The significance of carbon footprint calculation results for businesses : analysis on Finnish companies
Sinisalo, Iida (2024)
2024
All rights reserved. This publication is copyrighted. You may download, display and print it for Your own personal use. Commercial use is prohibited.
Julkaisun pysyvä osoite on
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121736715
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2024121736715
Tiivistelmä
This study examined the drivers, utilization, and benefits of corporate-level carbon footprint calculations among businesses in Finland. Emissions calculations provide an important tool for companies wanting to align with sustainability goals, comply with regulations, and meet the expectations of stakeholders. However, the significance of carbon footprint calculation results for businesses in Finland remains inadequately investigated.
The objective of the thesis was to explore why businesses calculate their carbon footprints, how the results are used, and what benefits are gained from them. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with representatives from the food, energy, and finance industries, and a quantitative questionnaire which yielded 26 responses, 21 of those from businesses in Finland. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data, while response distribution analysis was utilized in analyzing questionnaire responses.
The findings of the research showed a divergence between interview and questionnaire results regarding the primary motives for carbon footprint calculations. Interviewees named regulatory compliance as the number one motivator, whereas most questionnaire respondents identified sustainability values and customer requirements as their current motivator. However, questionnaire participants said that regulatory compliance would surpass as the primary motivator in the next three years. Overall, carbon footprint data was used most for transparent reporting, operational decision-making, and engagement of stakeholders. Main benefits included enhanced reputation, improved operational insights, and alignment with long-term sustainability goals. Challenges such as scope 3 data collection and fragmented data systems were highlighted, while opportunities for technological innovation in the future were identified.
The study contributes to the understanding of how businesses in Finland can use carbon footprint calculations to address sustainability challenges. It provides recommendations to improve data systems, engage stakeholders, and apply new technologies to improve the usefulness of carbon footprint practices.
The objective of the thesis was to explore why businesses calculate their carbon footprints, how the results are used, and what benefits are gained from them. The study used a mixed-methods approach, combining qualitative interviews with representatives from the food, energy, and finance industries, and a quantitative questionnaire which yielded 26 responses, 21 of those from businesses in Finland. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data, while response distribution analysis was utilized in analyzing questionnaire responses.
The findings of the research showed a divergence between interview and questionnaire results regarding the primary motives for carbon footprint calculations. Interviewees named regulatory compliance as the number one motivator, whereas most questionnaire respondents identified sustainability values and customer requirements as their current motivator. However, questionnaire participants said that regulatory compliance would surpass as the primary motivator in the next three years. Overall, carbon footprint data was used most for transparent reporting, operational decision-making, and engagement of stakeholders. Main benefits included enhanced reputation, improved operational insights, and alignment with long-term sustainability goals. Challenges such as scope 3 data collection and fragmented data systems were highlighted, while opportunities for technological innovation in the future were identified.
The study contributes to the understanding of how businesses in Finland can use carbon footprint calculations to address sustainability challenges. It provides recommendations to improve data systems, engage stakeholders, and apply new technologies to improve the usefulness of carbon footprint practices.