Workstream 1: Measurement

The primary objective of the measurement workstream was to establish a standard approach for measuring the lifecycle carbon impact of an offshore wind farm to be used by developers. At the time of publication, there was no industry guidance on calculating a full lifecycle carbon footprint for an offshore wind farm. This leaves the industry susceptible to different interpretations of cross-sectoral standards, resulting in varying interpretations for offshore wind and reducing comparability. 

Developed over 18 months, in collaboration with the technical experts from the Sustainability JIP partners, the guidance document underwent a closed consultation with selected market regulators to ensure its long-term viability. Upon its release, the 12 Phase 1 Sustainability JIP developers committed to following the approach outlined in the methodology.

A standardised methodology and footprinting tool were published in September 2024 to allow for the consistent, transparent and comparable life cycle quantification of carbon impacts.

The product carbon footprinting guidance aims to provide:

• Sector-specific rules for the application of the relevant standards for Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) to an Offshore Wind development (ISO 14067, GHG Protocol Product Standard).
• Standard assessment criteria to harmonise the calculation approach within the industry.
• A framework for developers to calculate and report different emissions metrics.
• A framework to improve data quality and data exchange.

Read the standardised methodology
 

Workstream 2: Data

Currently, most carbon emission data is based on industry averages. While this provides a useful baseline, supplier-specific activity data can significantly improve the accuracy of carbon footprint calculations. More precise emissions data enables better-informed decisions around offshore wind design and operations. 

During this phase, suppliers were engaged to assess the availability of emission data and the challenges in calculating and sharing this information. These insights informed the development of a framework to support developers in integrating emissions data into lifecycle carbon footprint assessments. The industry must work collectively to enhance confidence and precision in decarbonisation efforts through the use of supplier-specific data. 

If you’re interested in learning more about how you can contribute to the data quality workstream, please get in touch. 
 

Workstream 3: Decarbonisation

To effectively decarbonise the offshore wind supply chain, associated sectors must also commit to decarbonisation efforts. Materials, such as steel, are used across multiple sectors, including automotive and construction, with demand spanning several industries. Decarbonisation in offshore wind will ultimately depend on broader sectoral decarbonisation pathways, highlighted in the decarbonisation roadmap published as part of Phase 1.  

The offshore wind decarbonisation pathway outlines a practical strategy and roadmap to drive decarbonisation across the offshore wind sector. It identifies four categories to enable industry-wide change and the corresponding decarbonisation actions linked to different industry stakeholder groups.  

Read the decarbonisation pathway
 
 

Target areas that could drive industry decarbonisation action:

Phase 1 partners