What is the Downstream Emissions Module?
The Downstream Emissions Module is a comprehensive estimation tool for calculating downstream emissions for cradle-to-grave Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) assessments. When you're missing actual activity data for the post-production phases of your product's lifecycle, this module generates scientifically-backed estimates to ensure complete and accurate emissions calculations. You can adjust the estimation parameters to ensure the calculations best reflect your business.
Benefits of Downstream Emissions Calculation
Complete PCF Coverage
Fill critical data gaps in your downstream emissions calculations
Achieve comprehensive cradle-to-grave assessments
Full lifecycle PCFs that are more robust when making environmental product claims
Maintain PEF standard compliance
Understand what downstream levers you have available to reduce emissions of products
Standards Alignment
This module is specifically designed for cradle-to-grave assessments, helping you capture the complete environmental impact of your products from raw material extraction through end-of-life. The module aligns with the EU PEF Method, ensuring your downstream emissions calculations meet internationally recognised standards for product carbon footprinting.
Why Do You Need Downstream Emissions Estimation?
Complete Lifecycle Assessment
To achieve a true cradle-to-grave assessment, you need to account for emissions from:
Storage and processing of your products at distribution centers and retail locations
Transportation from your facilities to final consumption points
Use phase activities when consumers store, prepare, and consume your products
End of life emissions from disposing of waste after a product has been used
The Data Gap Challenge
Many organisations do not have activity data for the downstream phases of their products' lifecycles. While you may have detailed data about raw materials and production processes, tracking what happens after your products leave your facility can be challenging. Without this data, your cradle-to-grave PCF calculations remain incomplete.
How the Module Works
Core Functionality
The Downstream Emissions Module generates estimated activity data using scientifically-validated default parameters based on EU consumption patterns and PEF-referenced assumptions. This estimated activity data is then processed through Altruistiq's standard calculation engine to generate emissions estimations.
Key Impact Stages Covered
1. Processing of Sold Goods and Services (Storage)
Estimates storage impacts at distribution centers and retail locations
Covers ambient, chilled, and frozen storage conditions
Calculates electricity, natural gas, water, and refrigerant consumption
2. Outbound Logistics (Distribution)
Estimates transportation emissions from production facility to final consumption
Supports three distribution scenarios: retail, wholesale/foodservice, and direct-to-consumer
Includes multiple transport legs with customizable distances, vehicle types, and fuel options
3. Use of Sold/Leased Goods & Services (Product Use)
Estimates consumer-phase storage, preparation, and utility consumption
Covers home refrigeration, cooking, and other use-phase activities
Derives proportions from EU consumption patterns
4. Post Consumer Waste (End of Life)
Calculates end-of-life treatment emissions for products and packaging
Covers material recycling, incineration with energy recovery, landfill disposal, and reuse
Uses the PEF Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) with country-specific treatment rates
Input Requirements
Minimal Data Requirements
To generate initial downstream emissions estimates, there are minimal mandatory additional data requirements. The new data required should be added to the Product List and Product Structures datasets.
Product List data requirements:
Product category (Meat, Fish, Eggs, Milk, Pasta, Frozen dishes, Coffee, Beer, Bottled Water/Beverages, Other)
Product Structures data requirements:
Packaging inputs category (Glass, Steel, Aluminium, Other metals, Paper and cardboard, Paper and cardboard, PET - SSP recycling, PET mechanical recycling, PP, HDPE, LDPE film)
Packaging reuse (aka trip) rate (Numeric value ≥ 1)
Flexible Customisation
While the module works with minimal inputs, you can override defaults with your own primary data when available, providing greater accuracy for your specific supply chain. Dedicated articles detailing how you can adjust the default parameters for each activity (impact stage) are available below: