The process manufacturing industries, such as oil and gas, chemicals, and metals, are facing increasing pressure to reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. However, measuring and managing the carbon footprint of their products and operations is not an easy task, as it involves complex and dynamic supply chains, multiple sources of emissions, and diverse regulatory frameworks.
To address this challenge, Yokogawa Electric Corporation, a leading provider of industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, has developed and released OpreX Carbon Footprint Tracer, a cloud-based service that calculates CO2 emissions based on measurement data and other types of primary information collected from instrumentation systems, power monitors, and other systems, and a consultation service that aids in the formulation of strategies for calculating and reducing CO2 emissions.
OpreX Carbon Footprint Tracer is a solution in the OpreX Transformation lineup that targets the carbon footprint management needs of companies in the process manufacturing industries. It enables the visualization and reduction of CO2 emissions throughout the entire product life cycle, from raw material sourcing to end-of-life treatment. It also supports the calculation and reporting of product carbon footprint (PCF), which is the amount of GHG emissions associated with the production and use of a specific product.
One of the unique features of OpreX Carbon Footprint Tracer is its seamless integration with the SAP Sustainability Footprint Management service and ERP solutions offered by SAP, a market leader in enterprise application software. This integration enables the visualization and management of PCF based on European standards, such as the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) and the Organization Environmental Footprint (OEF) methods. These methods cover 16 environmental impacts, including climate change, and impacts related to water, air, resources, land use and toxicity.
By using OpreX Carbon Footprint Tracer, companies in the process manufacturing industries can benefit from the following advantages:
- Quick and accurate assessment of emissions data for verification of emissions reduction measures
- Identification of hotspots and improvement opportunities along the supply chain
- Optimization of material selection, production processes, and energy efficiency
- Compliance with current and future regulations, such as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) tariff and the Digital Product Passport (DPP) tool in the EU
- Enhancement of brand reputation and customer satisfaction by offering low-carbon products and services
- Contribution to the global efforts to mitigate climate change and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
To illustrate the capabilities of OpreX Carbon Footprint Tracer, the following table shows an example of PCF calculation for a hypothetical chemical product, based on the PEF method:
| Life Cycle Stage | Emission Source | CO2e (kg) | Percentage (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Raw Material Extraction | Crude oil extraction and refining | 1.2 | 12 |
| Transport | Truck, ship, and rail transport of raw materials and intermediate products | 0.8 | 8 |
| Manufacturing | Electricity and fuel consumption, process emissions, and waste treatment | 3.6 | 36 |
| Distribution | Truck and ship transport of final product | 0.4 | 4 |
| Use | Electricity and fuel consumption, and waste treatment by the end user | 3.2 | 32 |
| End-of-Life | Recycling, incineration, and landfill of product and packaging | 0.8 | 8 |
| Total | 10 | 100 |
As can be seen from the table, the manufacturing and use stages are the main contributors to the PCF of the product, accounting for 68% of the total emissions. Therefore, these are the stages where the most significant emissions reduction potential can be found. For example, by switching to renewable energy sources, improving process efficiency, and promoting circular economy practices, the company can lower its PCF and enhance its environmental performance.
OpreX Carbon Footprint Tracer is a world’s first product CO2 emissions management service for the process manufacturing industries, developed in collaboration with SAP. It is a total solution that enables the calculation, visualization, and reduction of CO2 emissions across the entire product life cycle. By using this service, companies in the process manufacturing industries can not only comply with the environmental regulations and standards, but also gain a competitive edge in the market and contribute to the global decarbonization efforts.
