Decoding Your Product's Footprint in 5 Steps

The CO₂ footprint of a product may seem like a mystery, but with the right approach, you can solve this puzzle. Let's go on a hunt for clues together!

Step 1: Define Your Goal

Before you start, ask yourself:

• What do you want to achieve? Is it about compliance, customer requirements, or internal optimization?
• Which product are you investigating? A single part or a whole product line?
• How detailed does it need to be? Rough estimate or precise analysis?

💡 Tip: The clearer your goal, the more effective your analysis!

Step 2: Map the Lifecycle

Now it gets exciting! Map the path of your product:

1. Raw Material Extraction: Where do the materials come from?
2. Production: What steps does the product go through?
3. Transport: How does it get to the customer?
4. Use: How is the product used?
5. End of Life: What happens after that?

🗺️ Visualize: A map or flowchart can work wonders!

Step 3: Collect Data - The Detective Work Begins

Here it gets concrete. You need:

• Material Data: Weights, types, origin
• Energy Consumption: In production, during transport, in use
• Transport Information: Distances, means of transport
• Usage Data: Lifespan, energy consumption by the customer

🕵️ Detective Tip: Talk to suppliers, production experts, and customers. They often know more than you think!

Step 4: Calculate and Analyze

Now it gets mathematical:

1. Choose a Methodology: e.g. GHG Protocol or ISO 14067
2. Use Emission Factors: Databases like EcoInvent can help
3. Calculate: Quantity x Emission Factor = CO₂ Equivalent
4. Summarize: Add up the emissions of all lifecycle phases

🧮 Calculator: Specialized software can save you a lot of work!

Step 5: Interpret and Act

You have the numbers - what do they mean?

• Identify Hotspots: Where do the most emissions occur?
• Compare: How does your product compare in the industry?
• Develop Strategies: Where can you most effectively start?

🎯 Action Plan: Set yourself realistic, but ambitious reduction goals!

Conclusion: From Analysis to Action

The CO₂ footprint of your product is no longer a mystery - you have decoded it! But the work doesn't end here. Use your new knowledge to:

• Optimize Products: Design with the CO₂ footprint in mind
• Involve Suppliers: Work together on improvements
• Inform Customers: Transparency creates trust

Remember: Every reduction counts. You are not only a CO₂ detective, but also a climate protector!

Ready to decode the CO₂ footprint of your products? With this guide, you have all the tools at hand. Get to work and become a CO₂ detective in your company!