Faced with the knowledge that almost every facility gives out some type of greenhouse gas, a carbon footprint calculator has come into its’ own, to help organizations reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. The calculator allows them to more easily recognize the problem, put in place measures to reduce emissions and then gauge their progress.

Within the past several years, there have been many efforts to reduce carbon emissions. Among them are the U.S. Clean Air Act and The Climate Registry, which is a nonprofit agency that sets uniform standards for calculating, verifying and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Membership in The Climate Registry is voluntary, however most North American states, provinces, territories and native sovereign nations are participating.

The carbon footprint calculator is a valuable tool in which facilities can enter data about their daily operations in areas that contribute greatly to greenhouse gas emissions. Energy use, waste generation, purchased materials and transportation are among the main areas that play a major role in the emitting of harmful gases into the environment.

It is becoming increasingly critical for businesses to measure their carbon footprint. The current and future health of the planet depends on it. New research shows that certain gases are depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming. Because these gases remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, steps must be taken now to slow their damage. These measures include reducing carbon emissions.

By using a carbon footprint calculator, businesses will be able to measure how much of the environmentally harmful gases they use. These substances include carbon dioxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). According to scientists, these gases contribute to the earths warming, which could lead to extreme heat waves, rising sea levels and severe harm to humans, animals, plant life and marine life, if no action is taken to stop the damaging effects.

Under EPA requirements, a business can now use a carbon footprint calculator to identify the extent of their gas emissions, creating a management plan, establish goals and report their findings. Companies that have multiple buildings or locations will find the calculator to be of particular benefit.

A carbon footprint calculator uses data to calculate emission amounts from all direct and indirect sources. Direct emissions are those from equipment or other sources owned or operated by a company, such as commercial refrigeration and air conditioning (RAC) systems or heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Indirect emissions are used by a company during daily operations, but are supplied by another source, such as the use of electricity or heat.

The task of monitoring, tracking and reporting greenhouse gas emissions is a somewhat cumbersome and tedious one. Companies are required to input complex data into a carbon footprint calculator so many companies who use HVAC systems in stores, warehouses, offices or hospitals are turning to computerized refrigerant management programs to help them achieve the task.