Five things you need to know about a Product Carbon Footprint

Five things you need to know about a Product Carbon Footprint, describes the basic things that you need to start your own actions.

1. What is a Product Carbon Footprint?

A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) measures the greenhouse gas emissions (CO₂e) related to a product or service. Depending on the type, a PCF can include the emissions resulting from extracting raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal. From a customer’s perspective it usually applies to Scope 3: Category 1– Purchased Goods and Services or Scope 3: Category 2– Capital Goods.

Product Carbon Footprints normally fall into two main types:

Cradle-to-Gate: This measures the total CO₂e emissions from the extraction of raw materials and distribution through to the manufacturing of the finished product, i.e. up to the manufacturer’s exit gate. This usually applies to B2B products.

Cradle-to-Grave: This version extends the reporting to include, distribution to a customer, emissions in use and finally disposal and/or recycling. This is the most difficult option to measure as post sales data is the hardest to come by. This mainly applies to B2C products.

2. Who requires it?

Currently, it is primarily major players in the chemicals industry (such as BASF) and the construction industry, which require that their suppliers provide PCFs. However, recently some local authorities have requested PCFs for some equipment purchases. Whilst still not widespread, it is indicative of the direction of travel.

3. Measurement can be difficult

The number of components in an office chair makes it’s PCF far easier to calculate than that of a car. Each element of the value chain has to be identified and the emissions for each part calculated. This can be done in a number of ways.

First, the manufacturer measures its own CO₂e emissions for each stage in their particular processes. It requests its tier one suppliers to do the same, and so forth down the supply chain. The emissions for each step is added to obtain the total PCF. For a complex product it is an expensive procedure for all concerned and usually requires an experienced person or team. It is only realistic for large businesses. However, it does provide the most accurate figures for Cradle-to-Grave.

Secondly, there are databases which provide estimated emissions figures for various types of products. The costs range from €300 and up, to access them. A fair estimate for Cradle-to-Gate emissions is possible.

Thirdly, if the product is simple, the UK Government’s factors can be used to calculate a reasonable estimate of Cradle-to-Gate emissions. Currently, this approach should satisfy many customers, particularly if the supplier is an SME. However, it may not be acceptable in the long-term. In the near future there is likely to be a range of simple applications or spreadsheet tools to estimate product carbon footprints. Aimed mainly at SME and industry specific, they should improve accuracy, whilst still being affordable.

4. Current standards

Currently there are a number of methodologies available, which can be used to under-pin your calculations. The choice depends on your industry and resources.

ISO 14067 is an International Standard that outlines principles, requirements, and guidelines for quantifying and reporting the carbon footprint of products and services throughout their life cycle. The structure is good, but costs involved in implementing this standard can be beyond the reach of most SMEs.

The GHG Protocol Product Standard provides requirements and guidance for organizations preparing a corporate-level GHG emissions reports and reduction plans. It covers from emissions from production to disposal. It was developed simultaneously with the Scope 3 standard, which accounts for value chain emissions.

PAS 2050 This is a UK standard that can be applied to most products.

Pathfinder Framework, originally launched at COP 26 in Glasgow it is designed to develop and exchange reliable product carbon footprints.

Together for Sustainability, supports and coordinates the measurement of sustainability performance of chemical companies and their suppliers.

5. Auditing

For most SMEs, an external audit is generally not required as the costs can be prohibitive. For large companies complying with ISO 14067 and its auditing requirements, whilst being onerous, is acceptable. Smaller organisations may not have the resources or even the need to gain ISO certification. Currently, most SMEs are not required to report their product carbons emissions.

© 2024 Sustainability Vision Ltd

Glen Winkfield is Chief Operating Officer of Sustainability Vision Ltd. Through GHGi Analytics, its cloud-based solutions, the company provides tools for organisations to measure, analyse and report their GHG emissions. Also available is GHGi Commuting is solution covering employee Commuting and homeworking and GHGi Leasing that allows vehicle leasing and rental companies to measure and report the emissions from their vehicle portfolios.  Sustainability Vision also offers help to organisations of all sizes, needing to develop a strategy to reach Net Zero.