What Is Your Carbon Footprint? Take The Quiz!

Published online in 2007, the Footprint Calculator was launched online by the Global Footprint Network, an international organisation aspiring to nurture a sustainable living environment for all. By examining human activities in transport, housing, and food consumption (amongst others), the calculator computes the level of carbon emissions generated by individuals and compares them with their country’s average consumption profile. Segmenting a person’s carbon footprint into specific categories makes it easier to identify particular habits that generate a larger environmental impact. Broadly, an individual’s carbon footprint can be gauged by monitoring consumption habits in three key categories – food consumption, utilities and transport. 

Firstly, the carbon emissions associated with the food we eat arise from such products' production processes and transportation. It is widely known that producing food products (involving farming, harvesting and processing) involves significant amounts of energy that contribute to these emissions. However, the transportation of these products, both domestically and internationally, also consists of using fossil fuels, consequently contributing to higher carbon emissions. Given that over 90% of Singapore’s food supply depends on imports, it is unsurprising that the level of emissions from food consumption is staggeringly high. In fact, a 2023 study found that over 60% of Singapore’s energy usage was attributed to transporting air-flown meats and fish (which only contributed to 3.7% of the country’s food consumption). Individuals can opt for more plant-based options or locally sourced food products to reduce emissions in this category. 

Secondly, utilities generate carbon emissions from energy consumption, especially electricity and gas usage at home. The energy needed to power appliances to heat or cool living spaces is often generated by burning fossil fuels, which releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. SP Group, one of the country's primary gas and electricity distributors, developed a carbon footprint calculator that computes the amount of carbon dioxide emitted based on reported energy usage levels. By indicating a household’s monthly gas, electricity and water bill, individuals can determine if their lifestyles contribute more carbon dioxide than the average Singaporean. While this is just one of several accessible carbon calculators, it undeniably enables individuals to identify specific consumption habits that are carbon-intensive. Adopting energy-efficient appliances or making small adjustments to your daily habits, such as switching off your lights when not in use, can significantly reduce carbon emissions and improve your environmental wellness. 

Thirdly, transport-related emissions depend on the mode of transport you opt for (e.g., public buses, the MRT, private-hire vehicles, etc.) and how frequently they are used. The Land Transport Authority (LTA) reported in its 2022/23 Sustainability Report that making the switch from cars that utilise Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) to more environmentally-friendly modes of transport such as electric cars, electric public buses and Mass Rapid Transport (MRT) trains could reduce carbon emissions by 50%, 70% and 90% respectively. Hence, it is evident that selecting greener transport options is critical in reducing our overall carbon emissions. 

Written by: Ziv

05/2024

References

Global Footprint Network. (n.d.). Calculator FAQ. Global Footprint Network. Retrieved 30 May 2024, from https://www.footprintnetwork.org/footprint-calculator-faq/

Jalelah Abu Baker. (2021, November 27). IN FOCUS: Will changing what we eat help save the planet? CNA. https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/food-climate-change-2338826

Land Transport Authority. (2023). ‘Towards a Green Transport Vision’ LTA Sustainability Report 2022/23.

 https://www.lta.gov.sg/content/dam/ltagov/who_we_are/statistics_and_publications/report/pdf/LTA_SR2223.pdf

SP Group. (n.d.). Bring Tree-mendous Benefits to Our Planet By Knowing Your Carbon Footprint. Retrieved 30 May 2024, from https://mycarbonfootprint.spdigital.sg

Yeo, Z. (2023). Analysing the Environmental Impact of Food Consumption through Life Cycle Assessment. https://www.mnd.gov.sg/docs/default-source/mnd-documents/uss-r-d-congress-2023-speaker-presentations/04-yeo-zhiquan_analysing-the-environmental-impact-of-food-consumption-through-life-cycle-assessment.pdf?sfvrsn=b950586_4