Product carbon footprint tool
A product carbon footprint (PCF) tool calculates the emissions of a single product, from materials and manufacturing to use and end of life. It is a different problem to a company footprint and usually needs a different tool.
When you need one
- A customer wants a PCF per SKU
- You sell into retailers with a PCF requirement
- You want to compare design choices on emissions grounds
- You need to publish a value chain PCF under a standard like ISO 14067
PCF tool vs full LCA software
A PCF tool focuses on the greenhouse gas number for a product. Full lifecycle assessment software also covers water, land use, toxicity and more. If the request is only carbon, a PCF tool is faster and cheaper. If the request mentions environmental product declarations, plan for LCA software or a consultant.
What to check before buying
- Which standard the tool follows (GHG Product Standard, ISO 14067, PEF)
- Which emissions factor database is used and how it is updated
- Whether it handles the number of SKUs you actually have
- Whether output can be shared with customers in a usable format
Selling a product with a PCF request attached?
Answer five questions and get a route that fits product-level footprints.
Use the Carbon Accounting Tool Finder