GHG Protocol Product Standard v. PAS 2050: A Comparison
The GHG Protocol Product Standard and PAS 2050 are two leading methodologies for calculating product carbon footprints. While they share many common elements, they differ in certain aspects of their approach and requirements.
Standard Overview
GHG Protocol Product Standard
- Developed by WRI and WBCSD
- Published in 2011
- Focus on transparency and reporting
- Aligned with corporate GHG accounting
PAS 2050
- Developed by BSI, Defra, and Carbon Trust
- First published 2008, revised 2011
- Focus on product comparison
- UK-originated but globally used
Key Requirements Comparison
Aspect | GHG Protocol Product Standard | PAS 2050 |
Scope | Goods and services | Goods and services |
Boundary Setting | Attributional approach with process-based method | Attributional approach with process-based method |
Time Period | 100-year GWP required | 100-year GWP required |
Capital Goods | Required to include | Optional inclusion |
Allocation | Hierarchy of methods w/ emphasis on physical allocation | Economic allocation preferred |
Land Use Change | Must include direct and certain indirect changes | Must include direct changes, specific rules for timing |
Reporting Requirements | More extensive | More concise |
Common Elements
- Life cycle approach following ISO 14040/44 principles
- Cradle-to-grave analysis for final products
- Cradle-to-gate analysis allowed for intermediate products
- Use of primary data when available
- Process-based modeling approach
- Requirement for data quality assessment
Key Differences
Methodological Differences
- Capital Goods: GHG Protocol requires inclusion, PAS 2050 makes it optional
- Allocation Approaches: Different hierarchies of preferred methods
- Delayed Emissions: PAS 2050 includes specific calculation methods
- Use Phase Scenarios: Different approaches to handling assumptions
- Reporting Requirements: GHG Protocol more detailed
Implementation Differences
- Level of Guidance: GHG Protocol provides more detailed guidance
- Sector-Specific Rules: PAS 2050 has supplementary requirements
- Verification Requirements: Different approaches to assurance
- Data Quality Requirements: Different scoring systems
Choosing Between Standards
Consider:
- Geographic location and target market requirements
- Industry sector and available supplementary guidance
- Intended use of results (reporting vs. product comparison)
- Available resources and expertise
- Alignment with existing corporate GHG accounting
Best Practices for Implementation
- Document methodological choices clearly
- Consider both standards' requirements when possible
- Focus on data quality and transparency
- Maintain consistency in approach over time
- Review and update calculations periodically
Key Takeaway: While both standards provide robust frameworks for product carbon footprinting, they differ in specific methodological requirements and level of detail. Understanding these differences is crucial for choosing the appropriate standard for your needs.