The carbon footprint is the result of an emissions calculation. It indicates the amount of greenhouse gases released by an activity, process or action. A carbon footprint can be specified for business or production processes of companies, for example.

Products also have a carbon footprint, which is comprised of the sum of emissions generated by the production, use, and recycling and disposal of the respective product. This applies to every conceivable product: from toys and technical equipment to furniture and furnishings.

A carbon footprint can also be calculated for many other activities and processes – both for companies and private individuals. For example, for an event, hotel accommodation, a business trip by car, train or plane, or the provision of a specific service.

For companies engaged in sustainability, the carbon footprint is an important tool for assessing their climate impact and thus a central component of life cycle assessment and sustainability reporting.