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How to assess the Product Carbon Footprint
How are greenhouse gas emissions measured across a product's life cycle?
This question has become increasingly important over the past years and a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) can help to find answers. The PCF is an important indicator that sums up the total greenhouse gas emissions generated by a product over the different stages of its life cycle. Cradle-to-gate PCFs consider all the processes from extraction of resources through manufacturing of precursors and the making of the final product itself up to the point where it leaves the company gate. The calculation of these PCFs follows general standards of life cycle analysis.
Downloads
In this section you find the guideline and a summary of key requirements for calculating PCFs for raw materials. By following these calculation principles, you support us in improving the comparability of PCF and ensure data quality.
- PCF calculation in brief (English)The documents “PCF calculation in brief” summarize the minimum requirements for calculating and reporting PCFs for the products that you supply to us. They are available in English and other languages.
- TfS PCF Guideline (Version 3.0 - 2024)The TfS PCF Guideline (Version 3.0 - December 2024) provides detailed guidance to LCA analysts for calculating and reporting cradle-to-gate PCFs.
- LCA Consultant ListThe list is meant to facilitate the contact between BASF suppliers and LCA/PCF consultancy companies.
The Product Carbon Footprint Guideline
The calculation of the cradle-to-gate PCF should follow the relevant PCF standard ISO 14067-2018 and be performed by a trained LCA analyst. PCF values are only comparable and suitable as a basis for making the right decisions if they are calculated according to the same rules.
Together with other chemical companies, BASF has developed the TfS PCF guideline, based on ISO 14067. The guideline is dedicated to calculating the carbon footprint of chemical materials. It aims to improve the comparability of PCF calculations. It's available in multiple languages and can be downloaded from the TfS website.
Emission data collection and sharing fosters transparency and accountability
With the rollout of SiGREEN, a web-based tool developed by Siemens in partnership with TfS, we aim to simplify the collection of our suppliers’ PCF data. This platform facilitates a dynamic data exchange process, enabling suppliers to safely share upstream PCF data. The user-friendly interface minimizes the need for manual processes, making it easier for companies to track, manage, and compile their emissions across all three scopes. Additionally, the solution allows businesses to conduct cross-industry comparisons, enhancing their ability to effectively manage their carbon footprint.