What is the carbon footprint? Reducing carbon footprint in manufacturing plants

Climate change and the Net Zero target are placing businesses, especially manufacturers under growing pressure to manage emissions more strictly. In this context, understanding and controlling the carbon footprint has become a foundational step to optimize operations, meet market standards, and enhance sustainability.

I. What is the carbon footprint

1. Definition of carbon footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases emitted by an organization’s activities, converted into CO₂ equivalent. This concept includes major greenhouse gases such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O.

Quantifying the carbon footprint helps businesses better understand their environmental impact, identify emission “hotspots,” and set specific reduction targets. For manufacturing enterprises in particular, greenhouse gas inventories not only support operational efficiency but also reduce environmental impacts, promote sustainable development, and meet increasingly strict future market requirements.

2. Why is the carbon footprint important for business?

 As many countries including Vietnam have committed to achieving Net Zero by 2050, measuring and reducing carbon footprints is no longer optional; it is essential. It enables businesses to contribute to global emission reduction goals while meeting consumer demand for “green” products and complying with strict regulations in markets such as the EU.

The carbon credit market has also become a crucial tool for optimizing emission reduction strategies. A carbon credit represents permission to emit one ton of CO₂. Governments set sectoral emission caps and allocate specific allowances. Companies with lower emissions can sell excess credits, while those exceeding limits must purchase additional credits.

Understanding and managing carbon footprints early allows businesses to proactively adapt to new regulations, participate effectively in the carbon market, and strengthen future competitiveness.

II. Categories of carbon footprint in manufacturing

Among global standards for emission management and reporting, the GHG Protocol is the most widely used. It establishes core principles for calculating and reporting emissions at the organizational level across three scopes: Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect from purchased energy), and Scope 3 (other indirect emissions throughout the value chain).

Scope 1 is the easiest to measure and offers many reduction opportunities through process optimization or technological upgrades. Scope 2 reductions can be achieved through energy efficiency measures or adopting renewable energy such as rooftop solar.

Scope 3, although most difficult to measure and control, often accounts for up to 75% of total emissions and nearly 100% in some industries. Managing Scope 3 effectively helps businesses strengthen sustainability and meet global ESG requirements.

III. Leading businesses in Vietnam committed to reducing their carbon footprint

1. Vinamilk

Vinamilk is one of Vietnam’s pioneers in carbon footprint management. Since 2012—well before any mandatory regulations Vinamilk has published Sustainability Reports identifying greenhouse gas management as one of its 11 key material issues.

In 2023, Vinamilk launched the “Vinamilk Pathways to Dairy Net Zero 2050” program. Within just one year, three units achieved PAS 2060:2014 carbon neutrality certification, offsetting over 21,000 tons of CO₂ (equivalent to more than 2 million trees).

Despite adopting numerous emission-reduction measures, the livestock and dairy sectors cannot easily achieve zero emissions. Therefore, Vinamilk has expanded carbon absorption initiatives through tree-planting programs such as the “Vinamilk Net Zero Forest” project.

2. Samsung Electronics Vietnam

Manufacturing, especially electronics production, is one of the world’s largest energy-consuming sectors. In Vietnam, industry accounts for more than 50% of total national energy consumption.

Samsung Electronics Vietnam is integrating renewable energy into its production chain. In April 2025, the company began rooftop solar projects at its Bac Ninh (SEV) and Ho Chi Minh City (SEHC) facilities, aligning with Samsung Vietnam’s Net Zero commitment.

In an era where Net Zero has become a global mandate, the carbon footprint is not just an environmental metric it is a strategic business factor. Accurate measurement and effective management of emissions enable enterprises to optimize operations, ensure compliance, enhance competitiveness, and strengthen a sustainable brand image.

As Vietnam’s carbon market becomes operational and emission regulations tighten, businesses that act early will lead not only in economic growth but also in sustainability and environmental responsibility. 

Above RSL Group has provided readers with information about carbon footprint. If you have any questions, please contact our hotline immediately for answers. See more articles here.

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