Calculating Your Carbon Footprint
Introduction: How to Measure Your Community’s Carbon Footprint
There are three main ways your community can estimate its carbon footprint, ranging from simple to professional:
- DIY Spreadsheet – Use a basic spreadsheet to enter campus data and perform basic calculations. This is a great starting point for a small group of residents.
- Online Tools – Use an online tool, such as ENERGY STAR Portfolio Manager or SIMAP, to guide you through data collection and provide more detailed calculations. These tools are free or low-cost and more robust than a DIY spreadsheet.
- Professional Audit – Hire a consultant using SSAFE’s Request for Proposal (RFP) to perform a greenhouse gas audit. This is the most detailed and accurate option, and may be appropriate if your community is ready to invest.
If your community is just getting started, starting with the simple spreadsheet approach can be a smart and practical choice, especially if awareness or interest in carbon emissions is still growing on your campus. Even one or two residents with access to utility bills and building square footage can build a simple spreadsheet that provides eye-opening estimates of your community’s carbon footprint.
