What Are The Main Environmental Impact Metrics Used In Carbon Accounting For Footwear Supply Chains?
Introduction
Understanding environmental impact metrics in carbon accounting is crucial for evaluating the sustainability of footwear supply chains. These key metrics provide vital insights into carbon emissions linked to each production and distribution phase, driving sustainable practices within the footwear industry.
Essential Environmental Impact Metrics
Several essential metrics are utilized by footwear brands and manufacturers to measure the environmental impact of their supply chains. These metrics are fundamental for assessing the carbon footprint throughout different life cycle stages, from raw material sourcing to final product delivery. By grasping these metrics, businesses can identify improvement opportunities and reduce their overall environmental footprint.
- Carbon Footprint: Total greenhouse gas emissions in CO2 equivalents throughout the product's life cycle, covering all phases from raw material sourcing to disposal.
- Energy Consumption: Total energy utilized in production, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, and transportation, typically expressed in megajoules or gigajoules.
- Water Usage: Volume of water consumed at every product life cycle stage, from agriculture (like cotton or leather production) through manufacturing to consumer usage, measured in liters.
- Waste Generation: Total waste produced throughout the footwear's lifecycle, capturing manufacturing refuse and end-of-life disposal, quantified in kilograms or tons.
Carbon Accounting Methodologies
Various methodologies are employed to evaluate these environmental impact metrics. They can be categorized into life cycle assessments (LCA), supply chain emission accounting, and specific industry standards, providing frameworks for effective data collection and analysis.
- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): A detailed approach to analyzing the environmental aspects of a product across its life cycle, focusing on impacts from raw material extraction to disposal and measuring across multiple environmental categories.
- Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions: This framework classifies emissions by source - Scope 1 includes direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions from purchased energy generation, and Scope 3 captures all other indirect emissions throughout the entire value chain.
- ISO 14067: An international standard that specifies methods to measure the carbon footprint of products, ensuring credibility and comparability in the results.
Conclusion
In conclusion, carbon accounting in footwear supply chains involves critical environmental impact metrics such as carbon footprint, energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. Adopting effective methodologies like LCA and adhering to recognized standards guide companies on their path towards sustainability within the industry.
Expert Quote
Dr. Rachael A. O'Mara, Research Lead at the Carbon Trust
Accurate carbon accounting metrics are essential for companies striving for sustainability, enabling them to identify areas for impactful change within their supply chains.
The Importance of Carbon Footprint in Supply Chain Management, Carbon Trust Report, 2022
Relevant Links
2018 Environmental Impact of the Global Apparel and Footwear ...
https://quantis.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/measuringfashion_globalimpactstudy_full-report_quantis_cwf_2018a.pdfSupply Chain Sustainability: Why It Is Important & Best Practices ...
https://www.netsuite.com/portal/resource/articles/erp/supply-chain-sustainability.shtmlEnvironmental Impacts - adidas Annual Report 2022
https://report.adidas-group.com/2022/en/group-management-report-our-company/sustainability/environmental-impacts.htmlPromoting Human Rights and Environmental Sustainability ...
https://www.foley.com/insights/publications/2024/03/human-rights-environmental-sustainability-ethics-supply-chain/[Guide] Carbon accounting for fashion, textile, apparel, and footwear ...
https://www.carbonfact.com/blog/knowledge/carbon-accounting-guideYouTube Videos
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