Assessment of Organizational Carbon Footprints in a Rubber Plantation Company: A Systematic Approach to Direct and Indirect Emissions

This study presents a systematic assessment of a leading rubber plantation company’s organizational carbon footprint in Sri Lanka, focusing on both direct and indirect greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In the context of increasing global concerns about climate change and sustainability in the agricultural sector, the research emphasizes emission sources beyond conventional energy use, specifically fertilizer application, employee commuting, company-owned vehicle operations, and wastewater discharge. The Greenhouse Gas Protocol standard and IPCC 2006 guidelines were used to ensure methodological rigor and context-specific relevance, along with locally adapted emission factors. Data collection involved site visits, internal company records, and stakeholder consultations. Emissions were calculated as kgCO₂e using standardized conversion approaches. Scope 3 emissions, particularly methane emissions from wastewater discharge, fertilizer emissions, and purchased electricity emissions, constitute a substantial share of the total carbon footprint.To address these impacts, three mitigation scenarios were explored: (1) reducing fertilizer usage through optimized nutrient management, (2) installing solar photovoltaic systems to offset grid electricity consumption, and (3) implementing wastewater treatment using Fenton’s reagent combined with activated carbon. This study offers practical information and a replicable methodology for improving environmental performance and guiding sustainable carbon management strategies in plantation-based industries.