As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform industries and open up new opportunities, concerns about its impact on the environment are also growing. environment While AI has enormous potential in the fight against climate change, it paradoxically contributes to the problem it seeks to solve. The computational intensity of AI training and deployment leaves a significant carbon footprint. What is it like? therefore a responsible way to enjoy the benefits of AI without worsening the climate crisis? The answer is green AI. (Saptakee S, more on carboncredits.com)

A Swedish study found that alcohol consumption produced an average of 52 kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) per person per year, the equivalent of about four steaks or 70 glasses of milk. (More on bbc.com)

ESET, a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, is proud to announce the publication of its 2023 Carbon Footprint Report. This comprehensive report underscores ESET’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and environmental sustainability, reflecting the company’s ongoing efforts to mitigate its environmental impact and progress towards a zero-carbon future. The report reveals that ESET’s total carbon footprint for 2023 is 8,146.34 tonnes CO2e using the site-based method and 7,835.06 tonnes CO2e using the market-based method. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per employee amount to 3.38 tonnes CO2e. The majority of the total carbon footprint comes from indirect emissions within ESET’s value chain (Scope 3), accounting for 79 % of total emissions.

Compared to 2022, ESET Group's total greenhouse gas emissions increased by 25 %, while greenhouse gas emissions per employee increased by 16 %. The increase is attributed to the inclusion of additional offices previously excluded from data collection, increased business travel attributed to significant and permanent changes in how businesses operate caused by adjustments made during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increase in the number of employees (by 7 %), as well as a return to offices in most locations and overall more accurate data collection year-on-year. (More on (namefn.com)

Have you ever wondered how much CO2 cars emit or whether electric vehicles are really a cleaner alternative? Check out our infographic to find out. Transport was responsible for around a quarter of total EU CO2 emissions in 2019, with 71.7 % coming from road transport, according to a report by the European Environment Agency. (More on europarl.europa.eu)

Here is an overview of the carbon footprint for individual courses and drinks of a traditional Christmas Eve dinner for a family of 4. The values are indicative and take into account average data available for Slovak conditions.

1. Honey and garlic wafers

• Ingredients for 4 servings: 8 wafers, 50 g honey, 2 cloves garlic.
• Carbon footprint:
  • Wafers: 0.5 kg CO₂e (wheat flour, production and transport).
  • Honey: 0.15 kg CO₂e (local production).
  • Garlic: 0.02 kg CO₂e (homegrown, low impact).
  • Total: 0.67 kg CO₂e

2. Cabbage

• Ingredients for 4 servings: 500 g sauerkraut, 200 g mushrooms, 100 g sausage (or vegan alternative), 2 l water, spices.
• Carbon footprint:
  • Sauerkraut: 0.2 kg CO₂e (local sources).
  • Mushrooms: 0.1 kg CO₂e.
  • Sausage: 1.4 kg CO₂e (animal production). With the vegan alternative: 0.3 kg CO₂e.
  • Transport and cooking: 0.2 kg CO₂e.
  • Total: 1.9 kg CO₂e (with meat) / 1.0 kg CO₂e (vegan version).

3. Fish and potato salad

• Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 kg of carp (or trout), 1 kg of potatoes, 300 g of mayonnaise, 200 g of vegetables (carrots, peas).
• Carbon footprint:
  • Carp: 1.3 kg CO₂e (local). Trout: 1.1 kg CO₂e.
  • Potatoes: 0.2 kg CO₂e.
  • Mayonnaise: 0.8 kg CO₂e.
  • Vegetables: 0.1 kg CO₂e.
  • Cooking and frying: 0.5 kg CO₂e.
  • Total: 2.9 kg CO₂e (carp) / 2.7 kg CO₂e (trout).

4. Bobalky or toast with poppy seeds

• Ingredients for 4 servings: 300 g of berries, 50 g of poppy seeds, 50 g of honey.
• Carbon footprint:
  • Bobalky: 0.8 kg CO₂e.
  • Poppy: 0.1 kg CO₂e.
  • Honey: 0.15 kg CO₂e.
  • Total: 1.05 kg CO₂e

5. Stedrák or strudel

• Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 Štedrák (poppy seed, walnut, cottage cheese filling).
• Carbon footprint:
  • Flour, eggs, sugar: 1.0 kg CO₂e.
  • Nuts, cottage cheese, poppy seeds: 1.2 kg CO₂e.
  • Baking: 0.3 kg CO₂e.
  • Total: 2.5 kg CO₂e

6. Drink: Christmas punch and tea

• Ingredients for 4 servings: 1 l of water, 300 ml of fruit juice, 100 ml of alcohol (optional), tea bags.
• Carbon footprint:
  • Tea: 0.05 kg CO₂e.
  • Fruit juice: 0.1 kg CO₂e.
  • Alcohol: 0.5 kg CO₂e.
  • Heating: 0.2 kg CO₂e.
  • Total: 0.35 kg CO₂e (without alcohol) / 0.85 kg CO₂e (with alcohol).

Total carbon footprint of Christmas Eve dinner:

• With meat option: Approx. 9.37 kg CO₂e for 4 people.
• With vegan alternatives: Approx. 7.47 kg CO₂e for 4 people.

Tips for reducing your carbon footprint:

• Use local ingredients: Raw materials grown in your region have a lower footprint because they don't require long transportation.
• Use vegan alternatives: Replace animal products with plant-based alternatives that are more environmentally friendly.
• Minimize energy consumption: Use energy-efficient appliances, such as a pressure cooker, to reduce emissions when cooking.
• Prevent food waste: Plan your food quantities to avoid waste and use leftovers for other meals.

Co2AI

1. Choose eco-friendly accommodations: When planning your winter getaway, look for sustainable accommodations. Hotel chain Marriott International is committed to sustainability through its Serve 360 program, which focuses on green building certifications and efficient energy and water management. In contrast, boutique hotels like the Almodóvar Hotel in Berlin offer vegetarian and vegan menus and emphasize eco-friendly solutions.

2. Sustainable clothing choices: Invest in high-quality clothing made from eco-friendly materials before your winter vacation. Outerknown is known for its use of recycled materials and ethical manufacturing processes. Similarly, Tentree plants ten trees for every product sold, helping to reduce the global carbon footprint.

3. Explore local cuisine: Support the regional economy and reduce food transportation emissions by visiting restaurants and cafes that serve dishes made with local ingredients. Helsinki’s zero-waste restaurant Nolla is an example of a business that emphasizes sustainable supply chains.

4. Energy efficiency: Be responsible about the energy consumption in your accommodation. Lighting distributor Ikea offers LED bulbs that can significantly reduce energy consumption. When traveling, try to minimize the use of electronics, and always turn off lights and appliances when leaving the room.

5. Water as a precious resource: Save water during your winter vacation. Taking short showers and using reusable towels are steps that can help conserve this precious resource. Hotels often sell water in large plastic bottles, so bring your own reusable bottles.

6. Support local producers: Buying souvenirs from local artisans not only supports the regional economy, but also reduces your ecological footprint. Products like handmade jewelry, ceramics, or textiles from local sources are authentic and unique.

7. Alternative modes of transportation: If possible, choose trains or buses over flights for shorter distances. Train travel not only produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions, but also offers a comfortable and scenic way to travel.

8. Carbon Offsets: If you choose to travel by air, consider offsetting your emissions through verified programs. Platforms like TerraPass and Gold Standard offer investment opportunities in projects that contribute to reducing and offsetting carbon emissions, while supporting renewable energy sources and reforestation.

This way, you can minimize your ecological footprint and contribute to sustainability even during the winter holidays.

Deciding between a live or artificial Christmas tree is not just a matter of aesthetics, but also of environmental sustainability. Considering the carbon footprint of each can help you choose the more environmentally responsible option.

Live Christmas Tree: An Ecological Advantage When Disposed of Properly

• Average carbon footprint: 3.5 kg CO₂e if the tree is composted or used as mulch. However, this value can rise to 16 kg CO₂e if the tree is landfilled, where it releases methane during decomposition.
• Benefits during growth: During 7–10 years of growth, a living tree absorbs approximately 18 kg of CO₂ and produces oxygen.
• Storable and biodegradable: When properly processed, the tree can be used to create mulch or compost, minimizing its environmental impact.
• Transportation: Importing trees long distances increases the carbon footprint, so locally grown trees are a more environmentally friendly choice.

Artificial Christmas Tree: A Long-Term Solution with High Initial Costs

• Average carbon footprint: 40 kg of CO₂e to produce one tree, which is made from petroleum-based plastics (PVC) and metals. Most of this is produced in Asia, which increases emissions from transport.
• Sustainability: To achieve a lower carbon footprint than live trees, an artificial tree must be used for at least 10–12 years.
• Recycling: Artificial trees are difficult to recycle and can remain in landfills for hundreds of years, further exacerbating their environmental impact.

Comparison of the carbon footprint using the example of a two-meter tree:

1. Living tree:
   • When composting: 3.5 kg CO₂e.
   • At the landfill: 16 kg CO₂e.
2. Artificial tree:
   • Single use: 40 kg CO₂e.
   • Use for 10 years: Approximately 4 kg CO₂e per year.

Recommendations for an ecological choice:

1. Living tree:
   • Choose a tree from a local plantation to minimize transportation emissions.
   • After the holidays, compost it or donate it to recycling programs.
2. Artificial tree:
   • If you already own an artificial tree, use it for as long as possible (at least 10 years).
   • Consider purchasing a tree made from recycled materials.

If you prefer a lower carbon footprint and are careful about disposing of it properly, a live tree is a more environmentally friendly option. An artificial tree can be sustainable, but only if used for a long time. For even greater sustainability, you can consider alternatives such as potted trees or decorations made from natural materials.

Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our modern age, with buildings responsible for nearly 40 % of global carbon emissions. Scientists warn that we are approaching a threshold beyond which halting global warming may be impossible. In the construction industry, this represents not only an obligation to act, but also an opportunity for innovation. By implementing building automation systems and using sustainable strategies, we can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, streamline operations and adapt to changing market dynamics.

Four main ways to integrate building automation into a sustainable strategy:

1. More efficient energy consumption using automation

The key to sustainable building management is the efficient use of energy, in which building automation systems (BAS) play a vital role. By leveraging technologies such as IoT, AI and real-time data, BAS can track and optimize energy consumption across a building's various systems, including HVAC, lighting and security.

• HVAC systems: Automation adjusts heating and ventilation according to occupancy, weather and time of day, minimizing energy waste and increasing comfort.

• Intelligent lighting: Systems can regulate brightness or turn off lights in empty spaces and maximize the use of daylight.

Such systems contribute to the reduction of carbon emissions, bring cost savings and improve operational efficiency.

2. Support of ecological transport through intelligent charging

Transport accounts for nearly 29 % of global carbon emissions. The introduction of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations within building automation systems can support green commuting.

• Efficient charging: Smart systems schedule charging during off-peak hours or use renewable energy sources such as solar panels.

• Support for employees: Providing EV charging points supports sustainable commuting between employees and tenants.

Such infrastructure supports green transport while maintaining energy efficiency.

3. Automated waste management

Commercial buildings such as hospitals, schools and hotels produce a significant amount of waste. Automated waste management systems can improve recycling and composting processes, reducing environmental impact.

• Intelligent waste monitoring: Sensors monitor the amount of waste in real time and ensure proper sorting of organic and recyclable materials.

• Composting: Automation in food waste composting reduces methane emissions and produces compost that can be used in landscaping or community projects.

Such systems reduce waste management costs and help meet sustainable goals.

4. Increasing sustainability in cafes

Food and beverage operations in buildings can contribute significantly to carbon emissions, but there are ways to improve this. The support of plant-based meals and the automation of kitchen processes increase the sustainability of eating.

• Energy monitoring: BAS can optimize the energy consumption of kitchen equipment and refrigeration systems.

• Food waste reduction: Automated inventory systems monitor shelf life and consumer trends to minimize waste.

Switching to a plant-based diet reduces greenhouse gas emissions, while automation ensures efficient operation management.

The construction sector has a unique opportunity to lead the fight against climate change. By leveraging building automation systems to optimize energy resources, manage waste, and support green transportation, organizations can achieve smarter, more sustainable buildings. Whether you're upgrading existing systems or building new ones, every step you take today brings us closer to a greener future. Spring

A study by Energy and Environmental Research Associates for T&E, "How Much LNG Discharges Before Burning on a Ship?", suggests that LNG imports into Europe cause 30 % more pollution than the EU originally estimated in its plans for green shipping. Although oil and gas companies often promote LNG as a "reliable and clean" alternative that is significantly more sustainable compared to heavy fuel oil, one of the world's most polluting fuels, the study suggests that this may not be entirely accurate. There are currently nearly 1,200 LNG-powered ships in operation worldwide, with shipping companies on order for another nearly 1,000. T&E also previously estimated that up to a quarter of EU shipping could be LNG-powered by 2030. (More at "How much LNG will it release before burning on the ship?)

There are several ways we can reduce our digital carbon footprint in our daily lives. The sources offer us the following tips:

Changing your streaming and downloading habits:

• Avoid streaming, autoplay, and playing videos when you're not in the room. This is an easy way to save energy, similar to turning off the lights when you leave a room.
• Download content instead of streaming. If you download your favorite series from MAX or Netflix, you'll only use your device's power to watch it, not the power needed to run the streaming service. A faster internet connection when downloading episodes or series increases convenience, saves time and provides a better overall viewing experience by reducing buffering and ensuring high-quality content.

Editing online shopping:

• Close browser tabs and do not leave items in online carts that you are not interested in. Every opened card and item in the cart consumes energy on the servers.

Effective search:

• Delete cookies and search history regularly. This will prevent your online behavior from being tracked and reduce power consumption.
• Reuse searches. The browser thus loads the results from the cache and does not use energy for a new search.

Device settings:

• Adjust power consumption settings. Reduce brightness, set a shorter sleep time, and other settings that affect power consumption.
• Decrease the screen brightness. This will not only reduce power consumption but also extend the battery life of your device.
• Turn off devices when not in use. Sleep mode still consumes power, so it is better to turn off the devices completely.

Electronic waste:

• Recycle, upcycle and responsibly dispose of old devices. Don't throw old phones and computers in the trash, but hand them in for recycling.
• Do not upgrade devices until absolutely necessary. Waiting to upgrade reduces the demand for consumer electronics and has a positive impact on your digital carbon footprint.

Email:

• Change your email settings. Remove images from signature and turn off automatic download of attachments and images.
• Write emails thoughtfully. Delete old emails, unsubscribe from unnecessary lists and minimize the use of images and animations.

Other tips:

• Limit your screen time and spend more time outside.
• Use ecological light bulbs.
• Clean up your cloud storage. Delete unnecessary files and consider moving archived files to an external hard drive.
• Find a smart app to help you monitor your carbon footprint.

Sources also emphasize the importance of switching to sustainable and renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, heat pumps and hybrid solar and wind energy systems.

In addition to individual steps is important require companies to have carbon-neutral supply chains. Companies like Apple are already working to achieve this goal by 2030.

Remember that even small changes in everyday life can have a big impact on reducing our digital carbon footprint and protecting the environment. Spring

Sport and climate change are closely linked. On the one hand, sport is an important part of culture and social life, on the other hand, its activity has a significant impact on the environment. The sports industry, which is worth an estimated $600 billion, produces approximately 350 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) annually. For comparison, the average car produces 4.6 tons of CO2 per year and the whole of France 315 million tons. These figures point to the huge carbon footprint of sport and highlight the need to find sustainable solutions.

Impacts of sport on the climate

The main sources of emissions associated with sports include:

1. Sports events and infrastructure: The construction and operation of stadiums and halls, lighting, heating and cooling are among the biggest contributors. For example, the Winter Olympics often require artificial snowmaking, which consumes enormous amounts of water and energy.

2. Travel and logistics: The transport of players, fans and materials creates a huge amount of emissions. Air transport is one of the most harmful sources of CO2 emissions.

3. Consumption and waste: A large amount of plastic waste and disposable materials are generated during sports events. In addition, clothing and equipment made from unsustainable materials leave an ecological footprint.

Sport as a victim of climate change

Climate change threatens the very future of sport. Rising temperatures and extreme weather conditions affect outdoor sports such as football and track and field and reduce the snow conditions needed for winter sports. These challenges force the sports industry to look for solutions not only to reduce the impact, but also to adapt to new conditions.

Possibilities of mitigating the impact of sport on the climate

There are several strategies that can help the sports industry become more sustainable:

1. Green stadiums and infrastructure: Innovations in the field of construction enable the construction of energy-efficient stadiums. For example, stadiums with solar panels, rainwater collection or the use of recycled materials significantly reduce their carbon footprint.

2. Travel and mobility: Organizers can motivate fans and teams to use public transport or shared mobility. Hybrid and electric vehicles can replace traditional means of transport. Some sports clubs have already implemented policies to limit short-haul air travel.

3. Sustainable products and waste: Sports brands can make clothing and equipment from recycled or biodegradable materials. Event organizers should implement waste sorting systems and minimize the use of single-use plastics.

4. Education and engagement: Sport has a huge power to influence people. Clubs and athletes can use their reach to raise awareness of climate change and inspire fans to take green action.

5. Certification and impact measurement: The implementation of certifications, such as carbon neutrality, and transparent environmental impact reporting motivate further steps. Many events, such as the Roland Garros tennis tournament, have already started measuring and offsetting their emissions.

The future of sport and climate

The transition to a sustainable sports industry is essential. A combination of innovation, cooperation between organizers, clubs and fans, as well as a consistent policy of sustainability can bring significant change. Sport can become not only less harmful to the climate, but also a powerful tool in the fight against climate change. Reducing emissions by tens of millions of tons per year is achievable if the sports industry takes up the challenge and becomes a leader in sustainability. Climate protection can thus be a common goal that unites athletes, fans and businesses. Spring

In this day and age, when climate change is becoming more and more of an issue, it is important to be aware of your carbon footprint and take steps to reduce it. The carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide (CO₂), that we emit directly or indirectly into the atmosphere during one year. For the average individual, this can be around 8 tonnes of CO₂ per year, but there are many ways to reduce this.

The main components of the carbon footprint

1. Transport (25-30%)

– Motor transport is one of the biggest contributors to an individual's carbon footprint. An average car emits approximately 2.3 kg of CO₂ per liter of gasoline.

2. Heating and electricity (30-35%)

– Energy consumption for household heating and electricity significantly affects the carbon footprint. Using fossil fuels to produce heat and electricity increases CO₂ emissions.

3. Diet (20-25%)

– Food production, especially meat and dairy products, contributes to high greenhouse gas emissions. For example, the production of beef produces approximately 27 kg of CO₂ per kilogram.

4. Consumption and waste (15-20%)

– The purchase of goods, their production and finally their disposal have a significant impact on the carbon footprint. E-waste and plastic products are the main problems.

Possibilities to reduce the carbon footprint

1. Change in traffic habits

– Reducing car use: Switching to public transport, cycling or walking can significantly reduce emissions. For example, if a person reduces car travel by 3,000 km per year, he can save around 600 kg of CO₂.

– Electric cars: Switching to electric vehicles, especially if they are charged from renewable energy sources, can reduce emissions by up to 50%.

2. Energy efficiency in the home

– Insulation and energy-saving appliances: Investing in better home insulation and replacing old appliances with energy-saving models can reduce energy consumption by up to 30%.

– Renewable energy sources: The installation of solar panels can reduce the consumption of electricity from fossil sources, which can save approximately 1,500 kg of CO₂ per year.

3. Sustainable diet

– Reducing meat consumption: Switching to a vegetarian or vegan diet can reduce the carbon footprint per individual by 1 to 2 tons of CO₂ per year.

– Buying local and seasonal products: Helps reduce emissions associated with food transport.

4. Waste minimization

– Recycling and reuse: Sorting waste and using recycled materials can reduce emissions associated with the production of new products by 500 to 1,000 kg of CO₂ per year.

– Reduction of single-use plastics: Using reusable packaging and products can significantly reduce the production of plastic waste and its environmental impact.

Conclusion

Reducing an individual's carbon footprint is an important step towards protecting our planet from the negative consequences of climate change. Every small step, such as changing traffic habits, improving energy efficiency in the home, eating a more sustainable diet or minimizing waste, can have a significant impact on the overall carbon footprint. Together we can contribute to creating a more sustainable future for all of us. Co2AI

Private planes are a convenient and fast way of transportation, but they also contribute significantly to CO₂ and other greenhouse gas emissions. In the context of growing concerns about the climate crisis (more…)