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Ecological Footprint at the Micro-Scale—How It Can Save Costs: The Case of ENPRO

Author

Listed:
  • Gergely Tóth

    (Department of Economics and Finance, Faculty of Economic Science, Kaposvár University, 7400 Kaposvár, Hungary)

  • Cecília Szigeti

    (Department of International and Theoretical Economics, Kautz Gyula Economics Faculty, Széchenyi István University, 9026 Győr, Hungary)

  • Gábor Harangozó

    (Department of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Corvinus Business School, Corvinus University of Budapest, 1093 Budapest, Hungary)

  • Dániel Róbert Szabó

    (Department of Economic Analysis, Kautz Gyula Economics Faculty, Széchenyi István University, 9026 Győr, Hungary)

Abstract

The Ecological Footprint (EF) has become a very popular alternative indicator of development in the last three decades. It can be widely used to show the unsustainability of total and individual levels of consumption in countries. But can EF be a meaningful indicator at the micro level as well? This paper presents an argument on this issue. Based on a literature review including our own analysis and the correlation of EF with GDP and other alternative indicators, EF is evaluated at the macro level. Then, an original case study is presented, underpinning the applicability of EF on the company level, linking the ordinary corporate carbon footprinting with the EF method. Based on the findings, micro level EF calculations can help organizations in finding fields of intervention (inefficiencies and emission hotspots). EF accounting can also be used to evaluate the economic benefits of such measures after their realization.

Suggested Citation

  • Gergely Tóth & Cecília Szigeti & Gábor Harangozó & Dániel Róbert Szabó, 2018. "Ecological Footprint at the Micro-Scale—How It Can Save Costs: The Case of ENPRO," Resources, MDPI, vol. 7(3), pages 1-14, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jresou:v:7:y:2018:i:3:p:45-:d:161386
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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