Three out of four companies are measuring their output of greenhouse gases, and two out of four are reporting their carbon footprints publicly, the report says. Not surprisingly, some of the companies surveyed are trying to find out how much their competitors -- maybe you -- are contributing to global warming.

Fewer than 20 percent have actually attempted to measure their competitors' carbon footprints, which researchers say may reflect the complexity and difficulty in doing so, or indicate that the issue is not perceived as a major competitive challenge -- at least not yet. However, as public reporting becomes de facto, you won't have to go far to compare yourself to your competitors on climate change.

A carbon footprint represents the range of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, both direct and indirect, from operations. Here are some interesting statistics from the report:

• More than 95 percent report that they see the prospect of a carbon-concerned future as creating both business risk and opportunity.
• Nearly 30 percent now consider the potential cost of carbon in planning for future projects, and an additional 39 percent are considering including such costs in future planning.
• At the board level, the issue GHG emissions management is on the agenda at over two-thirds of the companies.
• Because of the increasing public interest and concern about GHGs and carbon, about one-half of companies are currently reporting publicly.
• Of those that do not, 60 percent plan to report on their GHG management in the near future.
• One-half indicate they have a program in place to actively reduce or offset emissions.
• An additional 33 percent are developing such programs.
• Nearly all programs include reductions in energy use.
• Two-thirds include both direct and indirect emissions, primarily purchased electricity.

The report, "'Carbon Footprint' an Increasing Management Concern," published by The Conference Board, looks at how companies are integrating greenhouse gas management into their overall business strategy. Non-partisan and not-for-profit, The Conference Board is a business membership and research organization. Among its other services, The Conference Board produces The Consumer Confidence Index and the Leading Economic Indicators for the U.S. and other major nations.