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In this course, you will learn the following points in detail:

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In this course, you will learn the following points in detail:

  • Green House Effect

  • Activities responsible for Green house gas emission

  • Global Warming Potential and Atmospheric Lifetime for Major Greenhouse Gases

  • Definition of Carbon Footprint

  • What can we do to reduce carbon footprint

  • Top Green house gas emitters in World

  • Carbon Emission by sector wise

  • Paris Climate Agreement

  • Aim of Paris Agreement

  • Findings from the IPCC report

  • IPCC report findings Rich Vs poor

  • Carbon footprint of diesel and Petrol

  • CO2 for coal based electricity

  • Carbon Footprint for coal based electricity

  • How to calculate a family's carbon footprint.

  • Family's carbon footprint (in tonnes of CO2 equivalent)

  • Reducing the Carbon Footprint /Family

  • Reducing Carbon Footprint of Traveling

  • Emissions from grid electricity

  • Reducing Carbon footprint of grid electricity

  • Emission factor of Grid Electricity

  • Carbon Footprint in Aviation or Air Travel

  • CO2 Emission in Aviation or Air Travel

  • Quantify an industry's foot print

  • Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 to Calculate Carbon footprint

  • Direct Emissions of GHGs (Scope 1)

  • Indirect emissions of GHGs (Scope 2).

  • Indirect emissions of GHGs (Scope 3).

  • Why is the carbon footprint expressed in CO2 equivalents?

  • Calculate overall GHG emissions

  • How to calculate Carbon Footprint of industry

  • Scope 1 (Direct Consumption) Case Study

  • Scope 2 (Indirect Consumption) Case Study

  • Scope 3 (Indirect Consumption) Case Study

  • Example to Calculate Industrial Carbon Footprint Case Study

  • Annual carbon footprint of Industry owned vehicle

  • Annual carbon footprint for Diesel used in DG Sets

  • Annual Carbon footprint of Steam Generation in Boiler

  • Annual carbon footprint of LPG Consumption for internal processes

  • Annual carbon footprint for electricity

  • Annual CO2 Emission for Employees taking Air travel

  • Overall Annual CO2 Footprints of Industry

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Green house effect
  • Activities responsible for green house gas emission
  • Global warming potential and atmospheric lifetime for major greenhouse gases
  • Definition of carbon footprint
  • What can we do to reduce carbon footprint
  • Top green house gas emitters in world
  • Carbon emission by sectorwise
  • Paris climate agreement
  • Aim of paris agreement
  • Findings from the ipcc report
  • Ipcc report findings rich vs poor
  • Carbon footprint of diesel and petrol
  • Co2 for coal based electricity
  • Carbon footprint for coal based electricity
  • How to calculate a family's carbon footprint.
  • Family's carbon footprint (in tonnes of co2 equivalent)
  • Reducing the carbon footprint /family
  • Reducing carbon footprint of travelling
  • Emissions from grid electricity
  • Reducing carbon footprint of grid electricity
  • Emission factor of grid electricity
  • Carbon footprint in aviation or air travel
  • Co2 emission in aviation or air travel
  • Quantify an industry's foot print
  • Scope 1, scope 2 and scope 3 to calculate carbon footprint
  • Direct emissions of ghgs (scope 1)
  • Indirect emissions of ghgs (scope 2).
  • Indirect emissions of ghgs (scope 3).
  • Why is the carbon footprint expressed in co2 equivalents?
  • Calculate overall ghg emissions
  • How to calculate carbon footprint of industry
  • Scope 1 (direct consumption) case study
  • Scope 2 (indirect consumption) case study
  • Scope 3 (indirect consumption) case study
  • Example to calculate industrial carbon footprint case study
  • Annual carbon footprint of industry owned vehicle
  • Annual carbon footprint for diesel used in dg sets
  • Annual carbon footprint of steam generation in boiler
  • Annual carbon footprint of lpg consumption for internal processes
  • Annual carbon footprint for electricity
  • Annual co2 emission for employees taking air travel
  • Overall annual co2 footprints of industry
  • Show more
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Syllabus

Introduction to Carbon Footprint at Global Context
Introduction about Course
How Human activities are responsible for Climate Change
Global Warming Potential and Atmospheric Lifetime for Major Greenhouse Gases
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Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Explores the IPCC report findings, which provides learners with insights from a leading international scientific body on climate change
Covers Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, which are essential for a comprehensive understanding of carbon footprinting in various industries
Examines the Paris Climate Agreement, which is a landmark international accord on climate change mitigation and adaptation
Includes case studies on calculating industrial carbon footprints, which offers practical application of the concepts learned
Discusses carbon footprint reduction strategies for families and travel, which provides actionable steps for individuals to lower their environmental impact
Requires learners to perform calculations, which may require access to spreadsheet software or other computational tools not readily available to all students

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Reviews summary

Comprehensive carbon footprint introduction

According to learners (based on course content), this course provides a solid introduction to carbon footprints. It covers fundamental concepts like the Greenhouse Effect and global agreements, then moves into practical calculation methods. Students interested in personal impact will find guidance on calculating a family's carbon footprint, while those with professional interests can learn about Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and explore industry case studies. The detailed breakdown and examples are intended to build a foundational understanding of emissions quantification and reduction strategies.
Builds knowledge from basic principles
"The course started with clear explanations of the greenhouse effect."
"It provides good context on climate change and global agreements."
"Understanding the basics before calculations was useful."
Covers personal and industry aspects
"I learned about both my personal impact and industry standards."
"The course covers family calculations and Scope 1, 2, 3."
"It provides an overview from global issues to specific industry cases."
Detailed methods for calculating emissions
"The sections on calculating footprints were very helpful."
"I appreciated the specific examples for family and industry."
"Learning how to quantify emissions using different scopes was key."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Carbon Footprints with these activities:
Review Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Refresh your understanding of greenhouse gas emissions to better grasp the complexities of carbon footprint calculations.
Browse courses on Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Show steps
  • Review the different types of greenhouse gases.
  • Research the sources of these gases.
  • Understand their global warming potential.
Volunteer with a Local Environmental Organization
Gain practical experience and contribute to carbon footprint reduction efforts by volunteering with a local environmental organization.
Show steps
  • Research local environmental organizations.
  • Contact an organization and inquire about volunteer opportunities.
  • Participate in volunteer activities.
Read 'Drawdown: The Most Comprehensive Plan Ever Proposed to Reverse Global Warming'
Explore potential solutions to climate change to contextualize the importance of carbon footprint reduction.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'Drawdown'.
  • Read the introduction and overview sections.
  • Select a few solutions to explore in detail.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Calculate Your Household Carbon Footprint
Apply the concepts learned in the course by calculating your own household's carbon footprint.
Show steps
  • Gather data on your energy consumption.
  • Collect information on your transportation habits.
  • Estimate your food consumption patterns.
  • Use an online calculator to determine your footprint.
  • Analyze your results and identify areas for improvement.
Read 'The Sixth Extinction: An Unnatural History'
Understand the broader environmental consequences of climate change and the importance of reducing carbon footprints.
Show steps
  • Obtain a copy of 'The Sixth Extinction'.
  • Read the book, focusing on the chapters related to climate change.
  • Reflect on the connection between carbon footprints and extinction.
Create a Presentation on Carbon Footprint Reduction Strategies
Solidify your understanding by creating a presentation that summarizes effective strategies for reducing carbon footprints.
Show steps
  • Research different carbon footprint reduction strategies.
  • Organize the strategies into categories.
  • Create visually appealing slides.
  • Practice your presentation delivery.
Develop a Carbon Footprint Reduction Plan for a Small Business
Apply your knowledge to a real-world scenario by creating a carbon footprint reduction plan for a small business.
Show steps
  • Identify a small business to work with.
  • Assess the business's current carbon footprint.
  • Research potential reduction strategies.
  • Develop a detailed implementation plan.
  • Present the plan to the business owner.

Career center

Learners who complete Fundamentals of Carbon Footprints will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Carbon Footprint Analyst
The job of a carbon footprint analyst is all about measuring, analyzing, and reducing carbon emissions. This course provides a solid grounding in carbon footprint methodologies at the individual, corporate, and global level, and the course content is extremely relevant. This includes instruction on calculating a family's carbon footprint, strategies for reducing carbon footprints, and quantifying an industry's footprint using Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions. Understanding the Paris Climate Agreement and IPCC report findings, as covered in this course, is critical for developing informed and effective carbon reduction strategies. Learn real case studies and calculations to prepare you for making a difference.
Sustainability Consultant
As a sustainability consultant, you would advise organizations on how to reduce their environmental impact, and understanding carbon footprints is foundational to this role. This course helps you understand the greenhouse effect, activities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases. You'll also learn about the Paris Climate Agreement, IPCC report findings, and strategies for reducing carbon footprints in various sectors. This course teaches you how to quantify an industry's carbon footprint using Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, essential knowledge for assessing and improving an organization's sustainability practices. You'll also gain insight into real-world case studies and calculations relevant to industrial carbon footprints.
Environmental Analyst
An environmental analyst assesses environmental problems and recommends solutions. This often involves quantifying and analyzing carbon footprints. This course directly addresses this need by detailing the definition of a carbon footprint and methodologies for calculating it. It also covers sector-specific carbon emissions, such as those from diesel, petrol, and coal-based electricity. With its coverage of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions calculations, this course provides a practical understanding of how to quantify an industry's environmental impact. You'll have a useful overview of strategies for reducing carbon footprints and the impact of different carbon emitting activities.
Sustainability Analyst
Sustainability analysts collect and analyze data related to environmental and social performance to inform decision-making. The carbon footprint is one of the most important metrics in sustainability. This course provides a detailed introduction to carbon footprints, including their definition, calculation, and reduction strategies. You will learn about the greenhouse effect, activities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases. In addition, this course covers the Paris Climate Agreement and IPCC report findings, equipping you with the knowledge to track and analyze sustainability performance.
Climate Change Consultant
A climate change consultant advises governments and businesses on strategies to mitigate and adapt to climate change. This course's emphasis on the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gas emissions, global warming potential, and the Paris Climate Agreement provides a valuable foundation for understanding climate change dynamics. You'll learn how to quantify carbon footprints at different scales, from individual families to entire industries, and develop strategies for reducing emissions. Additionally, this course will provide you with a nuanced understanding of IPCC report findings and the disparities between rich and poor nations in their contributions to climate change.
Climate Policy Analyst
Climate policy analysts develop and evaluate policies aimed at mitigating climate change. A solid grounding in carbon footprints is vital for shaping effective climate policies. This course provides a thorough introduction to carbon footprints, including their definition, calculation, and reduction strategies. You will gain insight into the greenhouse effect, activities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases. Furthermore, this course delves into the Paris Climate Agreement and IPCC report findings, equipping you with the knowledge to formulate and assess climate policies. Understanding how to calculate the carbon footprint of industry can inform policy.
Sustainability Coordinator
A sustainability coordinator implements and manages sustainability initiatives within an organization. Understanding carbon footprints is essential for setting targets, tracking progress, and identifying areas for improvement. This course gives you insight into the activities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases, and strategies for reducing emissions in various sectors. The course's coverage of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions is useful for comprehensively assessing an organization's environmental performance. You'll also learn about the Paris Climate Agreement, IPCC report findings, and practical methods for calculating and reducing carbon footprints.
Corporate Social Responsibility Manager
Corporate social responsibility managers develop and implement strategies for companies to operate in an ethical and sustainable manner. This course gives you a foundational understanding of carbon footprints, their calculation, and reduction strategies. By learning about the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases, you'll be well-equipped to address the environmental aspects of CSR. The course's coverage of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, combined with case studies of industrial carbon footprints, is also useful for developing data-driven CSR initiatives.
Environmental Manager
An environmental manager oversees an organization's environmental performance and ensures compliance with regulations. This role requires a deep understanding of carbon footprints and strategies for their reduction. This course provides this essential knowledge through an overview of carbon emission factors, the calculation of carbon footprints for various sectors, and strategies for emissions reduction. Through this course, you'll gain a solid grasp of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, as well as methodologies for calculating industrial carbon footprints. With coverage of the Paris Climate Agreement and IPCC report findings, this course equips you with the knowledge to drive environmental improvements.
Energy Auditor
Energy auditors assess the energy efficiency of buildings and processes, identifying opportunities for improvement. As part of their work, energy auditors need to understand carbon footprints and how energy consumption contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. This course provides a detailed understanding of these concepts, including the relationship between energy sources and their carbon footprints. The course's coverage of Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions is helpful for comprehensively evaluating an organization's energy-related carbon footprint. You'll be able to determine factors for petrol, diesel, and coal based electricity.
Environmental Compliance Officer
An environmental compliance officer ensures that an organization adheres to environmental regulations and standards. You will require a solid understanding of carbon footprints to help companies measure and manage their environmental impact. This course gives introductory detail on calculating carbon footprints, covering their definition, calculation, and reduction methods. You will gain insights into the greenhouse effect, activities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases. This course also goes over the Paris Climate Agreement and IPCC report findings, which help to make certain that organizations are kept up to date.
Carbon Project Developer
Carbon project developers design and implement projects that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions, such as renewable energy installations or reforestation initiatives. This course gives you practical calculation techniques, and will go over carbon footprints, covering their definition, calculation, and reduction strategies. This will give you insight into activities responsible for greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases. It gives you the ability to calculate overall GHG emissions in a way that will make you credible with stakeholders. You will also learn about real world examples and case studies.
Environmental Educator
An environmental educator teaches students or the public about environmental issues and promotes sustainable practices. This course introduces you to the greenhouse effect, greenhouse gas emissions, and the global warming potential of major greenhouse gases. You'll also learn about the Paris Climate Agreement, IPCC report findings, and practical strategies for reducing carbon footprints in various settings. The course's accessible language and illustrative examples make it valuable for communicating complex environmental concepts to diverse audiences. With a grasp of how to quantify an individual's carbon footprint, you'll be ready to help change behavior.
Emissions Trader
Emissions traders work in carbon markets, buying and selling carbon credits or allowances. For success in this field, you need to understand carbon footprints and related concepts. The content in this course covers the underlying dynamics of greenhouse gas emissions, the factors that influence them, and the mechanisms for reducing them. This includes a high level understanding of the Paris Climate Agreement and IPCC report findings, and how it equips you with the knowledge to navigate the intricacies of emissions trading. You'll have a solid understanding of how to calculate individual and industrial footprints.
Renewable Energy Specialist
As a renewable energy specialist, you'll promote and implement renewable energy technologies. Understanding the carbon footprints of different energy sources is essential for advocating for the transition to renewable energy. This course compares the carbon footprints of conventional energy sources, such as diesel and coal-based electricity, with the emissions from grid electricity generated from various sources. You'll also learn about strategies for reducing the carbon footprint of grid electricity. By learning how to calculate the carbon footprint for electricity, you can easily do comparisons.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Fundamentals of Carbon Footprints.
Provides a broad overview of solutions to reverse global warming. It is useful for understanding the context and importance of carbon footprint reduction. It offers a comprehensive look at various strategies, making it a valuable resource for expanding your knowledge beyond the course material. This book is commonly referenced by professionals in the sustainability field.
Explores the concept of mass extinction events and how human activity is driving the current one. It provides a broader context for understanding the urgency of addressing climate change and reducing carbon footprints. While not directly focused on carbon footprint calculation, it highlights the consequences of inaction. This book is valuable as additional reading to understand the larger environmental impact.

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