We offer a total solution for your carbon footprint and LCA
projects from initial assessment of your requirements, setting of
the scope and boundaries of the study, data collection, carbon
footprint or LCA calculation, identification of "hot-spots", the
introduction of a carbon improvement programme and dissemination to
stakeholders.
We have an enviable track record of assisting high profile clients
such as Marks and Spencer, The Co-operative Group and Balfour
Beatty within a wide range of industry areas; retail, food,
agriculture, chemicals, manufacturing and construction. As a
Carbon Trust Footprinting Company approved supplier we also have
the endorsement of one of the world's leading carbon reduction and
business support organisations.
Our depth of experience enables us to deliver carbon footprints and
complex LCAs for the full life cycle of products with "cradle to
grave" assessment of multiple environmental impacts.
Carbon footprinting is the process of measuring, calculating and
reporting the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of a product or
service. Although the description implies just carbon, a range of
additional GHGs are reported such as methane, PFCs, HFCs, nitrous
oxide and sulphur hexafluoride. The report can be a precursor for
carbon labelling certification, environmental declarations and the
setting of a baseline for a carbon reduction programme.
Sustaindex ©
Sustaindex is Sustain's own comprehensive database of Greenhouse Gas Emissions Factors covering a range of materials and activities and across all industry sectors. This has been built up over many years from Sustain's involvement in numerous Life Cycle Assessments and Product Carbon Footprint projects. Please contact a member of the Environmental Accounting Team to discuss your requirements.
Quicksteps ©
QuickSteps is Sustain's response to the growing demand for the high-level carbon footprint of products and services. This streamlined approach provides clients with a quick and cost-effective assessment of the carbon impacts across the full life cycle of goods and services. Using accepted life cycle assessment methodology the focus is on gathering data from the activities under the direct control of the client supported by data from previous studies and industry data. This enables the "hotspot" activities to be identified as the basis of an improvement programme. The work is also undertaken in such as way as to provide the basis for a more detailed study later in accordance with the PAS 2050 Specification or emerging standards from the WRI/WBCSD and ISO.
Footprint Communicator ©
The communication of the results of carbon footprint assessments
has become increasingly important to maximise the marketing
opportunities and to avoid accusations of "greenwash" or mistaken
environmental claims. Sustain has developed a service which
addresses these communications needs and provides advice on what
can and cannot be claimed in accordance with Life Cycle Assessment
and Carbon Footprint Standards.
Sustain can also provide a "technical" audit of all communication
messages and recommendations against the DEFRA "Green Claims -
Practical Guidance: How To Make A Good Environmental Claim"
standard.
Sustain also advises on how to maximise the marketing value of the
technical assessment in order to gain competitive advantage and
anticipate any counter-claims from competitors.
Footprint Servicing ©
As with a car it's vital to maintain your footprint over its lifetime. Sustain offers an ongoing data collection and assessment programme that aims to improve the process and to establish standard systems that can be used on an ongoing basis. This includes providing interfaces to your existing systems for data capture and liaison with your suppliers across the supply chain. We adopt a flexible approach and service packs can be tailored to your specific needs. This process can also be applied to the requirements to retain the authorisation to use carbon labels through the periodic recalculation of the footprint and the introduction of carbon reduction measures.
Rapid Assessment Toolkit (RAT) ©
The Rapid Assessment Toolkit (RAT) is a software based model that provides the client with the ability to calculate and communicate effectively a product carbon footprint assessment. Following the receipt from Sustain of the core data from a Quicksteps high-level assessment or full product carbon footprint conducted in accordance with one of the international standards the client is able to model footprints for similar goods within the same product range. This lends itself well to products with different weights, volumes or slightly differing specifications and material make-up. The RAT also allows for "what-if" analysis for different product specifications and usage scenarios which can be particularly beneficial in the design stage of products to minimise their carbon impact.
