Cálculo de la huella de carbono y estrategias de reducción de emisiones para una organización empresarial del sector Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) en Colombia

Abstract

This research aims to calculate the carbon footprint of a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company in Colombia for the year 2025 by applying the methodology established in ISO 14064-1, in order to assess greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions resulting from the company’s operational activities. Based on this assessment, the study seeks to establish an emissions baseline to identify the main emission sources and formulate mitigation strategies aimed at reducing the carbon footprint and strengthening the organization’s environmental performance.

Methodologically, the study was developed using a quantitative, descriptive, and applied approach. The organizational and operational boundaries of the GHG inventory were defined, considering emissions from Scopes 1, 2, and 3. Quantification was carried out using primary data related to fuel consumption, electricity consumption, waste generation, and employee transportation during the 2025 base year. Official emission factors from the Mining and Energy Planning Unit (UPME) and the UK Government GHG Conversion Factors were used, following a calculation model based on activity data and emission factors.

The results showed a total corporate carbon footprint of 318.03 tCO₂e for 2025. Scope 3 accounted for the largest share, representing approximately 89% of total emissions, mainly due to employees’ daily transportation. Scope 2 contributed approximately 10%, associated with electricity consumption, while Scope 1 represented around 1%, corresponding to fuel consumption by corporate vehicles. Based on these findings, strategies focused on sustainable mobility, energy efficiency, strengthening teleworking, integrated waste management, and environmental awareness were proposed, with the aim of reducing GHG emissions and improving the organization’s environmental performance.