A comparative study of carbon footprint and assessment standards

This paper focuses on the research methods and steps involved in carrying out studies on different types of carbon footprints. Furthermore, a comparative study of different carbon footprint assessment standards was carried out to identify their similarities, differences and deficiencies. Goals, principles, research boundaries, calculation methods, data selection and other aspects of organizations footprint and product carbon footprint were analysed, respectively. Organizations carbon footprint assessment standards-ISO14064 and Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol and product carbon footprint assessment standards-PAS2050, TSQ0010, ISO14047 and Product and Supply Chain GHG Protocol were analysed comparatively. The selection of GHG, system settings, quantification and carbon footprint, selection of date and treatment of specific emissions are the most important part of the study of the carbon footprint and assessment standards, especially for organizations and products. Guidelines had been made on these issues from existing assessment standards, but further improvement is still needed.