This guide explains how to use Carbon GPT to calculate, report, and reduce the carbon footprint of your products throughout their lifecycle.
Introduction to Product Carbon Footprinting
- Definition and importance of product carbon footprints
- Difference between organizational and product footprints
- Business benefits of product carbon assessment
- Regulatory drivers and market trends
Methodological Approaches
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Basics
- Cradle-to-grave vs. cradle-to-gate approaches
- System boundaries and scope definition
- Functional units and reference flows
- Allocation methods for multi-output processes
Standards and Frameworks
- GHG Protocol Product Standard
- ISO 14067 (Carbon Footprint of Products)
- PAS 2050
- Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)
Implementing with Carbon GPT
Data Collection
- Required data types by lifecycle stage
- Primary vs. secondary data
- Data quality requirements
- Handling data gaps
Calculation Process
- Setting up product hierarchies
- Mapping supply chain inputs
- Production process modeling
- Distribution and use phase calculations
- End-of-life considerations
Results Analysis
- Hotspot identification
- Contribution analysis
- Sensitivity analysis
- Uncertainty assessment
Reporting and Communication
Internal Reporting
- Product sustainability scorecards
- Design team feedback
- Executive dashboards
- Comparative analysis
External Communication
- Product carbon labels
- Environmental product declarations (EPDs)
- Marketing claims compliance
- Consumer communication strategies
Reduction Strategies
Design Phase Interventions
- Material selection and substitution
- Design for efficiency
- Packaging optimization
- Durability and repairability
Supply Chain Engagement
- Supplier assessment and selection
- Collaborative reduction initiatives
- Incentive programs
- Data sharing platforms
Manufacturing Improvements
- Process optimization
- Energy efficiency
- Renewable energy sourcing
- Waste reduction
Use Phase and End-of-Life
- Energy efficiency improvements
- User behavior influence
- Circular economy approaches
- Take-back programs
Case Studies
- How a consumer goods company reduced product carbon footprint by 35%
- Electronics manufacturer's approach to product carbon labeling
- Food company's farm-to-fork carbon assessment program
Implementation Roadmap
- Select pilot products
- Define methodology and boundaries
- Collect initial data
- Calculate baseline footprints
- Identify reduction opportunities
- Implement reduction measures
- Monitor and report progress
- Scale to additional products