introduction
We started working with Sentinel Solutions in 2007 to quantify its direct climate change impact through measuring its organisational carbon footprint. Following this initial assessment, Sentinel wanted to measure the wider impact associated with the operation of its business by going on to measure the carbon footprint of its products.
challenge
As a business concerned about climate change, Sentinel wanted to
know the total lifecycle carbon footprint of the products it
manufactures and sells. It picked two of its biggest selling
products from their range of central heating products for product
carbon footprint assessment, the X100 Inhibitor and the X800
Jetflo.
Product carbon footprinting uses a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
methodology whereby all stages in the supply chain of a product are
considered - upstream, downstream and direct.
This so called 'cradle to grave' approach captures Greenhouse Gas
(GHG) emissions from each life cycle stage including raw material
extraction/cultivation, pre-processing, transportation, packaging,
manufacturing, use and end of life disposal. Product
carbon footprinting contrasts with organisational carbon
footprinting, which only considers direct emissions associated with
a business.
solution
We carried out the carbon footprint of both the X100
Inhibitor and X800 Jetflo, quantifying the amount of GHG released
over the products' lifecycles. These GHGs associated with areas
such as energy use, combustion, chemical reactions, gas leakages or
decomposition are calculated using empirical and industry standard
data.
The calculation methodology used for this assessment follows that
given in the Publicly Available Specification (PAS) 2050, which is
currently the basis for the product carbon footprinting in the UK.
In calculating the carbon footprint of Sentinel's products in this
way, comparability between similar products is possible.
outcome
Our calculation methodology of both Sentinel product carbon
footprints was audited by the Carbon Trust and verified as
compliant with PAS 2050. It was found that the areas of highest
impact, the so called 'hotspots' in the life cycle, were during
transportation of the products to retail outlets; storage at these
retail outlets; and the manufacture of certain chemicals
required for these products. Sentinel is committed to reducing GHG
emissions associated with these products and has shown this
commitment by displaying the Carbon Trust's carbon reduction label
on the X100 and X800. These are the first products in this sector
to achieve and display a carbon label.
" Sentinel is committed to playing its role in helping customers to reduce their level of CO2 emissions. We believe that by getting clear labelling onto our products we can make a positive start in helping our customers understand how our products can help in the drive to reduce carbon consumption and save energy."
Gary Roebuck, Chief Executive Officer, Sentinel
