This is a summary from the presentation of the same title by Jerker Kjille, Senior Supplier Developer at Volvo Construction Equipment, at the Future of Electrification 2024 conference. Watch the full session here:
In today's increasingly environmentally-conscious society, understanding the impact of our actions on the planet is paramount. As sustainability becomes more important in industry and society, companies must focus on the carbon footprint of not only their production but their suppliers and partners. One of the individuals leading the charge in this area is Jerker Kjille, Senior Supplier Developer at Volvo Construction Equipment. His recent presentation at the Future of Electrification 2024 conference on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Carbon Footprint provided a deep dive into these complex topics. This blog post provides a high-level overview of his key points.
Volvo Construction Equipment is setting ambitious sustainability goals, as Kjille highlighted during his presentation. They aim to achieve net zero emissions by 2040, a decade ahead of industry standards. To ensure they meet this goal they plan to cut their operational footprint in half and decrease emissions from their machines by 30% by 2030. A major challenge is electrifying their product range, with over 250 different models. However, Kjille asserted that Volvo sees electric machines as a key solution. They offer numerous benefits: lower emissions, higher efficiency, quieter operation, and the ability to work in noise-sensitive environments.
Kjille explained that to calculate their environmental impact, Volvo Construction Equipment utilizes LCA, a method that considers the entire product lifecycle of their machines. This includes everything from raw material extraction to disposal and recycling. They factor in emissions from their suppliers, transportation, and even how their customers use their products. To gather data throughout the supply chain, Volvo Construction Equipment developed a questionnaire for suppliers to track their carbon footprint. The information is then compiled into LCA reports, publicly available for each machine model.
As Kjille suggested in his presentation, LCA is a useful technique for companies to assess the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service. LCA takes a cradle-to-grave approach, considering all the environmental burdens associated with each stage of the product’s journey, including:
By analyzing each phase, LCA identifies the areas where the product has the most significant environmental impact. The information can then be used to make informed decisions about product design, material selection, and manufacturing processes. It can even ensure the product is used and disposed of in a more sustainable way.
While the level of detail can vary based on the product and goals, all LCAs follow a similar framework: defining the product system, collecting environmental impact data, analyzing the data, and interpreting the results. This comprehensive approach allows businesses and organizations to understand the full ramifications of a product or process, and make data-driven decisions to minimize their environmental footprint.
Carbon footprint, another key concept addressed by Kjille, is a measure of the total amount of greenhouse gases produced directly and indirectly by a product, service, or even an entire company to support human activities. It is usually expressed in equivalent tons of carbon dioxide (CO2). It is an essential measurement because it helps individuals and companies understand their environmental impact and identify areas where reductions can be made. By quantifying their impact, companies can make more informed decisions about their actions and their effect on the world.
The final take away from Kjille's presentation is the interconnectedness of these two concepts. Understanding the LCA of a product or process helps companies accurately calculate their carbon footprint. From there, they can identify areas for improvement and take steps to reduce their environmental impact. Additionally, Kjille emphasized the importance of considering the entire life cycle of a product or process rather than focusing solely on one aspect, such as energy use during operation or emissions during manufacturing.
Calculating the carbon footprint is a valuable exercise for companies. By understanding the life cycle impact of a product or process, companies can set goals. Tracking their carbon footprint over time allows them to measure their progress and make data-driven decisions, ultimately playing their part in creating a more sustainable world.