by B.J. Tolentino

Created on: March 09, 2010   Last Updated: March 10, 2010

Carbon footprint is man's quantifiable mark on the planet's ecosystem in terms of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted to the earth's atmosphere. The types of GHGs have been qualified by carbon reduction governing bodies such as the Kyoto Protocol and the Montreal Protocol in the case of Hydrochlorofloruocarbons (HCFCs).

They are deemed harmful to the environment and add up to global warming. Carbon footprints are measured in terms of these GHG emissions; as quantifiable units to determine the sustainability of mankind's expansion on the planet.   

• Carbon footprint as man's “Ecological Footprint”

Carbon footprint came into life with the release of the first academic publication on ecological footprint by William Reese in 1992. It argues that “prevailing economic assumptions regarding urbanization and sustainability of cities must be revised in light of global ecological changes”.

The concept was originally called “appropriated carrying capacity” which was eventually termed “ecological footprint” to improve its mainstream appeal. William Rees and Mathis Wakernagel (co-author) eventually published their studies in the book, “Our Ecological Footprint: Reducing Human Impact on the Earth” which became the founding principle behind what is now known as carbon footprint.

• Qualification of greenhouse gasses and carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that there are six greenhouse gases emitted in the United States and these are: Carbon dioxide (CO2), Methane (CH4), Nitrous oxide (N2O) and Industrial Gases: Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) and Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6)

These same types of GHGs are also targeted by large governing bodies such as the Kyoto Protocol; and CO2e (for carbon offsets) certifying bodies such as the VCS, CDM and the Gold Standards.

There are other GHGs which are mainly naturally occurring and not included in this list. The GHGs included in this list are categorized as largely influenced by man's expansions and those which are exclusively man-made. 

• Sources of greenhouse gas emissions

Carbon footprint is measured terms of pounds, kilograms or metric tons of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. There are many types of greenhouse gasses from different chemical compounds found on the earth's atmosphere.

Some of these GHGs are naturally occurring. Some are produced through man's activity while others are

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