Reducing greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) has become an important goal for more and more companies as part of their sustainability strategy. Many global players have already committed to reducing their emissions, or even becoming carbon neutral in the next few years. The carbon footprint is a good start and can support in this process.
Carbon footprint of products and processes - inventory
The carbon footprint provides you with the value of emissions relative to the assessed product or process. The chosen system boundaries (location, technologies, etc.) affect the overall value of the carbon footprint. By analyzing the current status, you will also gain insight into the contributions of each manufacturing phase, component, or transportation means to the overall carbon footprint. This is a base for you to start from and move on to define possible steps for improvement. The carbon footprint is calculated based on ISO 14067. The methodology serves support management decisions with respect to prioritizing emission-reducing action in a well-founded manner.
Improvement of the carbon footprint
How to improve the carbon footprint? Well, it all depends on your products and processes. The results identify the origin of the emissions. This enables you to decide which processes and/or product components you want or need to tackle first. The GaBi software offers you the option of creating different scenarios and evaluating the effect of certain changes. GaBi is a commonly used software in the field of life cycle analysis, including carbon footprint.
Changes that may have a positive effect on the carbon footprint may be easy and quick, or more complex and demanding. You could start by asking yourself the following questions: Do you already source electricity from renewable energies? What is the impact of a new product design that saves packaging material? Would changing the means of transport of your goods to customers lower the carbon footprint?
Carbon footprint to be mandatory soon?
There are plans for regulatory requirements with respect to carbon footprint, some of which relate to industrial batteries. Preparing your company for the future market is therefore another crucial benefit resulting from the decision to calculate the carbon footprint.
Do you have questions or need more information? We remain at your disposal in helping you set up the carbon footprint calculation that fits your needs! Please contact us via contact@1cc-consulting.com.
