What Is a Carbon Footprint?
A carbon footprint represents the number of greenhouse gases produced by human-led activities, either directly or indirectly, measured in tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2).
Direct CO2-producing activities include:
- Heating homes with gas
- Driving fossil-fuel vehicles
Indirect carbon footprint activities include:
- Food shopping (production and processing)
- Data storage (sending emails)
Which Are the Biggest Contributors to Our Carbon Footprint in Ireland?
The three greatest contributors are:
- Energy — Coal emits 2.2 pounds of CO2 per kWh, petrol emits 2 pounds, and natural gas emits 0.9 pounds. Ireland's cleanest energy sources are wind, hydroelectric power, and solar power.
- Food and Agriculture — Agricultural activities account for 38% of Ireland's carbon footprint. Plant-based diets have lower carbon footprints than meat-based diets.
- Transportation — Ireland received 10.8 million international tourists in 2019, and 8.8 million Irish residents travel overseas annually. The country is deploying more electric vehicle charging stations.
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How Do I Calculate My Carbon Footprint?
Two popular online tools are available:
1. World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Website
A questionnaire covering diet, means of transportation, energy consumption, and spending habits.
2. Carbon Footprint Calculator
Requires specific data on kilowatt-hours, heating oil litres, and other consumption metrics for precise results.
How Can I Reduce My Carbon Footprint?
The ideal carbon footprint is 2–3 tonnes maximum per annum. However, Ireland produces 15.5 tonnes of CO2 per capita, and Irish households emit 60% more than the EU average.
Ways to reduce your carbon footprint:
- Reduce meat and animal product consumption
- Buy locally to reduce food miles
- Purchase seasonal fruit and vegetables
- Prevent food waste through freezing or composting
- Grow your own produce
- Buy in bulk with natural packaging
- Purchase clothing from natural fibres
- Reduce household energy consumption
- Improve home heating systems
- Upcycle or recycle belongings
- Switch to renewable energy suppliers
What Is Carbon Offsetting?
Carbon offsetting helps bring your footprint to net zero. Environmental organisations invest funds in projects combating greenhouse gas emissions:
- Planting trees that capture CO2
- Developing wind and solar power farms
- Building waste-methane conversion power plants
- Improving agricultural techniques
- Enhancing building energy efficiency
Under the Kyoto Protocol and Paris Agreement, countries exceeding carbon limits can sell remaining allowances as credits. One Carbon Emission Reduction Certificate (CER) represents a metric tonne of CO2 taken out of our atmosphere.
What Is the Clean Development Mechanism?
The CDM provides carbon emission reduction certificates allowing developed countries to purchase CERs from developing nations, enabling industrialised countries to meet targets while funding reduction initiatives elsewhere.
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How Can I Offset My Carbon Footprint?
Carbon Offset Plans Available
| CO2 Offset | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2.08 tonnes | €2.99 |
| 2.95 tonnes | €4.99 |
| 5.03 tonnes | €5.99 |
| 6.94 tonnes | €7.50 |
| 12.98 tonnes | €14.99 |
Carbon Offsetting Schemes
- Thorlux — A lighting company operating since 2009, having planted 149,849 trees offsetting 32,000 tonnes of CO2 in Wales
- Ireland Ecotourism / Trees on the Land — Arranges native tree-planting events for locals and tourists
- The Boghill Centre — County Clare venue accepting donations for woodland projects planting native trees at €3 per tree
- Vita — A charitable organisation providing efficient stoves using 60% less wood than traditional versions, supporting sustainable household energy in Africa