PAS 2050
Demonstrate carbon neutrality for specific products or servicesWhat is PAS 2050?
PAS 2050 is the internationally recognised BSI standard for quantifying the carbon footprint of specific products or services. It enables businesses to measure the environmental impact of individual activities, products and services – and identify opportunities to achieve carbon neutrality.
Who is it for?
Any business that wishes to claim carbon neutrality for discrete products or services. It is particularly relevant to businesses providing consumer products, where environmental claims are a key differentiator in the market.
What emissions does PAS 2050 cover?
The PAS 2050 standard focuses on product-level emissions. It involves breaking down and analysing the emissions of all product components throughout their lifecycle. This includes analysing raw materials as well as the activities involved in producing, distributing, consuming and ultimately recycling or disposing of the product.
What is the PAS 2050 process?
- Scoping – this involves describing the product or service being assessed and mapping its lifecycle, from raw material through to consumption and disposal.
- Data collection – data is collected on emissions throughout the product or service lifecycle. This involves engaging with raw material suppliers and supply chain partners to collect data on all relevant emissions.
- Footprint calculations – the collected data is sorted and applied to arrive at a carbon footprint calculation, using relevant sources.
- Interpreting results and driving reductions – the data collection and footprint calculation enable emissions hotspots to be identified within a product or service’s lifecycle – providing target areas for emissions reduction.
How is the scheme monitored and validated?
Organisations can self-validate their compliance with PAS 2050, or seek validation by independent third parties.
The benefits of PAS 2050
- Reduce emissions – and costs – from product manufacturing and distribution.
- Develop low-carbon sustainable product design concepts, reducing raw material and energy consumption and waste.
- Improve consumer confidence in products and services through certified claims of carbon neutrality.
- Make a positive contribution to global climate and emissions targets.
- Identify high-impact cost-saving opportunities across the supply chain.
Other Net Zero Accreditations
There are a number of other internationally recognised standards that organisations can follow to help effectively measure, monitor and reduce carbon emissions.
Read more about these schemes here on the right.