Ecological footprint of an organization: can it really be measured?
Résumé
Ecological footprint aims to compare the demand on ecological services to the available supply. Such a metric is needed to make policy makers understand the threat of overshoot of natural resources and to facilitate the emergence of a consensus over the actions that are needed to address the ecological risks. During the 2000's, the Global Footprint Network has endeavored to develop and mature the methodology of the National Footprint Accounts [1]. This metric attends to assess current ecological supply and demand, at a macro-economic scale. The aim of this paper is to question whether applying such a metric at a micro-economic scale is possible and relevant. Which method can be used to estimate the ecological footprint of an organization? Does this estimation make it possible to set goals of improvement, to identify options for action, and to track progress toward these goals? Which are the limits of such an exercise? The method, that will be presented, has been developed and validated for the Vanoise National Park, in the Alps, France. This public organization is in charge of preserving the territory of the Vanoise, getting knowledge about its natural and cultural patrimony and making the public aware about the necessity to protect it.
Domaines
Environnement et SociétéOrigine | Fichiers produits par l'(les) auteur(s) |
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