Life Cycle Stages
In product carbon footprinting, a life cycle stage refers to the five specific phases in the life cycle of a product during which greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are generated. These stages collectively represent the entire journey of a product, from its creation to its disposal, and each stage contributes to the product's overall carbon footprint.
The system boundary defines which parts of the product’s life cycle are included in the PCF study. There are two main types:
Cradle-to-Gate: This includes everything from gathering raw materials up until the product leaves the production facility.
Cradle-to-Grave: This includes the entire life cycle, from gathering raw materials to the product's disposal.
The following sections provide more information on each life cycle stage.
Raw Material Production and Distribution
What It Involves: This is where the product's life begins. It includes the emissions from producing the raw materials (like oats and packaging) and transporting them to the production site.
How We Measure It: Data is required on the ingredients, packaging, location of origin, and manufacturing site. If this information can’t be directly obtained, Terrascope can estimate it using AI-assisted estimation methodology. Terrascope then uses databases to determine how much emissions these activities create.
Product Manufacturing
What It Involves: This stage covers the emissions from the energy used to make the product and any waste generated during manufacturing.
How We Measure It: We look at the energy sources used (like electricity or fuel) and calculate emissions based on location-specific factors. If we don’t have exact energy data, we estimate it using standard models. We also include emissions from any waste produced during this process.
Distribution and Retail
What It Involves: This stage includes getting the finished product to warehouses and stores, plus the emissions from storing and refrigerating the product if needed.
How We Measure It: We calculate transportation emissions using distance and standard rates. If the product needs refrigeration, we also account for the emissions from refrigerant gases. Storage emissions are based on either direct energy data from warehouses or standard averages.
Use Phase
What It Involves: This is about the emissions from how the end user uses the product. It includes getting the product from the store to the user, storing it, and actually using it by drinking it.
How We Measure It: Businesses often don’t have direct data on how customers use the product, so we can use studies or estimates. For example, we estimate the distance people travel to buy the product and how much energy it takes to store and use it.
End-of-Life
What It Involves: This stage is about what happens when the product is disposed of or recycled.
How We Measure It: We base our calculations on how people typically dispose of food and packaging in the region. We use standard emission rates for waste treatment.
To get started with your PCF measurement, check the Product Lifecycle Assessment article below.