Carbon footprint is one of the most commonly reported measures of an event’s environmental impact.
It is defined as the total quantity of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions created directly or indirectly by the event. These cover all types of GHG and are assessed for environmental harm by a common measure of equivalent volume of carbon dioxide.
Many organisations use measurement of carbon footprint to quantify the required investment to offset the negative impact of an event through accredited carbon offsetting projects.
What to measure
The most basic ‘input’ is a defined commitment to monitor emissions:
- Measurement of carbon footprint in place (ASOIF reference EN-EP1.2)
More advanced ‘output’ indicators recommended by the OECD and ASOIF include:
- Total event carbon footprint (without discounting any carbon offsetting)
- Net event carbon footprint (after discounting any carbon offsetting) (ASOIF reference EN-OUTCOME1)
- Carbon footprint per event-related visitor
- Reductions in personal carbon footprint following events
The OECD considers these impacts to contribute towards the UN SDG Climate Action (Target 13.2).
Carbon footprint: How to measure it
Calculating carbon footprint is a complex task and different methodologies can produce very different results. Transparency in how carbon footprints are calculated is therefore essential to the credibility of results.
The standard measurement of GHG emissions is tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO₂e). Online carbon calculators can be used to estimate tCO₂e caused by an event. The calculator you choose should be able to assess emissions created by both direct and indirect activity associated with the event. OECD guidance identifies three levels of activity that should be considered in carbon footprint calculations:
- Scope one includes all emissions arising from activity directly owned or controlled by the event
- Scope two includes indirect emissions generated by purchased energy used in the event
- Scope three includes all indirect emissions that occur in the value chain related to the event
It is therefore wise to use more than one calculator to estimate carbon footprint and report results in a range rather than as a point estimate, although the main priority is to have clear methodologies that enable accurate estimation over time.
Some free carbon calculators include the following. These tools are not officially endorsed by eventIMPACTS partners; you should always consult with potential partners such as local authorities etc when determining the most appropriate mechanism to use.
- The Carbon Footprint Individual Calculator estimates CO2e travel-related emissions at sport, cultural or business events using UK Government methodology. Its analysis is sufficiently detailed to be able to accurately calculate emissions for a wide range of transport types.
- The Culture for Climate Scotland Carbon Management Calculator is specifically designed to help arts organisations estimate historic, current and future carbon footprints and identify reduction measures to include in a carbon management strategy. It is based on updated UK Government carbon emission conversion factors and requires detailed data on energy and water use, waste disposal, staff travel and spending on specific modes of transport.
- Julie’s Bicycle Creative Climate Tools help event organisers measure the impact of energy use, water consumption, waste, audience travel, freight and materials. These tools have been developed for the cultural and creative sectors but are relevant to sporting and business events too.
- The MyClimate website includes a country-specific calculator developed for general events and as a means of helping organisers of smaller events or those with limited capacity understand their environmental impacts. It enables the measurement of participant and employee travel, accommodation, catering, energy use, and the production of communication/promotional materials.
Carbon footprint measurement in action
Case study: 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships
Case study: 2023 Para Swimming World Championships
Case study: 2023 ICF Canoe Slalom World Championships
Case study: 2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships