FAQs

How do my lifestyle choices affect my estimated carbon footprint?

Currently, the Westpac Carbon Footprint Tracker does not consider all of the environmental or lifestyle choices you make that may reduce your carbon footprint. The Tracker uses average Australian industry data that is supplied by our partner, Cogo, to calculate the estimated carbon footprint associated with eligible transactions.  

Here are examples of what's included in some categories:

Groceries

We can't see the individual grocery items that you purchase or see your specific dietary choices. Therefore, we use an average Australian grocery emissions factor to calculate your estimated carbon footprint for transactions within the ‘Groceries’ category.

Energy and Electricity

While we can see the energy or electricity provider you use, we can’t see whether you're buying just electricity or natural gas, or whether you’ve selected energy from a renewable source with your provider. We use average Australian emissions factors, which are high due to Australia's overall reliance on coal and other non-renewable energy sources.  

Shopping

We can't see the individual items or brands you purchase, so we use average emissions factors per type of shopping category (e.g., clothes & shoes) to calculate your estimated carbon footprint, taking into account the global supply chain.

In this context, the global supply chain refers to the raw materials being used and transported between countries to create a finished product. The finished product is also generally transported between countries until it reaches the final consumer.