goals and report their findings through the use of a carbon footprint calculator. The calculator should be of particular benefit to companies that have multiple locations.

Emissions Factors and Global Warming Potential data is entered into a carbon footprint calculator, for each emissions source. For example commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems or heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Indirect emissions are also classified and described as being used by a company during its daily operations, but supplied by another source — such as the use of electricity or heat. The total emissions involve reading EF and GWP at each source.

Complex data is required to be input into a carbon footprint calculator, so companies with HVAC systems in stores, hospitals, warehouses or offices are turning to refrigerant management programs. These computerized programs include a calculator to handle the sometimes tedious tasks of monitoring, tracking and reporting.