Carbon Footprint Measurement

Measuring carbon is the first step toward managing it. A carbon footprint shows where emissions come from across your operations, supply chain, or destination so you can identify reduction opportunities, track progress over time, and clearly see whether your emissions are actually decreasing. Without measurement, it is easy to misidentify emissions hotspots and focus on the wrong areas. It also enables transparent communication with customers, partners, and stakeholders, helps you respond to growing demand for more sustainable products and experiences, and supports credible, evidence-based climate claims in a time of increasing scrutiny. Measurement also helps you meet regulatory and partner expectations, prepare for certification programs that require emissions data, support commitments such as the Glasgow Declaration for Climate Action in Tourism, and build a clear climate action plan for your business or destination.

Carbon is measured by collecting data on your operations and value chain, including energy consumed, fuel burned, people and goods transported, meals served, goods and services purchased, and waste generated. This data is then converted into greenhouse gas emissions using standardized emission factors, which estimate the amount of carbon emitted from a specific activity. For example, electricity use (kWh) can be converted into emissions based on how clean or carbon-intensive the local electricity grid is, and air travel can be converted based on distance and typical fuel use.

There are different levels of detail in carbon measurement, and many companies evolve their approaches to improve accuracy over time. Organizations that are just starting can use readily available information, such as travel distances, number of travelers, transport modes, or even spending by category, to estimate emissions using average emission factors. Organizations seeking more precise tracking and reduction planning typically collect more specific operational data, such as actual fuel consumption and fuel type.

Online carbon calculators and measurement tools, such as those offered by Sustainable Travel International for travel, tours, hotels, and events, are a practical starting point. As needs grow, organizations may move to more advanced carbon software or seek expert support for deeper analysis, reporting, and climate action planning.

Yes. Carbon measurement can be scaled to fit organizations of any size. Small businesses often begin with simple estimates based on key activities such as electricity use, fuel consumption, travel, or purchasing. Even a basic estimate provides useful insight, helps prioritize reduction efforts, and establishes a baseline that can be refined over time. A range of free carbon calculators is available to support different types of businesses.

Yes. Although tours involve many moving parts, emissions can still be measured using a combination of real operational data and standardized assumptions. Transportation, accommodation, and activities are typically the largest contributors and most important emission sources to measure first. When detailed fuel or supplier data is unavailable, itinerary information or spending data can be used to generate a reliable estimate, which can be refined as more specific data becomes available. Carbon footprinting tools, such as Sustainable Travel International’s Tour Footprinting Tool, streamline the process and deliver consistent, comparable results.

It depends on your goals, internal capacity, and level of detail required.

• Tools are a good starting point for estimates and smaller organizations and often the most affordable option. 
• Software platforms are best for ongoing tracking, reporting, and scaling measurement over time
• Consultants or expert support are helpful for complex footprints, custom methodologies, or turning results into climate action strategies. 

Many organizations use a combination, starting simple and adding depth over time.

The cost of measuring a carbon footprint varies depending on the level of detail required and the tools or support you choose. Basic measurement using free calculators or tools can cost little to nothing and are often sufficient for getting started. More comprehensive carbon measurement—such as detailed Scope 3 analysis, ongoing tracking, reporting, or third-party verification—may involve software subscriptions or expert support and typically ranges from a modest annual investment for smaller organizations to higher costs for complex businesses or destination-wide footprints.

Many organizations start with simple, low-cost measurement and increase depth over time as their reporting needs, climate goals, or stakeholder expectations grow.

A carbon footprint label communicates the emissions associated with a product, service, trip, event, or organization in a clear and standardized way. For example, a tour operator may choose to display carbon labels on their trips to show the emissions generated by each itinerary. Carbon labeling helps businesses increase transparency, demonstrate accountability, track progress as emissions are reduced over time, and provide customers with information about climate impacts. 

To add carbon labels, companies must first measure emissions using a consistent and credible methodology, calculating a footprint for the product, trip, or activity being labeled. Organizations such as Sustainable Travel International can provide guidance on selecting the right measurement approach and implementing carbon labels in a credible way.

Carbon emissions are measured in carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e). This standard unit converts different greenhouse gases (such as methane and nitrous oxide) into a common measure based on their global warming impact, allowing all emission sources to be compared and summed into one total carbon footprint. Emissions are typically reported in metric tons (t CO₂e), the standard unit used for carbon accounting and reporting.