ARTE – “Roadmap 2050″ ein Fahrplan zur drastischen Reduzierung von CO2 in Europa

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Video – How Carbon Trading Works

Nice video explaining how the Carbon Trading Scheme works

New Report: Carbon Footprint Estimation Boundaries shows dramatic lack of Methodology

“Do the Tier 1 and 2 estimates provide reasonable guidance?”
“Nearly two-thirds of all economic sectors providign goods and services (…) would have less than 25% of their total carbon footprint represented by Tiers 1 and 2.”

These are just two statements from a recently published report. “The Importance of Carbon Footprint Estimation Boundaries” was published by H. Scott Matthews et.al. from the Carnegie Mellon University in the Environmental Science&Technology Viewpoint. I read about it on ClimateBiz.

The survey analyzed existing methodologies for calculating carbon footprints, which are mainly focusing on so called Tier 1 and 2 emissions. These are emissions from the direct energy-consumption and indirect emissions of purchased electricity and steam. This view makes definetly sense for e.g. power plants. But these are already under investigation through the Kyoto-protocol or similar guidelins.
The researchers porpose to extend the existing three Tiers yet another fourth tier. This Tier 4 should include the total life-cycle emissins for production (reflected in Tier 3) plus delivery, use and end-of-live.

The extension makes from my point of view and my daily experience with customers really sense since most companies which would like to contribut to voluntary climate protection can really focus on their main emission sources. I call those sources the sensitive positions in a balance or carbon footprint. Many times only a few sensitive positions determine the outcome considerably.

This study is the second recommendation after the statement of the European Commission (EPLCA) which clearly advise to get the whole picture by apply a life-cycle approach. And for sure there will be more to come soon from a well known international body – trust me.

Carbon Labelling in the UK

A new report from the Forum of the Future explores carbon labelling of products and the effects on shopping behaviour. I read about it at the ClimateBiz Newsletter.
Especiall the UK companies are very active setting standards and defining labels. Therfore also the UK customers are quite familiar with those new labels but on the other hand – as all of us – quite unsure how to rate them. It’s the same “problem” as with other labels on food. The customer will most likely tend to buy a labelled product. But there is always some doubt left: what does this really mean, is it the best label, who is defining the standards, who can assign this label,…?
These and many other questions may arise as today a variety of different labels are on the market – some are very good described but most of them are just poor colorfoul pictures without any relevance. If you can not find detailed information about all your questions – Keep your hands off!

You can download the report here.