Ian Coombe

Positive Footprints

What's a "Carbon Footprint"?

A carbon footprint is:

"the total set of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions caused by an organization, event, product or person." (Wikipedia)

Much effort, debate and expense surrounds measuring, legislation, policing and, of course, charging for an "excessive" carbon footprint.

"Reduce, Reuse, Recycle"

The mantra of many a green organisation has been "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle". The intent is to:

• reduce the amount of material, energy, etc we use so that we don't waste precious non-renewable resources
• re-use our materials so that the cost of producing them is effectively reduced and the benefit increased
• recycle waste through appropriate programs that convert it into useable resources.

What's a "Positive Footprint"?

Whereas a carbon footprint, as well as the "reduce, reuse, recycle" mantra consumes resources with a net negative balance sheet, a "positive footprint" is the production of resources that leaves a net positive benefit to the balance sheet.

An example might be a solar power generator that might initially cost resources, but in effect, give back more as time goes by.

Why "Reducing, Reusing, Recycling" is not enough.

In effect, the production of consumer materials still consumes non-renewable materials. These will deplete until eventually, there will be nothing left.

For society to be sustainable well into the future for generations to come, then depletion needs to slow to a stop and regeneration needs to begin.

"Cradle to Cradle"

"Cradle to Cradle" is a book by William McDonough and Michael Braungart that well handles the issues involved in a very compelling way.

Far from being "greenie tree-huggers", they simply and carefully explain the impact of current practices and extrapolate into the future. The picture painted is one that is impossible to ignore - once it is learned, it cannot be unlearned or ignored.

Business Practicalities

Businesses will eventually be caught up in the resource shortage and the cost explosions of dealing with non-renewable materials.

The smart businesses that survive and thrive into the future will be the ones that comprehend the cost-benefit and value proposition of having a positive footprint.

The "Good to Great" and " Built to Last" classic business books by Jim Collins extoll the criteria for businesses that will not only survive, but thrive. Having a positive footprint will certainly be added to the criteria.