carbon footprint
noun phrase · Collocation / phrase C1
Plain meaning
the amount of carbon pollution caused by a person, activity, company, or product
Exam-register meaning
the total greenhouse gas emissions attributable to an individual, organisation, activity, or product, usually expressed as carbon dioxide equivalent
In context
generalCycling to work can reduce your carbon footprint.
examCompanies are under increasing pressure to measure and reduce the carbon footprint of their supply chains.
Common collocations
reduce carbon footprintmeasure carbon footprintlarge carbon footprint
Watch out
It is not a literal footprint. Do not use it for general pollution unless carbon emissions are involved.
Word family
carbon (noun)footprint (noun)low-carbon (adjective)