Professional analysis and calculation of the carbon footprint of the product
We will comprehensively support the calculation of the carbon footprint of your product: from determining the limits of the analysis to the report.
Analysis and calculation of the carbon footprint of the product
The calculation of the product footprint is becoming a key element of the sustainability strategy of companies around the world. In some industries, the requirements of value chains have made the carbon footprint of a product more important than its counterpart within the scope of the enterprise as such. It is not surprising - the trace of the purchased goods goes to the chain, and not the entire partner organization. The calculation of the emissivity of a product thus becomes a purely business requirement.
At VIVERNO, we calculate the carbon footprint of a product in accordance with the globally recognized GHG Protocol, A Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard and ISO 14067. According to the methodology, emissions are categorized in five stages:
- material acquisition and pre-process activities,
- production,
- distribution and storage,
- use,
- end of life.
Depending on the purpose of the analysis, the carbon footprint of the product may cover specific stages of the life cycle in the following variants:
- 'door to door' means a partial lifecycle assessment of a product covering only the processes of the production stage,
- 'cradle to gate' means the stages of a product's lifecycle, from sourcing of materials, through production to distribution,
- “from cradle to grave” means the complete life cycle of a given product, from the acquisition of materials, through production and distribution to use and disposal.
The calculated carbon footprint of a product is the first step to decarbonize, reduce operating costs and build a competitive advantage in the market. By identifying the most emissive manufacturing processes, companies can take concrete actions to reduce the emissions of the goods they offer.
Our realizations
Marcin Milczarski
Expert in ESG and sustainability, he specializes in strategic and reporting consulting and business linking environmental and social issues (green transformation, risk aggregation, degrowth vs. decoupling). Author of studies in the field of non-financial disclosures, legal-business relations and implementation of ESG strategies. Expert of the Climate Leadership program conducted by UNEP/GRID-Warsaw, academic lecturer. He combines more than 15 years of professional experience in ESG consulting, sector III, academia and marketing/communication.
Do you have any questions? We have the answers!
How long does it take to calculate the carbon footprint of a product?
The time required for the calculation can range from several weeks to several months, depending on the availability of data and the complexity of the analysis. On average, we take about 12 weeks.
What databases does VIVERNO use to calculate the carbon footprint of a product?
For calculations, we use the widely recognized ecoinvent database, emission factors from the Association of Issuing Bodies AIB, emission factors and GWP (Global Warming Potential) coefficients from the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) reports.
Does VIVERNO verify carbon footprint calculations made by third parties?
Yes, we provide such a service. Verification of the carbon footprint of the product is carried out in accordance with ISO 14064 Part 3 to ensure compliance, consistency and reliability of the data presented.
Is it mandatory to calculate the carbon footprint of the product?
No, there are no such regulations. Carbon footprint calculation, on the other hand, is a frequent response of companies to questions from their trading partners regarding the emissivity of the value chain. There are industries where the absence of a calculated carbon footprint of a product precludes cooperation.
What is the difference between the carbon footprint of a product and an EPD (Environmental Product Declaration)?
The carbon footprint of the product focuses solely on greenhouse gas emissions. The environmental statement of the product, on the other hand, allows you to determine the full impact of the product on the environment. It takes into account not only greenhouse gas emissions, but also water consumption, the impact on soil or the ozone layer throughout the product life cycle. In addition, the EPD declaration is subject to verification by an independent third party and remains valid for five years.
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