ISO 14067 Standard

ISO 14067 Standard

ISO 14067 standards are the "rulebook" that standardizes the calculation and reporting of product carbon footprint . In other words, while 'product carbon footprint' is a process, a concept, ISO 14067 describes how to manage this process.

What is the ISO 14067 Standard?

ISO 14067 is an international standard developed for the scientific calculation and reporting of greenhouse gas emissions caused by a product throughout its life cycle. 

With the growing importance of the concept of LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) in the 20th century, 'product carbon footprint' calculations also became popular. Therefore, ISO published the ISO 14067 standard specifically for product carbon footprint.

Developed and published in 2013 based on the ISO 14040/44 standards,

ISO 14067:2013 was later revised in 2018 and has taken its final form as ISO 14067:2018, which still remains valid today.

In its most up-to-date form, the ISO 14067 standard uses the same system as LCA; however, unlike LCA, it focuses solely on GWP (Global Warming Potential). In other words, while LCA evaluates all environmental impacts of a product across multiple categories according to the ISO 14040 standard, the product carbon footprint focuses on the greenhouse gas emissions mentioned in the ISO 14067 standard.

Product Carbon Footprint Process with ISO 14067 Standard

ISO 14067 divides the product carbon footprint calculation and reporting process into 4 stages, similar to the ISO 14040 standard.

This 4-step process does not have to follow a linear progression. Depending on the flow of the process, different steps can be visited at different times.

Goal & Scope Definition

This stage forms the foundation of the study. In this stage, it is determined which product the carbon footprint is calculated for, why it is calculated, the boundaries (cradle-to-grave, cradle-to-gate, etc.), and how it will be quantified.

• Product definition

• Defining the functional unit (For example, 1 L of milk)

• Determination of system boundaries

• Assumptions, data sources, and data quality are defined

In this stage, it is also determined whether greenhouse gases other than CO2 will be included and the GWP time limit (usually 100 years).

Inventory Analysis (LCI)

In this stage, all input and output data from the product's life cycle are collected. Only processes that generate greenhouse gases are evaluated within ISO 14067.

• Raw material usage

• Energy consumption

• Logistics data

• Process emissions

• Waste disposal process

Data that will serve as input for product carbon footprint calculations is collected.

Impact Assessment (LCIA)

In this stage, unlike LCA, calculations are made solely on GWP values. Each greenhouse gas is converted to CO2e (CO2 equivalent) by multiplying with the GWP factor determined by the IPCC. Then, the data are aggregated in CO2e terms.

While considering inventory analysis as data collection, impact assessment is the process of generating meaningful outputs from this data.

Interpretation

This stage is where the obtained results are verified and reported in terms of technical accuracy.

The product carbon footprint, whether the process meets its purpose, the uncertainties in the process, reduction strategies, and the use of the report in the ongoing process are outlined in this stage.

The Importance of the ISO 14067 Standard

The ISO 14067 standard ensures that the product carbon footprint studies conducted are reliable and transparent according to international standards. There are multiple areas of use for product carbon footprint studies conducted in accordance with this standard.

Reliability for Stakeholders

A properly conducted product carbon footprint process is one of the most reliable data sources for stakeholders, similar to LCA. Although these calculations are product or service-based, they enhance the prestige of institutions or organizations at the product or corporate level.

Compliance with Regulations

Although there is currently no obligation regarding product carbon footprint calculations, studies can be conducted to be prepared in advance for regulations that may arise in the future.

Additionally, existing CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) regulations actually represent a narrow scope (from gate-to-gate) product carbon footprint process. Product carbon footprint calculations that comply with standards facilitate compliance with regulations like CBAM.

Verification and Product Labeling

After the product carbon footprint is calculated, a carbon footprint label can be created for the product. Of course, verification is not mandatory in this process. However, a verifiable product carbon footprint labeling can be used both to prepare for future obligations and to provide assurance to end-users.

CarbonSmart and Product Carbon Footprint

Previously, we discussed the challenging and complex processes of product carbon footprint calculations.

CarbonSmart makes calculating product carbon footprints much easier with its "Product Carbon Footprint Management Module"!

With the product carbon footprint management module, you can calculate, analyze, and report the emissions of your products. On the platform, you can either manually create a 'flow' or receive automatic 'flow' data by integrating it with your ERP systems.

To enhance your brand prestige and comply with potential regulations in advance, contact us, consult with our experts, and take a step into the digital world of sustainability.