What is a Product Carbon Footprint?
A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is a methodology focused exclusively on measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions throughout a product’s lifecycle. PCF is sometimes called a “carbon footprint” and follows ISO 14067 standards for quantification.Key Characteristics
- Single impact focus: Only measures climate change impacts (GWP)
- Standardized: Follows ISO 14067 methodology
- Widely adopted: Common starting point for many sustainability programs
- Communication-friendly: Results are easily communicated (kg CO₂ eq.)
When to Use PCF
Consider using PCF when:- Starting your sustainability journey with a focus on climate impacts
- Specifically targeting carbon reduction initiatives
- Complying with carbon disclosure requirements
- Communicating climate impacts to customers
PCF vs Full LCA
While PCF provides valuable insights into climate impacts, it’s important to understand its limitations:| PCF | Full LCA |
|---|---|
| Climate impacts only | Multiple environmental impacts |
| Simpler data requirements | More comprehensive data needs |
| Faster to complete | More time-intensive |
| May miss environmental trade-offs | Provides holistic environmental view |