Background
The purpose of the climate data sheet is to enhance the competitiveness of environmentally conscious subcontractors and their customers by disclosing the climate impact of an existing or future article they intend to offer. This allows the customer to make an informed choice to increase the sustainability of their product. Reporting the article’s climate impact provides increased customer value, benefiting the suppliers who can attach a Climate Data Sheet to their articles.
The Climate Data Sheet reports climate impact in CO2eq (carbon dioxide equivalents). The calculations are based on energy, material, logistics, and production data from the previous year. The calculation method can be used for both articles in production and future articles where the material and manufacturing process are known. The method for creating a Climate Data Sheet follows a standardized process. After training and initial support, a company’s own staff can create a Climate Data Sheet for any chosen article. If desired, third-party validation of the method can be carried out, further increasing the customer value of the Climate Data Sheet.
The method is based on the company’s climate impact from a simplified life cycle perspective (cradle to gate). Building the company’s own calculation model requires initial training and support from an approved consultant. Currently, you can choose between consultants Greengoat, EDAG, or AFRY, while RISE is responsible for third-party validation.
The Climate Data Sheet cannot be equated with a full LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) or EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), but the work underlying the reporting provides valuable insight and knowledge about the company’s and articles’ climate impact from the origin of raw materials to delivery at the company’s gate.
For raw materials, a percentage estimate is made of the amount of recycled material to be used. If the percentage of recycled material is unknown, the calculation assumes 100% virgin material, which affects the calculated climate impact. Logistics data is based on where the company’s subcontractors are located and the respective mode of transportation to the company.
Since the method is based on documented material and process data from the previous year, environmental improvements made during the current year cannot be accounted for in climate calculations during the same year. However, the effects of implemented improvements will be reflected in the next year’s update of primary data and will lower the reported climate impact in the Climate Data Sheet.
The offer to companies also includes third-party review by RISE, which has developed a validation program for the current method. Request a quote for management system certification or verification/validation from RISE.
The method is based on the company’s climate impact from a simplified life cycle perspective (cradle to gate). Building the company’s own calculation model requires initial training and support from an approved consultant. Currently, you can choose between consultants Greengoat, EDAG, or AFRY, while RISE is responsible for third-party validation.
The Climate Data Sheet cannot be equated with a full LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) or EPD (Environmental Product Declaration), but the work underlying the reporting provides valuable insight and knowledge about the company’s and articles’ climate impact from the origin of raw materials to delivery at the company’s gate.
Input to the Calculation Model
The calculation of a future article’s climate impact is based on a mix of primary and secondary data. Primary data comes from the company’s operations, such as data on energy use, raw materials, consumables, and transportation. Secondary data (generic) is obtained from official databases, such as Ecoinvent, or reports. Where there are historical primary data, including EPD or LCA data, these are used in the first place. Alternatively, secondary data is used when calculating the climate impact for future articles produced with materials or processes where primary data is lacking.For raw materials, a percentage estimate is made of the amount of recycled material to be used. If the percentage of recycled material is unknown, the calculation assumes 100% virgin material, which affects the calculated climate impact. Logistics data is based on where the company’s subcontractors are located and the respective mode of transportation to the company.
Since the method is based on documented material and process data from the previous year, environmental improvements made during the current year cannot be accounted for in climate calculations during the same year. However, the effects of implemented improvements will be reflected in the next year’s update of primary data and will lower the reported climate impact in the Climate Data Sheet.
The offer to companies also includes third-party review by RISE, which has developed a validation program for the current method. Request a quote for management system certification or verification/validation from RISE.