When does it pay off?

[Green Printer]

What is the total carbon footprint of a certification? What is the carbon footprint of multiple certifications? Does any of the certifications actually lower the total carbon footprint of manufacturing? If a manufacturing procedure or change lowers your carbon footprint and the certifying carbon footprint is larger than what the manufacturing has saved did you lower or increase your carbon footprint?
Has there been any masters or doctorate thesis done on this? If not what would it take to fund? Would any of the certifying entities be interested to help fund such research? Would it be possible to get any grants to fund the research?

Would WhatTheyThink be interested in doing such a study?

[Craig]

Good question! I bet none of the certifying entities will respond though, they probably have some of the largest carbon footprints. But that's OK cause they will just buy "carbon credits" and it magically gets all better.