2.5 Resources

The following web-based resources provide additional information:

  • GHG Protocol, explains scope and boundaries in detail in an organisational context (free registration is needed for this website)

  • DEFRA’s guidance for conversion factors to CO2

  • green suppliers’ (contradictory) guides to CO2 emissions from electricity

  • an independent listing of proportions of renewables for all UK electricity suppliers

  • what the ASA thought about British Gas’s claims to be a lower-carbon supplier

  • Eurostar’s claim to be greener than flying

  • George Monbiot (Guardian blogger) meets the Chief Executive of easyJet

  • PAS 2050 explained by BSi.

Activity 2

Many of the above resources are quite technical, and may appear to complicate a quite simple concept. Do we need to know exactly what the assumptions are behind a carbon footprint, as long as it is produced on a basis that allows comparison and action? Or is there a danger that a simple footprint can be twisted to allow vested interests to start making ‘greenwash’ claims?

2.4 Scope – goods and services

3 Calculating your carbon footprint