Analysis of the Indirect Carbon Footprint Due to Electricity Consumption in an Environmental Services Company in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Abstract

Geological evidence accumulated over time reveals climatic variations on planet Earth. However, the current concern lies in acceleration of these changes, caused by industrial and service activities in society. This acceleration contributes to increase in magnitude and duration the effects of climate change, significantly affecting all forms of life on the planet. In this context, an analysis of carbon footprint was conducted in an environmental consulting company located in Bucaramanga, Colombia. The goal was to quantify the company’s contribution to climate change, specifically global warming, through the emission of greenhouse gases. To do this, a close life cycle assessment approach was adopted, using the current emission factor in Colombia. Through the characterization of the company’s operational and administrative processes, an indirect emission of 1.39 tons of CO2 eq per month was determined, which extrapolated to an annual emission of 16.68 tons of CO2 eq. The laboratory process was identified as the main generator of CO2 eq, contributing 86% of the total. With the carbon footprint calculated, a detailed analysis of compensation strategies, environmental education and technological updating was conducted. These strategies were designed with the objective of optimizing electrical energy consumption and, consequently, mitigating the environmental impacts derived from CO2 emissions. The implementation of these measures seeks not only to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, but also to promote more sustainable and conscious practices in the business and social spheres.