A Product Carbon Footprint measures the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing and delivering a specific product. It's expressed as tCO2e per unit — per item, per kilogram, per litre — so customers can understand the climate impact of what they're buying.
PCF vs. LCA vs. EPD
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they mean different things.
PCF — Measures GHG emissions for a product. The simplest and most common approach for suppliers.
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) — A broader environmental assessment covering not just carbon but also water use, air pollution, waste, and more. Significantly more detailed than a PCF.
EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) — A certified, third-party verified environmental statement that may include LCA data or just carbon data depending on the scheme.
For most supplier-customer relationships, a PCF is what's needed. It's faster to calculate, more straightforward, and focuses specifically on climate impact.
What's Included in a PCF?
A typical PCF covers the emissions from raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, transportation, the use phase (where applicable), and end-of-life disposal or recycling. Which stages matter most depends on the product.
Getting Started
You can calculate a PCF by using Green Project's PCF calculator, uploading existing data if you've calculated a PCF elsewhere, or working with a sustainability consultant. Green Project makes the first option straightforward, even for suppliers new to carbon accounting.