In the global pursuit of sustainability, the conversation around greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is gaining momentum in both corporate and individual spaces. But what exactly are GHG emissions, and why are they so crucial in the fight against climate change?
GHG emissions vs Carbon Footprint – What’s the difference?
GHG emissions and ‘carbon footprint’ are essentially the same, and the terms are often used interchangeably. However, "GHG emissions" is technically more accurate, as it accounts for the release of various greenhouse gases - such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) - into the atmosphere, not just carbon dioxide. The term "GHG emissions" better highlights the diverse and potent greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming and climate change. This distinction is important, as gases like methane and nitrous oxide can have a far greater warming potential than CO2.
Direct vs. Indirect GHG Emissions
GHG emissions can be broadly classified into two categories: direct and indirect emissions. Direct emissions come from sources that are directly controlled by an individual or organisation. These include emissions from burning fossil fuels in your cars, oil heating systems, and household fireplaces. Indirect emissions, on the other hand, result from activities that occur outside direct control but are still part of the energy supply chain, such as electricity production, which is consumed but not generated by the user (e.g. grid energy use). Both types contribute significantly to a business or household’s overall carbon footprint.
Which Greenhouse Gases Contribute to Climate Change?
As noted above, several greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, with the most prevalent being carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O). Each gas varies in its global warming potential, with methane and nitrous oxide being more potent but less abundant than carbon dioxide. Understanding the sources and effects of these gases is key to reducing emissions.
Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 Emissions: Breaking Down The Jargon
• Scope 1: Direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, such as fuel combustion in company-owned vehicles or manufacturing facilities.
• Scope 2: Indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy (i.e. grid energy), primarily electricity, consumed by the organisation.
• Scope 3: All other indirect emissions occurring in a company’s value chain, including transportation, product use, and supply chain emissions.
Fuel Combustion: The Energy We Use
At the heart of GHG emissions is fuel combustion, which occurs when we burn fossil fuels such as coal, oil, or natural gas for energy. This process powers homes, vehicles, and industries but also emits large amounts of greenhouse gases. For businesses - especially in transportation, logistics, and manufacturing - fuel combustion is a significant source of emissions; particularly those companies with product distribution. To counteract this, many organisations are transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind, which generate power without fossil fuel combustion. For example, companies like Google have committed to using 100% renewable energy, reducing their carbon footprint while stabilising long-term energy costs.
Waste Management: Rethinking Our Trash
Waste is a major source of GHG emissions, especially from organic materials that decompose in landfills and release methane. Improving waste management through recycling and composting helps divert waste from landfills and reduces these emissions. On the corporate side, businesses are embracing circular economy models, where products are reused, recycled, or repurposed, further cutting emissions by minimising waste. For instance, Patagonia’s “closed-loop” system encourages recycling old clothing, reducing the need for new resource extraction.
Agricultural Emissions: Farming’s Footprint
Agriculture is a major source of GHG emissions, primarily through methane from livestock and nitrous oxide from fertilisers. However, sustainable farming practices - such as regenerative agriculture, organic farming, and crop rotation - are helping to reduce the sector’s environmental impact. Consumers can support these practices by opting for local, seasonal produce and reducing meat consumption, particularly from industrial farming sources. The rise of plant-based diets also reflects a shift towards lowering agriculture’s carbon footprint.
Why Should We Care?
Understanding GHG emissions is essential not just for climate experts but for everyone. Our everyday activities - from driving cars to discarding waste - contribute to the larger environmental crisis. Businesses, in particular, face growing pressure from consumers, investors, and regulators to be transparent about their environmental impact and reduce emissions.
It's easy to think, “Oh, but Taylor Swift has a private jet - what difference do my own emissions really make?” or “Elon Musk’s space rockets produce more emissions in a minute than my whole house does in a year - why should I worry?” However, climate change is everyone's responsibility. Each of us must be accountable for our own emissions, no matter how small they may seem in comparison to larger-scale contributors. Every individual's actions add up, and together, we can make a significant impact in the fight against climate change. Dismissing personal responsibility only delays the progress we urgently need.
Moving Towards a Sustainable Future
The journey to reduce GHG emissions requires a multifaceted approach, with individuals, companies, and governments all playing key roles. Encouragingly, we are already seeing positive changes - renewable energy investments are booming, and many businesses are finding that sustainability aligns with profitability. The actions we take today, from using renewable energy to reducing food waste, matter for the planet's future.
Simple Actions to Reduce Your Own GHG Emissions
While tackling climate change can feel overwhelming, there are many small, practical actions we can all take to reduce our GHG emissions. These changes not only benefit the environment but can also lead to healthier lifestyles and cost savings over time. Here are some simple steps individuals and businesses can adopt:
1. Switch to Renewable Energy Providers
Many energy companies now offer renewable energy plans sourced from solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. Switching to a green energy provider is one of the easiest ways to significantly reduce your home’s carbon footprint without changing your energy usage habits.
2. Drive Less, Walk or Cycle More
Transportation is a major source of emissions, especially from gasoline-powered cars. Reduce emissions by walking, cycling, or using public transportation for shorter journeys. For longer distances, consider carpooling or using electric vehicles.
3. Opt for Energy-Efficient Appliances
Replace old, energy-hungry appliances with energy-efficient models that have high ratings (such as Energy Star). These appliances use less electricity, cutting both emissions and utility bills.
4. Insulate Your Home or Office
Proper insulation reduces the need for heating and cooling, two significant sources of household emissions. Ensuring your home is well-insulated and installing energy-efficient windows can drastically cut down on energy use – and save you money!
5. Eat a Plant-Based Diet
The production of meat, especially beef, is a significant contributor to methane emissions, which have a high impact on climate change. However, you don’t have to go fully vegan to make a difference. Simply reducing how often you eat meat can have a meaningful impact. Opting for more plant-based meals throughout the week helps lower your carbon footprint, as plant-based foods typically require fewer carbon-heavy resources to produce. When you do choose to eat meat, be more conscious about where it comes from. Buying locally-sourced options, like British meat rather than imported, can reduce the emissions associated with transportation. Supporting local and sustainably-raised meat not only reduces environmental impact but also supports better farming practices. This mindful approach allows you to enjoy a balanced diet while still contributing to the fight against climate change.
6. Reduce Food Waste
Around one-third of food produced globally is wasted, contributing to unnecessary emissions from agriculture and landfill methane. Plan meals ahead, store food properly, and compost food scraps to reduce waste.
7. Use a Programmable Thermostat
Smart thermostats allow you to control heating and cooling systems efficiently, ensuring you only use energy when needed. This not only saves energy but also reduces your GHG emissions from home or office heating.
8. Install Solar Panels
If you own your home or office, consider installing solar panels. Solar energy is a clean, renewable source that reduces dependence on fossil fuels and can lower energy bills in the long run.
9. Conserve Water
Water treatment and distribution require energy. Reducing water use by installing low-flow faucets, taking shorter showers, and fixing leaks can cut emissions associated with water heating and processing.
10. Support Sustainable Brands
Choose to buy from companies that have strong sustainability practices. Whether it's clothing, food, household items, or print!, supporting brands that prioritise the environment encourages more businesses to adopt eco-friendly policies.
11. Buy Second-Hand or Rent Instead of Buying New
The production of new goods, especially electronics, clothing, and furniture, contributes to emissions from manufacturing. Consider purchasing second-hand items or renting products you only need temporarily to reduce the demand for new goods.
12. Recycle and Compost
Set up a recycling system at home to ensure you’re diverting materials away from landfills. Composting organic waste (like food scraps) reduces methane emissions from landfills while providing nutrient-rich compost for your garden.
13. Plant Trees or Support Reforestation Projects
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, making them a powerful tool in combating climate change. Plant trees in your garden or support reforestation projects to contribute to carbon sequestration.
14. Fly Less or Offset Your Carbon Emissions
Air travel is a significant source of GHG emissions. If possible, fly less or choose direct flights to reduce fuel consumption. When flying is necessary, consider purchasing carbon offsets through reputable programs to compensate for your emissions.
15. Unplug Devices When Not in Use
Many electronics consume electricity even when turned off but left plugged in. Unplugging devices or using a smart power strip can eliminate this "phantom" energy use and lower household emissions.
What is Jump doing to reduce our own GHG emissions?
At Jump, we are committed to reducing our GHG emissions and have already achieved significant progress. Each year we measure and report on our company emissions with a third-party verified assessment.
Currently, we produce 42% fewer GHG emissions than the average UK printer. A key step in this reduction has been our switch to 100% green energy, which has significantly cut our energy-based emissions. By heating our facilities with electricity, we’ve reduced our reliance on fossil fuels like oil and gas. Additionally, we’ve invested in six electric vehicles to replace petrol-powered ones, lowering our direct emissions from transportation.
We’ve also undertaken a comprehensive assessment of our supply chain and are transitioning to more environmentally and GHG-conscious suppliers, leading to a 36% reduction in our greenhouse gas emissions in 2023. Furthermore, we’re proud to be a "Carbon Balanced Printer", certified by the World Land Trust.
While we’re still on our journey towards 'Net Zero' emissions, we’re making meaningful strides in reducing our environmental impact and combating climate change. We acknowledge we’re not perfect, but we remain committed to continuous improvement.
Read our latest “Jump_GHGAssessment-2022” to learn more…
