What is ISO 14067:2018?
The ISO 14067:2018 standard focuses on the calculation of the carbon footprint of individual products using a lifecycle assessment (LCA) approach. Through the application of this standard, the emissions associated with a specific product can be quantified from cradle-to-manufacturing process, distribution and transportation, usage, and disposal will be covered by this framework. This thorough approach aligns with EU carbon management and reporting directives, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM).
How does it work?
The following general steps are taken in the calculation process of a product’s lifecycle emissions:
Defining the product system: Clearly outline the product’s lifecycle boundaries and functional unit, for example, CO2 equivalent emissions per unit of product.
Collection of data: Data for all lifecycle stages is gathered, including energy inputs, raw material usage, waste output, and energy consumption by the product’s usage.
Quantification of emissions: ISO 14067:2018 outlines specific LCA methodologies to cover each of the product’s lifecycle phases. This allows for the identification of emission hotspots and reduction opportunities.
Why adopt ISO 14067:2018?
The LCA methodology applied to an organisation’s individual product can be used to provide information for research and development of the product, improvement of technologies, and carbon footprint performance tracking. This allows for clear identification of areas within the product’s procurement and manufacturing stages that are highly energy intensive and/or emit a significant amount of CO2. This can inform decision-making for improving energy efficiency, as well as avoid costs applied by EU regulations and schemes, such as those from the Emissions Trading Scheme.
Furthermore, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) requires these sectors to quantify GHG emissions embedded in imported products. The detailed and accurate calculations achieved when applying the ISO 14067:2018 standard to product-specific carbon emissions perfectly align with the CBAM’s scope. As the CBAM imposes a carbon price on imports of specific goods from non-EU countries based on the GHG emissions embedded in their production, the application of this standard allows an organisation to mitigate the financial risks associated with complying with the mechanism.
Lastly, it will also assist in compliance with the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), which came into effect on the 18th of July 2024. Through this regulation, specific rules and reporting requirements for individual products have been put in place, making the LCA, outlined within the standard, perfectly align with the ESPR.