Supply chain GHG emissions, which include those associated with processes not controlled by the company itself, can be measured at either the company level or the level of an individual product.

While PAS 2050 provides a standard method for assessing a product’s carbon footprint, this guide, “Guide to PAS 2050″, will help businesses to implement the standard by offering specific and practical guidance. It is not a replacement for PAS 2050 and should always be used alongside PAS 2050. There are benefits to both company- and product-level supply chain emissions assessment; however, PAS 2050 and this guide focus on product-level emissions only.

This guide aims to:

- Enable companies of all sizes, and from all industries, to assess the life cycle carbon footprint of their products and to identify emission reduction opportunities

- Share best practices, tools and frameworks for calculating product-level GHG emissions and prioritizing opportunities to reduce emissions

PAS 2050 and this guide focus exclusively on GHG emissions created during a product’s life cycle.

Visit the Carbon Trust website (http://www.carbontrust.co.uk/Pages/Default.aspx) to download supporting documents such as the PAS 2050 Specifications, the Guide to PAS 2050, and the Code of Good Practice.

Paul Tasner
Reclipse Group, Inc.

A 90-page report and survey findings detailing the forces and
factors driving supply chain executives toward greater levels of
environmental responsibility, visibility, collaboration and
accountability.

Paul Tasner
Reclipse Group, Inc.

http://www.epa.gov/oswer/docs/ghg_land_and_materials_management.pdf

First, in order to increase understanding of the link between
materials and land management and GHG emissions, this document
presents an estimate of the portion of U.S. GHG emissions associated
with materials and land management practices. Second, it presents a
set of materials and land management scenarios—referred to as total
technical potential scenarios—as a first step to identifying areas of
opportunity for EPA and its partners to reduce GHG emissions through
materials and land management.

Products, Packaging, and US GHG emissions

http://www.productpolicy.org/content/climate-change-epr

This paper builds on a new report from the U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency, “Opportunities to Reduce GHG Emissions through
Materials and Land Management Practices,” which offers new insight
into the impact of products and packaging on climate change. Based on
the report, non-food products are associated with 37 percent of U.S.
greenhouse gas emissions. This paper extends the EPA analysis to
include the impacts from producing products abroad that are consumed
in the U.S. This brings the share of products and packaging to 44
percent of total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions.

Paul Tasner
Reclipse Group, Inc.

Most of my time has been spent helping with the CTO’s first Operations Industry Clinic which was held last Thursday evening at the offices of a very interesting company, D2M (Design to Manufacturing – www.d2m-inc.com), in Mountain View – but more about them later.

There were 2 presenters who gave both valuable information and examples which the CTO contestants could use in developing their specific prototypes and operations / mfg / supply chain processes and business plans. The evening was a very good primer on all aspects of manufacturing and operations with particular info on how to decide whether to contract out or start your own. The biggest take-away for me was that either way a company needs to maintain visibility and control over their suppliers, service providers, and quality processes. It also underscored how operations decisions have the potential to make or break a new or existing company.

Paul Tasner from Method Products (www.methodhome.com) was the second presenter and he walked the group through the issues and challenges he had encountered when he joined Method to run their supply chain operations. He talked about the distribution changes he had implemented, the challenge of being a small fish in a large pond but still working out sustainable solutions with his service providers, and to never underestimate what you can accomplish.

Two people from D2M’s management team also participated in the interactive presentations by giving the group the benefit of their experience, particularly around prototypes and contract manufacturing (they have worked with many existing companies and start-ups). After the official clinic discussions were over we broke into 2 groups and got a quick tour around the D2M facility.

Tim Billing, COO, led the group that I was in. D2M is moving toward more project based work groups and open cube seating. They are finding that it makes for more innovative and collaborative results. Tim described a number of the projects they are involved in – some cleantech related (eg a better toilet) and some humanitarian related (easier ways to transport water for women in Africa).

The entire evening was very successful, good food (provided by D2M), good information, and some real-world examples of people helping people and the planet. Very much aligned with the reason people get involved with cleantech in the first place!

Susan Rosin
President, Reclipse Group