Product Emission Lifecycle

The product lifecycle takes into account all of the greenhouses gas emissions related to the creation of a product. The four processes of the product lifecycle are analyzed individually and are assigned an emissions value. Once the product lifecycle is mapped, a carbon emissions report can help determine at what rate each process emits greenhouse gases (GHG). Each process of the lifecycle is studied individually for accuracy and provides valuable insight into the source of a product’s emission. (As products vary some processes may not apply)

Manufacturing Process

Carbon Harmony will determine the energy usage associated with the manufacturing process and will factor in the carbon emissions of the local energy source. The amount of energy used to manufacture the product will help Carbon Harmony determine the amount of carbon emissions created from the process. A manufacturing emissions factor will be determined per product unit.

Bulk Shipping Process

Carbon Harmony will determine the travel distance, the mode of transportation, and the weight as it is delivered to the distribution center. These values will help Carbon Harmony determine the amount of carbon emissions created from the process. A bulk shipping emissions factor will be determined per product unit.

Warehousing Process

Carbon Harmony will determine the energy usage to store and prepare the product for distribution and will factor in the carbon emissions of the local energy source. These values will help Carbon Harmony determine the amount of carbon emissions created from the process. A warehousing emissions factor will be determined per product unit.

Distribution Process

Carbon Harmony will determine the travel distance, the transportation process, and the product weight as it is delivered to the end distributor. These values will help Carbon Harmony determine the amount of carbon emissions created from the process. A distribution emissions factor will be determined per product unit.

Key variables needed for increased accuracy: Number of product types; number of products; shipment weights; cataloged variations in manufacturing, shipping, and distribution.