Carbon Footprint#
As a BaSyx AAS Web UI user
I want to visualize Carbon Footprint Submodels with timelines and comparative charts
so that I can track and analyze the environmental impact of products over time.
Semantic IDs#
This plugin is activated when a Submodel has one of the following semantic IDs:
V0.9:
https://admin-shell.io/idta/CarbonFootprint/CarbonFootprint/0/9V1.0:
https://admin-shell.io/idta/CarbonFootprint/CarbonFootprint/1/0
Feature Overview#
The Carbon Footprint plugin enables the exchange of an asset’s Carbon Footprint (CF) information between partners along the value chain. It aims to increase interoperability between manufacturers, users/consumers, and logistic partners who document, exchange, evaluate, or optimize environmental footprints. The CF data can be part of larger initiatives such as the Digital Product Passport (DPP) or the Product Environmental Footprint.
The plugin provides specialized visualizations for Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) data, supporting multiple PCF values with different calculation methods and standards. Each PCF value can use different standards, calculation methods, or assumptions, allowing comprehensive carbon footprint documentation.
Carbon Footprint Plugin with Timeline View#
Key Features#
Core Capabilities#
Multiple PCF Values: Support for unlimited SubmodelElementCollections, each representing different calculation methods, standards, or assumptions
Timeline Visualization: Display PCF values chronologically to track emissions over time
PCF Metadata: Show calculation methods, standards, validity periods, and system boundaries
Multiple Standards Support: Compatible with various calculation standards:
ISO 14044 (Life Cycle Assessment)
ISO 14067 (Carbon Footprint of Products)
ISO 14026 (Documentation requirements)
Greenhouse Gas Protocol
Product Category Rules (industry-specific)
PACT Framework (Pathfinder Framework Version 2.0)
Version 1.0 Additional Features#
Pie Chart Visualization: Compare PCF values when they share the same reference unit
Usage#
Navigate to a Submodel with the Carbon Footprint semantic ID in the AAS Treeview
Open the Visualization tab
The plugin displays PCF data in the timeline view by default, showing all available PCF values
View multiple PCF calculations using different standards and methods:
Each PCF value is represented as a separate SubmodelElementCollection
Different calculation methods, standards, and assumptions can be compared
For V1.0 Submodels with compatible reference values:
See pie chart card that visualizes and compares multiple PCF calculations
Access detailed information for each PCF entry:
CO2 equivalent values
Calculation methodology and standard used
Reference unit and functional unit
Validity period
System boundary (cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, etc.)
Data quality indicators
PCF Information Displayed#
Basic PCF Data#
PCF Value: CO2 equivalent emissions (kg CO2e)
Reference Unit: Unit to which the PCF value relates
Calculation Date: When the PCF was calculated
Validity Period: Time period for which the PCF is valid
Calculation Details#
Calculation Method: Standard or methodology used:
ISO 14044 (Life Cycle Assessment principles and framework)
ISO 14067 (Carbon Footprint of Products)
ISO 14026 (Principles and requirements for documentation)
Greenhouse Gas Protocol (Product Standard)
Product Category Rules (industry-specific guidelines)
PACT Framework (Pathfinder Framework Version 2.0)
Proprietary methods
System Boundary: Scope of the calculation (cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, gate-to-gate, etc.)
Allocation Method: How emissions were allocated to the product
Data Quality: Assessment of input data quality and uncertainty
Breakdown and Composition#
Life Cycle Stages: Emissions by stage (raw materials, production, transport, use phase, end-of-life)
Material Composition: Contribution of different materials to total PCF
Process Contributions: Emissions from specific production processes
Additional Information#
Exclusions: Elements not included in the calculation
Assumptions: Key assumptions made during calculation
Uncertainty: Confidence intervals or uncertainty ranges
Verification Status: Third-party verification information
Visualization Options#
Timeline View (V0.9 and V1.0)#
Shows all PCF calculations in chronological order, ideal for:
Tracking PCF improvements over time
Comparing current vs. historical PCF values
Monitoring the impact of process changes
Pie Chart View (V1.0 only)#
Available when multiple PCF values share the same reference unit:
Visual breakdown of PCF contributions
Proportional comparison between components
Easy identification of major emission sources
Use Cases#
Value Chain Communication#
Exchange CF information between value chain partners
Enable manufacturers, users/consumers, and logistic partners to collaborate
Support Digital Product Passport (DPP) initiatives
Contribute to Product Environmental Footprint reporting
Limited Machine-Readable Communication#
Scan products to view essential Carbon Footprint information
Access machine-readable metadata about PCF calculations
Download detailed documentation (ISO 14026 compliant PDFs, certificates)
Link to websites for comprehensive analysis
Multi-Standard Comparison#
Compare PCF values calculated using different standards
Evaluate impact of different calculation methods and assumptions
Support product category rules for industry-specific calculations
Assess lifecycle phase contributions (cradle-to-gate vs. cradle-to-grave)
Product Development#
Track PCF changes throughout product development
Identify opportunities for emissions reduction
Compare design alternatives
Supply Chain Management#
Compare PCF values from different suppliers
Monitor supplier improvement efforts
Make informed sourcing decisions based on environmental impact
Sustainability Reporting#
Generate PCF reports for stakeholders
Track progress toward emissions reduction goals
Support environmental claims and certifications
Meet regulatory requirements (e.g., Battery Passport)