Implementing a Digital Carbon Footprint Management System

Developed and implemented a comprehensive digital carbon footprint management system for e-commerce company, enabling accurate tracking and offsetting of emissions from over 600 products and logistics operations. This initiative significantly contributed to the company's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030.

Implementing a Digital Carbon Footprint Management System

API-First ApproachCradle-to-GateDigital Carbon Footprint ManagementGHG Protocol Product StandardGreenhouse Gas (GHG)ISO 14044ISO 14067Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)

Objective

A leading multi-brand e-commerce DTC company aiming for carbon neutrality by 2030 sought to integrate a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) solution. The goal was twofold: to enable customers to contribute towards carbon-neutral logistics and to channel these contributions into the company's sustainability initiatives.

Challenges

  • Quantifying the carbon footprint for all products - in Scopes 1, 2, 3.
  • Establishing a transparent model for PCF calculation.
  • Allocating funds effectively for greenhouse gas (GHG) offset and long-term carbon reduction projects.

Solution

Role and Approach

My responsibility was technically leading the digitalization of the carbon footprint for the company's entire product range, encompassing Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Collaborating with the in-house team and external consultants, I developed a comprehensive solution that quantified each product's footprint and identified high-impact products for further reduction and neutralization strategies.

Solution Highlights

  1. Carbon Footprint Calculation for 600+ Products:
    • Utilized an API-first approach to calculate product footprints based on order products data.
    • Incorporated both primary and proxy data, supplementing gaps with commercial database information.
    • Ensured compliance with ISO 14067 and ISO 14044 standards and the Greenhouse Gas Protocol Product Standard.
  2. Modeling GHG emissions:
    • Cradle-to-Gate - modeling emissions from raw material extraction to warehouse departure, employing a model to calculate per-product footprint.
    • Gate-to-Door - assessed emissions from warehouse to customer delivery, considering transportation mode, shipping methods, and item weight.
  3. Customer engagement through Carbon-Neutral options:
    • Integrated a checkout feature that calculates the order's carbon footprint based on total weight and distance from the warehouse.
    • Offered customers the option to offset shipping emissions, allowing brands to contribute additionally.

Outcomes

  • Enhanced transparency and customer engagement in the company's sustainability efforts.
  • Provided a scalable and adaptable framework for continuous environmental impact assessment and improvement.
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