3. BACKGROUND
Collaboration of ISEAL & GTZ on CC mitigation
Ecofys commissioned to map Climate Assurance Systems
Results refined by ISEAL & GTZ in report: “Accounting for
Carbon: Mapping the Landscape of Climate Assurance
Systems”.
Additional research needed to assess the status of
Product Carbon Accounting in the market
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4. MARKET STATUS
9 Brands and 10 Retailers examined: Brands
Assessed:
Commitment to reduce GHG emissions
Status on product carbon accounting
Level of supplier cooperation/requirements
Level of consumer communication
Retailers
Status:
PCF mostly in test-phase
Used for internal knowledge building
LCA (ISO 14044) and PAS 2050
predominant methodologies
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5. EXAMPLE: UNILEVER
Works with LCA (ISO 14044)
Database with 1500 products examined “At an average
Data is used to prioritise the GHG Unilever product
reduction categories of focus most reduction
can be achieved
Developed a set of “Good Practices” for in the use stage”
low GHG tea production
“We are afraid for a carbon
tax on products.”
“We found that that the differences
between products in the same
category are very small.”
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6. EXAMPLE: TESCO
Started in 2007 with CFP among
selected own-brand products
Since this pilot work 500 CFP of own-
brand products calculatated
Works with suppliers to identify
emissions hotspots and eliminate them
throughout the supply chain
“We found that aerosol
deodorants tend to have higher
carbon footprints than roll-ons.”
“Recycled toilet paper has a
footprint a third lower than the
standard product.”
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7. ONGOING DISCUSSION
Credibility: “PCF only focuses on a single
environmental aspect – emissions
“Lack of harmonised of GHG’s.”
methodologies and
methodological
constraints exist.” “Lack of product
specific rules
(PCRs).”
Labels:
“Half of all respondents
understood what a carbon
footprint was, nearly as many “Reference to a CO2 quantity
would seek products with remains incomprehensible to the
lower footprints.” vast majority of consumers.”
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8. CONCLUSIONS
Product carbon accounting common practice
Results used to work on effective GHG reductions
together with suppliers
Ongoing discussion prevents breakthrough of carbon
labels on products
Demonstration and quantification of GHG reductions
embedded in standard systems perceived as important by
Brands and Retailers
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9. gtz
Henk van Rikxoort
Consultant – Agriculture and Climate Change
Wageningen
The Netherlands
Mobile Europe +31618187108
E-mail henk.vanrikxoort@wur.nl
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