Yes, the carbon footprint of a product is a primary component of our Life Cycle Assessment.
We measure this using our global warming impact indicator, which is fully aligned with the international standards (ISO 14044) that also form the basis for frameworks like the GHG protocol.
How we calculate the carbon footprint
Our global warming indicator calculates the total greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) generated during a product’s creation, from raw material extraction up to the moment it leaves the factory, an approach known as “cradle-to-gate.”
The result is expressed in kg CO₂ eq. (kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent). This standard unit converts the impact of all different greenhouse gases, such as methane and nitrous oxide, into a single, comparable score based on their potential to contribute to global warming.
More than just carbon
While a product’s carbon footprint is a critical metric, it represents only one aspect of its total environmental impact. A product with a low carbon footprint could still have a significant negative effect on local water resources or ecosystems.
BCome provides a more holistic analysis by assessing other crucial environmental impacts alongside the carbon footprint. These include:
- Water scarcity: The stress a product’s value chain places on local water availability.
- Eutrophication: The pollution of freshwater ecosystems from excess nutrients.
- Abiotic depletion: The consumption of finite resources like fossil fuels.
This comprehensive approach provides a complete and accurate picture of a product’s true environmental performance, helping you to avoid unintended trade-offs and make genuinely sustainable decisions.