Publication date: 29/10/2008
Since 2006 the Carbon Trust has worked with companies to
measure, reduce and communicate carbon emissions across the supply
chain, as part of our broader efforts to accelerate the move to a
low carbon economy.
When we began there was no consistent, practical method for
measuring the carbon footprint of products (goods or services), yet
it is essential information for companies to identify the true
drivers of emissions and reduction opportunities and to inform
customers of the carbon content of their products.
This publication summarises the experience from over 20 leading
companies that have tested the product carbon footprinting method
(PAS 2050), contributed to the development of the Code of Good
Practice on Emissions and Reduction Claims and the subset of
companies that have decided to communicate their product footprints
to customers. Working with these companies we have learned
important lessons about the impact product carbon footprinting and
labelling can have on businesses' commercial and environmental
goals, and how relevant, applicable and practical the approach can
be.
Also linked to this publication are a range of case studies
illustrating companies' experience in more detail - why they wanted
to measure product carbon emissions, how they went about it, what
they achieved and their plans for the future. We hope other
businesses will build on this experience and leverage the PAS 2050
and related tools to capture the business opportunities associated
with this approach.
Download this report:
Product carbon footprinting: the new business opportunity
(CTC744)