Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) explained
Rebuilt's Compliance Statement provides a clear explanation of what a Product Carbon Footprint is, how it is calculated, and how it can be interpreted in procurement, reporting and comparison contexts. It is intended to support consistent understanding of PCF methodology, verification and use across the building and construction sector.
A Product Carbon Footprint, or PCF, measures the greenhouse gas emissions associated with producing a product. It reports emissions in kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalent, kg CO2e, and clearly defines the lifecycle stages included in the assessment.
A PCF focuses only on climate impact. It does not assess other environmental impact categories such as water use, toxicity or resource depletion.
What is a Product Carbon Footprint?
Product Carbon Footprints, or PCFs, are internationally recognised as a standard form of supplier specific, product level carbon disclosure. They are widely used across Europe and are becoming more common in procurement, building ratings and corporate Scope 3 reporting in other markets.
Part of the ISO 14040 and ISO 14060 series of standards, PCFs are a carbon only alternative to an Environmental Product Declaration, or EPD. A PCF is built on the same Life Cycle Assessment, or LCA, methodology and applies the same calculations and boundaries. Its focused scope makes it practical for comparison and reporting where carbon intensity is the primary metric required.
Rebuilt's Compliance Statement provides context to support informed and consistent interpretation of PCFs.
How is a PCF calculated?
A PCF is calculated using Life Cycle Assessment methodology. Internationally, this methodology is governed by:
- ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, Life Cycle Assessment principles and framework
- ISO 14067, Carbon footprint of products
- EN 15804, Product Category Rules commonly used in construction
Environmental Product Declarations, EPDs, and PCFs are both derived from ISO 14040 and 14044 Life Cycle Assessment methodologies. This means the carbon calculation logic used in a PCF follows the same lifecycle structure used in EPDs.
How is a PCF verified?
Verification approaches vary by provider, but Rebuilt provides:
- Data validation checks
- Review by a qualified Life Cycle Assessment practitioner
- Assessment of document evidence quality in line with EN 15804 and PACT Framework v3
- A calculation engine that is regularly third party assured in line with ISO 14064-3 verification procedures
Verification may be described as limited assurance, meaning the review is a desk based assessment that focuses on material risks relevant to carbon disclosure. Users should confirm the verification scope and assurance level stated in the report.
What lifecycle stages are included?
A PCF clearly states the system boundary. In building products, this includes:
- Raw material extraction
- Transport to manufacturing
- Manufacturing processes
This is commonly referred to as cradle-to-gate.
Some PCFs and EPDs may also include additional lifecycle stages. The declared boundary must always be checked before comparing results.
Can a PCF be compared to an EPD?
Yes, when compared appropriately.
Because both are based on ISO aligned Life Cycle Assessment methods, carbon results are comparable when:
- The same lifecycle modules are included
- The same Product Category Rules are applied
- Functional performance is equivalent
- Comparisons should only be made on a like for like basis.
A PCF reports carbon only. An EPD reports multiple environmental impact categories.
Where are PCFs used?
- NABERS Embodied Carbon
- Green Star
- Corporate Scope 3 reporting
- Australian Sustainability Reporting Standards, ASRS, contexts
- Federal, State and Local Government procurement sustainability requirements
- Responsible Products and Upfront Carbon credits
Clearer carbon data for better decisions
Product Carbon Footprints help turn carbon data into something more practical, comparable and decision-ready. For manufacturers, specifiers, project teams and reporting functions, they provide a clearer view of product-level emissions and a stronger basis for procurement, disclosure and design decisions.