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Just about every facility emits some type of greenhouse gas. In an effort to encourage businesses to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, there is an important tool called a carbon footprint calculator to assist in identifying ways to reduce carbon emissions. By using a calculator, entities can more easily recognize their greenhouse gas emissions, implement measures to reduce them and set benchmarks to gauge their progress.

Many efforts are being made to reduce carbon emissions, as witnessed by the US Clean Air Act and the formation of The Climate Registry, a powerful organization that sets the standards for calculating, verify and reporting greenhouse gas emissions. Whilst membership is voluntary, most states, provinces, territories and sovereign nations are taking part in the effort within North America, to reduce carbon emissions.

Data about daily facility operations can be entered into a carbon footprint calculator, and this information is expected to contribute greatly to greenhouse gas emission reduction. The main areas playing a major role in harmful gas emissions are energy use, waste generation, purchased materials and transportation.

It is becoming increasingly critical for businesses to measure their carbon footprint. The current and future health of the planet depends on it. New research shows that certain gases are depleting the ozone layer and contributing to global warming. Because these gases remain in the atmosphere for hundreds of years, steps must be taken now to slow their damage. These measures include reducing carbon emissions.

By using a carbon footprint calculator, businesses will be able to measure how much of the environmentally harmful gases they use. These substances include carbon dioxide, hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs). According to scientists, these gases contribute to the earths warming, which could lead to extreme heat waves, rising sea levels and severe harm to humans, animals, plant life and marine life, if no action is taken to stop the damaging effects.

Under EPA requirements, a business can now use a carbon footprint calculator to identify the extent of their gas emissions, creating a management plan, establish goals and report their findings. Companies that have multiple buildings or locations will find the calculator to be of particular benefit.

Emissions Factors and Global Warming Potential data is entered into a carbon footprint calculator, for each emissions source. For example commercial refrigeration and air-conditioning systems or heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems. Indirect emissions are also classified and described as being used by a company during its daily operations, but supplied by another source — such as the use of electricity or heat. The total emissions involve reading EF and GWP at each source.

Complex data is required to be input into a carbon footprint calculator, so companies with HVAC systems in stores, hospitals, warehouses or offices are turning to refrigerant management programs. These computerized programs include a calculator to handle the sometimes tedious tasks of monitoring, tracking and reporting.