All carbon footprints

What’s the carbon footprint of a surfboard?

The average surfboard emits
10.50-25.00 kg CO₂e

Available to measure with Arbor’s platform
The carbon footprint of a surfboard ranges from approximately 10.5 to 25 kg CO₂e, with an average of around 17.75 kg CO₂e, highlighting the environmental impact of manufacturing and materials in sports equipment. Understanding these emissions is crucial for brands aiming to reduce their product-level environmental impact.
Why do product carbon footprints (PCFs) matter?
Carbon Equivalent Calculator

What is a surfboard's carbon footprint equivalent to?

Using Arbor’s Carbon Equivalent Calculator, let’s see what the average a surfboard’s carbon emissions are equivalent to, assuming an average of 17.75 kg CO2e.

How can you reduce a surfboard's carbon footprint?

Here are 3 ways you can lower the carbon or decarbonize your a surfboard’s carbon footprint.

Use Recycled Materials

Incorporate recycled foam and fiberglass in raw materials.

Use Sustainable Resins

Opt for bio-based resins to replace traditional petrochemical adhesives.

Eco-friendly Finishes

Choose sustainably harvested wood for core and outer layers.

Arbor's platform

Want to measure the carbon footprint of your surfboard?

We make product-level carbon accounting simple, reliable, and tailored to sports equipment.

Surfboard
Manage
Surfboard
Carbon footprint
17.75 kg CO₂e
Versions & Prototypes
Versions
Carbon footprint
Surfboard
Active
17.75 kg CO₂e
Surfboard 2024
17.75 kg CO₂e
Surfboard 2023
17.75 kg CO₂e
Prototypes
Carbon footprint
Surfboard - 20% Recycled
17.75 kg CO₂e

FAQs

What is the carbon footprint of a surfboard?

A typical surfboard has a carbon footprint of about 17.75 kg CO2e, based on an average estimate. The range varies from 10.50 to 25.00 kg CO2e depending on materials and manufacturing processes, with the midpoint around 17.75 kg CO2e.

How much CO₂ does a surfboard emit?

A typical surfboard has a carbon footprint of about 17.75 kg CO₂e. This includes emissions from manufacturing, materials, and transportation. The range can be between 10.5 and 25 kg CO₂e, depending on the materials used and production methods.

What are the main sources of emissions from a surfboard?

The main sources of emissions from a surfboard include the manufacturing process, especially foam production and resin use, which contribute significantly to its carbon footprint. On average, a surfboard emits around 17.75 kg CO2e, with the range spanning from 10.5 to 25 kg CO2e depending on materials and production methods.

How do I calculate the carbon footprint of a surfboard?

To calculate the carbon footprint of a surfboard, you can use emission factors or conduct a life cycle assessment (LCA). Arbor offers a reliable method for calculating the carbon footprint of a surfboard, ensuring accuracy. Alternatively, applying standardized emission factors and LCA principles can help estimate the footprint, which typically ranges from 10.50 to 25 kg CO2e.

Is a surfboard sustainable?

A surfboard's sustainability depends on its materials and manufacturing process. Traditional foam boards tend to have a higher carbon footprint, around 17.75 kg CO2e on average, but eco-friendly options made from recycled or sustainable materials can significantly reduce this impact. Choosing sustainable surfboards helps lessen environmental harm.

How can companies reduce the carbon footprint of a surfboard?

Companies can reduce the carbon footprint of surfboards by using sustainable materials like recycled foam and eco-friendly resins. Additionally, optimizing manufacturing processes and sourcing materials locally cut transportation emissions. On average, a surfboard's production emits about 17.75 kg CO2e, but eco-conscious choices can significantly lower this impact.

Are surfboards bad for the environment?

Surfboards can have varying environmental impacts depending on materials used. Generally, a typical surfboard's carbon footprint ranges from 10.50 to 25.00 kg CO2e. On average, manufacturing and transportation contribute significantly, but eco-friendly options are reducing this impact.

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