Harmonised PCFs based on
Harmonised Data Prepared by Gemma Stephenson on behalf of the ATIEL & UEIL Joint Sustainability Committee
As sustainability becomes a global priority, the lubricants sector is increasingly focused on harmonised Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs). The certified methodology for PCF calculation, developed by ATIEL and UEIL, is designed specifically for the unique needs of the lubricants industry. Central to this methodology is the emphasis on robust, harmonised data to ensure consistency, transparency, and reliability in calculating PCFs.
The methodology highlights the distinction between primary, secondary, and proxy data, and it specifies where each type should be applied. Primary data, which must be collected for the foreground system, is derived directly from measurements at the manufacturer’s plant. This is because the foreground system encompasses processes under the direct control of the lubricant manufacturer, making it essential to rely on accurate, site-specific data. In contrast, the background system involves processes outside the manufacturer’s direct control. For these, data from suppliers is critical, as they have the most detailed insight into their operations. When supplier data is unavailable, secondary data from reliable databases or literature can be used. Proxy data, while less specific, may also be employed when no better alternatives exist, ensuring the best possible quality for assessments.
Commercial databases play a pivotal role in supporting this methodology by providing standardised and transparent data. Ecoinvent, Sphera, and Carbon Minds are notable examples, offering reliable datasets built on consistent methodologies. Some of these databases even provide regional data, which is invaluable for location-specific analyses. However, the lubricants industry faces challenges in this area, as few databases include the specific datasets needed, and update frequencies vary widely. Public sources, such as GEMIS and DEFRA, offer additional data options, but their scope is often limited to specific sectors like energy or regional contexts. These sources lack the granularity and industry-specific focus required for lubricants. Overall, even while identifying suitable
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data sources, PCF practitioners need to develop the competence to select the right datasets in order to calculate a meaningful PCF for a lubricant.
Harmonised PCFs are not just a regulatory necessity but also a cornerstone of the industry’s sustainability efforts. The European Commission’s initiatives, such as the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) database, underscore the importance of high-quality, harmonised data for compliance with sustainability regulations, including the EU Green Deal and Eco-design initiatives. Although this database is still under development, its goals align with the lubricants industry’s need for reliable and regularly updated data.
ATIEL and UEIL, through their Joint Sustainability Committee, have actively collaborated with Carbon Minds to address the data gaps in the EU LCI initiative. This collaboration has been instrumental in advocating for datasets tailored to the lubricants industry. Significant progress has been made in including data for critical raw materials, including Group I, II, and III Base Oils, polyalphaolefins (PAOs), and re-refined base oils (RRBOs), as well as for manufacturing processes such as the production of lubricants and greases into the agreed scope of the EU LCI database. These tailored datasets help to ensure that PCF calculations will be more accurate and reflective of industry realities. However, it is not yet clear when the EU LCI database will be made available.
By adhering to the ATIEL and UEIL methodology and leveraging advancements in data collection, the lubricants sector is well-positioned to meet regulatory demands and lead in sustainable practices. Harmonised PCFs, underpinned by reliable data, enable the industry to achieve its sustainability goals while maintaining transparency and accountability in a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.
www.ueil.org/sustainability
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