Simplified Data Acquisition for Product Carbon Footprints in the Automotive Industry and Their Accuracy

Manufacturing processes significantly impact greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, but can also contribute to climate change mitigation through sustainable practices and product stewardship. Life cycle assessments (LCAs) and product carbon footprints (PCFs) are crucial tools for assessing the environmental impact of products. However, the data acquisition process for conducting such analyses can be complex and time-consuming. This article delves into the comparative analysis of different PCF studies for a vehicle component. Our detailed PCF study is mainly based on measured data and used as the reference value for accuracy. The other three PCFs were derived from available data sources, such as technical drawings or the International Material Data System (IMDS). Our research reveals that the determined value of the detailed study is significantly higher than the results that only take material input into account, but 18% lower than the PCF, which is based on rough assumptions and secondary data. This indicates a relationship between the depth of information available and the accuracy of outcomes. However, less accurate methods may be suitable for initial estimations, especially when resources are lacking or production has not yet begun.