A review and development of an enhanced carbon footprint calculator to facilitate knowledge of individual carbon emissions

Carbon footprint calculators (CFCs) are generally regarded as an effective way to transfer ecological knowledge to society, but there is little uniformity or transparency across the various tools. This research utilised scientific recommendations to create a CFC for comparative analysis . We identified 108 online CFCs, theoretically assessed nine, and identified the strongest for field testing and output analyses. These tests aimed to gauge breadth and depth of data collection and output information, and understand challenges and opportunities for future tools. We found that theoretical testing was valuable in the CFC developmental stage, while field testing was crucial to ensuring tools are appropriately considering life cycle analyses of different products, activities, and services, while maintaining usability and fulfilling educational potential. We also found that participants were generally uninformed about their personal environmental impacts, and that CFCs have potential for education and behaviour change. • Most carbon footprint calculators don't follow best practice guidelines. • Theory assists development, but field tests uncover more strengths and weaknesses. • Carbon footprinting tools must be tested with audiences to determine usefulness. • User error in input is high, a balance between simplicity and accuracy is essential.