Supplier-specific method

The supplier-specific method involves collecting product-level cradle-to-gate GHG inventory data directly from goods or services suppliers to estimate the emissions that are associated with the purchased goods and services. The supplier-specific method provides more accurate and detailed data about emissions because the data is collected directly from suppliers.

The supplier-specific method can be challenging to implement because it requires significant data collection and analysis efforts from both the company and its suppliers. Also, the method can require significant resources and time to establish and maintain relationships with suppliers.

You can apply the supplier-specific method to Category 1 and 2 in the same way. The method involves collecting data from suppliers about the emissions that are associated with the goods and services that they provide. The data can include information about the manufacturing and production processes, material sourcing, transportation, and packaging of goods. The supplier-provided data is then used to estimate the scope 3 category 1 emissions.

For example, suppose that a company has a supplier that provides a specific type of material, and the supplier provides data about the emissions that are associated with the production and transportation of the material. Using the supplier-specific method, the company can estimate the scope 3 category 1 emissions that are associated with that material, and report it as part of its scope 3 emissions.
Figure 1. Supplier specific calculation method
Supplier specific calculation method

Product carbon footprint

A product carbon footprint (PCF) is the total amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which are measured in CO2e, that are generated during all stages of the life-cycle of a product, from raw material acquisition to end-of-life. The PCF is a critical metric for understanding the environmental impact of products and making informed decisions about sustainable production and consumption. By quantifying the GHG emissions that are associated with a product, companies and consumers can identify opportunities for reduction and improvement, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Life-cycle stages

The life cycle of a product consists of consecutive and interlinked stages, including:

  • Raw material acquisition or generation of natural resources
  • Production processes
  • Transportation
  • Use and maintenance

GHG emissions

The product carbon footprint includes the sum of GHG emissions that result from all stages of the life cycle, within the specified boundaries of the product, from various sources:

  • Direct emissions from production processes
  • Indirect emissions from upstream activities, such as land management and transportation

Unit of analysis

The product carbon footprint is typically expressed per unit of product, such as per kilogram or per liter, or it might be reported as the carbon footprint of a single physical item or unit. Per-unit analysis enables a standardized comparison of the environmental impact of different products.