All You Need to Know About Product Carbon Assessments

What is Embodied Carbon? 

Embodied carbon (sometimes incorrectly referred to as ‘embedded carbon’) refers to the carbon emissions associated with the production and transportation of materials used to make a product, along with the manufacturing process itself. 

By understanding the embodied carbon of a product, businesses can gain valuable insights into the environmental impact of their products and identify areas where they can make improvements. This information can also be used to communicate with stakeholders, such as customers and investors, who are increasingly interested in supporting environmentally responsible companies. 

What is a Product Carbon Assessment? 

A product carbon assessment is a comprehensive evaluation of the carbon emissions associated with a product throughout its whole lifecycle. It involves analysing the raw material extraction, transportation, manufacturing processes, waste, implementation, energy consumption, use, maintenance/repair and end-of-life stages of the product. 

To conduct a product carbon assessment, businesses need to gather data on each stage of the product’s lifecycle and calculate the associated carbon emissions. This data can be collected through life cycle & embodied carbon assessments. Once the data is collected, it can be used to generate a carbon footprint report, which outlines the total amount of carbon emissions associated with the product. Once you understand the emissions associated with your product, you can look at strategies to reduce those emissions. 

Why Would You Want a Product Carbon Assessment? 

There are several reasons why businesses would want to conduct a product carbon assessment:  

• It allows them to quantify and understand the environmental impact of their products. This information can then be used to set sustainability goals and track progress over time. 
• Conducting a product carbon assessment can help businesses identify areas where they can make improvements to reduce their carbon emissions. By pinpointing the stages of the product’s lifecycle that contribute the most to its carbon footprint, businesses can focus their efforts on implementing strategies to reduce emissions in those areas. 
• Analysing your production process can cut costs and increase efficiency by highlighting areas of improvement within your business operations. 
• A product carbon assessment can be a valuable marketing tool. Consumers are increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of the products they purchase, and businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability are more likely to attract and retain customers. 

Strategies on How to Reduce Embodied Carbon 

Reducing the embodied carbon of products requires a multifaceted approach. Here are some strategies that businesses can consider: 

1. Material Selection: Choose materials with lower embodied carbon. For example, opt for renewable or low-carbon recycled materials instead of those with high carbon footprints. 
2. Energy Efficiency: Improve energy efficiency in manufacturing processes and reduce energy consumption throughout the product’s lifecycle. This can be achieved through the use of energy-efficient equipment, optimising production processes, and implementing energy-saving measures. 
3. Transportation Optimisation: Minimise the carbon emissions associated with transportation by optimising logistics and choosing more sustainable transportation methods, such as rail or sea freight instead of road or air. 
4. Product Design: Incorporate sustainable design principles into product development to minimise material waste and extend the product’s lifespan. Consider designing for disassembly, repairability, and recyclability. 
5. Carbon Offsetting: For emissions that cannot be eliminated, consider investing in carbon offset projects to compensate for the carbon emissions associated with the product. 

By implementing these strategies, businesses can significantly reduce the embodied carbon in their products and contribute to a more sustainable future. 

In conclusion, conducting a product carbon assessment is a crucial step for businesses that want to take responsibility for their carbon emissions and reduce their environmental impact. By understanding the embodied carbon of their products, businesses can identify areas for improvement and implement strategies to make their products more sustainable. So, take the first step towards a greener future and find out the carbon footprint of your product today.