How to Define A Carbon Footprint

The UK branch of The Centre for Integrated Sustainability Analysis has published a new research report outlining 'A Definition of Carbon Footprint'. The term 'carbon footprint' has become very popular over the last few years and is now in widespread public use. Despite this ubiquitous use however, the scientific literature is surprisingly void of clarifications and definitions. This report explores the apparent discrepancy between public and academic use of the term 'carbon footprint' and suggests a scientific definition based on commonly accepted accounting principles and modelling approaches.