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SME application of LCA‐based carbon footprints

Authors :
Christopher Lambert
Jessica Moss
Allan Rennie
Source :
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering. 1:132-141
Publication Year :
2008
Publisher :
Informa UK Limited, 2008.

Abstract

Following a brief introduction about the need for businesses to respond to climate change, this paper considers the development of the phrase ‘carbon footprint’. Widely used definitions are considered before the authors offer their own interpretation of how the term should be used. The paper focuses on the contribution small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) make to the economy and their level of influence in stimulating change within organisations. The experience of an outreach team from the Engineering Department of a UK university is used which draws on the experience of delivering regional economic growth projects funded principally through the European Regional Development Fund. Case studies are used including the development of bespoke carbon footprints for SMEs from an initiative delivered by the outreach team. Limitations of current carbon footprints are identified based on this higher education‐industry knowledge exchange mechanism around three main themes of scope, the assessment method and co...

Details

ISSN :
19397046 and 19397038
Volume :
1
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
International Journal of Sustainable Engineering
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........c08c9995ab40ade45c86b6e7192f519f
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1080/19397030802332930