CarbonConnect+
The following content provides details of how we calculate and verify the data delivered via our CarbonConnect+ product carbon calculators.
Methodology Part A: General Principles
In carrying out carbon footprint calculations, CarbonQuota follows the general principles of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard, with further guidance from ISO 14040/14044 (Lifecycle Assessment), ISO 14067 (Carbon Footprint of Products) and PAS 2050:2011.
Within each study boundary, a consistent approach is used to quantify and to document greenhouse gas (greenhouse gas) emissions and removals from operational activity, and purchased goods and services, by completing, as applicable, the following steps:
1.Identification of greenhouse gas sources and sinks are carried out using CarbonQuota’s industry expertise, previous experience, and guidance from Product Category Rules (PCR) alongside international publications such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, ISO14040/14044, ISO 14067 & PAS 2050.
2.The selected quantification method is based on the multiplication of greenhouse gas activity data by greenhouse gas emissions or removal factors, which is thought to be the most appropriate approach.
3.The greenhouse gas activity data are collected from activity data that is consistent with the quantification methods.
4.The most appropriate and current greenhouse gas emission factors are selected from industry leading.greenhouse gas emissions factor databases including but not limited to the latest versions of: ADAME; Defra/BEIS; ecoinvent; Global LCA Data Access Network; ICE database by Circular Ecology; IEA Emissions Factors; International Aluminium; NGA; ÖKOBAUDAT; Plastics Europe; USLCI; WorldSteel. Known or assumed locations are considered when selecting emission factors. The emissions factor selected depends on our assessment of its quality, license restrictions and use case. More details can be provided upon request.
5.The calculations of the greenhouse gas emissions and removals are carried out by multiplying the greenhouse gas activity data by greenhouse gas emissions or removal factors. These calculations are either undertaken in our proprietary codebase*, in SimaPro, or in Excel.
All IPCC greenhouse gases are considered in the calculation of the Product Carbon Footprint, which are converted to carbon dioxide equivalents using AR5 (2014) or AR6 (2021) depending on the dataset.
As standard the IPCC 100-year GWP is used, with an attributional methodology allowing a 1% cut-off, with a total of 5%.
Where available, primary activity data from the client’s systems and/or suppliers is used to calculate the carbon footprint. We seek the best available data including fullspecification, transportation profile, manufacturing place (including energy profile), quantities, and end of life scenarios. Where primary activity data is not available, secondary data is substituted with direction from CarbonQuota’s subject matter experts.
Calculations are assured by independent third-party experts (limited assurance) to confirm they are materially correct and align with the stated methodology.
The CarbonQuota Protocol provides more details of CarbonQuota’s general practices, principles, boundaries, data quality criteria, ISO compliance, calculation methodology, best practices, company opinion and external assurance. More details can be provided upon request.
*CarbonConnect and CarbonConnect+ calculations are undertaken in our proprietary codebase. Where manufacturing production records are available that record estimated or actual usage of raw materials time spent on processes, and distribution details, they are processed directly in CarbonQuota systems. Where production records are not available, such as with a buying organisation, the finished specification is processed via a CarbonQuota adaptor to simulate a production record for the specific product which is in turn processed via CarbonQuota systems. This is further described under Methodology Part B.
Methodology Part B: Bounderies, Scope and Assumptions
Boundary
Assessments cover cradle-to-client-gate greenhouse gas emissions of the product from materials, production, and transport before the product is distributed to the end user or consumer. It excludes any further distribution, or disposal at end-of-life. It is considered there is zero energy consumed using the product.
How we process calculations
These calculations use data provided either via a csv upload in a standard CarbonQuota template, or via API from an Integration Partner Management Information Systems MIS using a JavaScript Object Notation (JSON) file. Both must carry a minimum amount of required data to calculate a footprint for the job. An error is generated with explanation in the event of insufficient data.
All data provided is assumed to be materially correct based on inputs by competent users within a specialist structured system, and no additional validation processes are in place.
While carbon footprints follow the methodological framework of ISO 14067, it is the responsibility of the user to ensure the relevant criteria are met before making any claims. CarbonQuota product carbon footprints are designed to support understanding of GHG emissions associated with a product but are not intended for comparative assertions unless both products are assessed under identical system boundaries, data quality rules, and allocation methods.
Where manufacturing production records are provided which record estimated or actual usage of raw materials, time spent on processes, and distribution details, they are processed directly in CarbonQuota systems.
Where records are provided by a buying organisation, the finished specification is processed via a CarbonQuota adaptor to simulate a manufacturing production record for the specific product which is in turn processed via CarbonQuota systems described below.
We use our industry expertise to add reasonable assumptions to the model where necessary, which varies according to the information available for selection on the source calculator.
This model is subsequently run through our CarbonConnect engine, which is our one of our specialist algorithms to create a product carbon footprint based on manufacturing calculations. This uses secondary emissions factor data because we do not know the actual manufacturing locations, materials or transportation.
Raw materials are converted from an unmapped Company specific code using CarbonQuota keyword logic to one of CarbonQuota’s substrate group EFs linked to the manufacturer’s country. Derived from data from multiple Companies, the keyword logic returns a 94% positive raw material match to the correct substrate group. Using machine learning and manual review, this database is updated regularly to ensure consistently high positive match percentages.
Processes are distilled by type i.e. Printing, Finishing, Outwork and their type count which relates to an Intensity Ratio Factor multiplier derived from CarbonQuota models and country specific energy.
Consumables are a global value and are applied to all queries.
1st stage delivery distance is calculated using CarbonQuota models for average distance in the manufacturer’s country created using country population densities and maintained road data assuming domestic delivery only and deliveries based on weight using an overnight or direct delivery model depending on consignment weight as an assumption.
2nd stage delivery, use phase and end of life are excluded as they are not available in CarbonConnect
Check out our FAQs below or please get in touch and our team will be happy to help.
Frequently asked questions for Product Carbon Footprints from CarbonQuota
*Blank* Do not edit
What is a product carbon footprint, and why is it important?
The manufacturing process for most products requires energy-intensive processes, which traditionally rely on burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. This releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which trap more heat than normal in the atmosphere, which accelerates global climate change. Understanding and reducing a product’s carbon footprint means you can then do something about climate change.
What do product carbon footprints include if they are “Cradle-to-Grave”?
This includes all raw materials, production, transport to warehouses, distribution to the end customer or consumer, and disposal at end-of-life. Please always check if the use phase is taken into account, or if calculations consider there is zero energy consumed in using the product by the end user or consumer due to the nature of the product.
What is CO2e?
CO2e is the standard measure for carbon footprints. It includes carbon dioxide as well as the other most important greenhouse gases created by human activities that contribute to climate change. These are converted to a much simpler to understand ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’, or CO2e.
What is the biggest factor in the carbon footprint of printed products?
The substrate itself like paper or plastic is usually the dominant contributor to a carbon footprint, accounting on average for approximately 50% of its impact.
What is the biggest factor in the carbon footprint of packaging?
The substrate itself like cardboard or plastic is usually the dominant contributor to a carbon footprint, accounting on average for approximately 70% of its impact.
How do I know if this is a good carbon footprint?
There is no “good” or “bad” carbon footprint. By providing you with different carbon footprints for different options, you can make informed choices to reduce your environmental impact.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
There are many ways you can make significant reductions to your carbon footprints. These include investigating a range of specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes, reducing transport distances, and enabling the end user to recycle the item. If the product requires energy while it is used it is important to ensure it is powered by renewable electricity.
How can my suppliers help?
Your suppliers can help by reducing their use of fossil fuels in the manufacturing process, minimising waste, reducing transport, as well as using alternative materials produced by lower-carbon providers. Carefully check that any sustainability claims they are making are backed up by science. Where this information is made available in CarbonQuota’s database, this will be reflected in lower carbon footprint values.
What sources do you use to come up with this carbon footprint value?
Product carbon footprints from CarbonQuota are calculated by accessing the widest possible range of databases and studies from across the world, which is being constantly updated and refreshed as new information becomes available. This combines sector specialist data, paid for data, publicly available data, opensource data, and CarbonQuota’s expertise. This is always subject to data licensing permissions.
How accurate is this carbon footprint, and what assumptions have you made?
CarbonQuota adapts its model to most accurately represent the supply chain of specific users. Where possible primary data about the activity is used to improve the accuracy. CarbonQuota’s experts make assumptions and use secondary data where information is not available.
How do I know I can trust this value?
Carbon footprints are independently calculated and verified by CarbonQuota using their real-time engine. As specialists in the environmental impact of print, packaging, marketing and media sectors, CarbonQuota has developed a bespoke carbon footprint calculator powered by a unique database and algorithm which is externally assured against relevant international standards.
Is it possible to get a more detailed breakdown of the carbon footprint?
Please speak to your account manager or [email protected] to find out what is available.
Can I use this carbon footprint for my corporate reporting?
How it can be used for reporting will depend on individual circumstances. Please discuss this with the relevant carbon management partner or auditor.
Where can I find out more?
Please speak to your account manager or [email protected]
Who is CarbonQuota?
CarbonQuota is a specialist in carbon management for the print, packaging, marketing and media sectors, helping businesses to comply with regulatory requirements, meet customer demands and reduce environmental impact through accurate, automated carbon footprints and customised carbon reduction strategies.
Want to learn more?
*Blank* Do not edit
What is a product carbon footprint, and why is it important?
The manufacturing process for most products requires energy-intensive processes, which traditionally rely on burning fossil fuels such as oil, gas and coal. This releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere which trap more heat than normal in the atmosphere, which accelerates global climate change. Understanding and reducing a product’s carbon footprint means you can then do something about climate change.
What do product carbon footprints include if they are “Cradle-to-Grave”?
This includes all raw materials, production, transport to warehouses, distribution to the end customer or consumer, and disposal at end-of-life. Please always check if the use phase is taken into account, or if calculations consider there is zero energy consumed in using the product by the end user or consumer due to the nature of the product.
What is CO2e?
CO2e is the standard measure for carbon footprints. It includes carbon dioxide as well as the other most important greenhouse gases created by human activities that contribute to climate change. These are converted to a much simpler to understand ‘carbon dioxide equivalent’, or CO2e.
What is the biggest factor in the carbon footprint of printed products?
The substrate itself like paper or plastic is usually the dominant contributor to a carbon footprint, accounting on average for approximately 50% of its impact.
What is the biggest factor in the carbon footprint of packaging?
The substrate itself like cardboard or plastic is usually the dominant contributor to a carbon footprint, accounting on average for approximately 70% of its impact.
How do I know if this is a good carbon footprint?
There is no “good” or “bad” carbon footprint. By providing you with different carbon footprints for different options, you can make informed choices to reduce your environmental impact.
How can I reduce my carbon footprint?
There are many ways you can make significant reductions to your carbon footprints. These include investigating a range of specifications, materials, and manufacturing processes, reducing transport distances, and enabling the end user to recycle the item. If the product requires energy while it is used it is important to ensure it is powered by renewable electricity.
How can my suppliers help?
Your suppliers can help by reducing their use of fossil fuels in the manufacturing process, minimising waste, reducing transport, as well as using alternative materials produced by lower-carbon providers. Carefully check that any sustainability claims they are making are backed up by science. Where this information is made available in CarbonQuota’s database, this will be reflected in lower carbon footprint values.
What sources do you use to come up with this carbon footprint value?
Product carbon footprints from CarbonQuota are calculated by accessing the widest possible range of databases and studies from across the world, which is being constantly updated and refreshed as new information becomes available. This combines sector specialist data, paid for data, publicly available data, opensource data, and CarbonQuota’s expertise. This is always subject to data licensing permissions.
How accurate is this carbon footprint, and what assumptions have you made?
CarbonQuota adapts its model to most accurately represent the supply chain of specific users. Where possible primary data about the activity is used to improve the accuracy. CarbonQuota’s experts make assumptions and use secondary data where information is not available.
How do I know I can trust this value?
Carbon footprints are independently calculated and verified by CarbonQuota using their real-time engine. As specialists in the environmental impact of print, packaging, marketing and media sectors, CarbonQuota has developed a bespoke carbon footprint calculator powered by a unique database and algorithm which is externally assured against relevant international standards.
Is it possible to get a more detailed breakdown of the carbon footprint?
Please speak to your account manager or [email protected] to find out what is available.
Can I use this carbon footprint for my corporate reporting?
How it can be used for reporting will depend on individual circumstances. Please discuss this with the relevant carbon management partner or auditor.
Where can I find out more?
Please speak to your account manager or [email protected]
Who is CarbonQuota?
CarbonQuota is a specialist in carbon management for the print, packaging, marketing and media sectors, helping businesses to comply with regulatory requirements, meet customer demands and reduce environmental impact through accurate, automated carbon footprints and customised carbon reduction strategies.
Get in touch with our expert team today.