Corporate Carbon Footprint vs. Product Carbon Footprint: What are the Differences?

Clarifying Carbon Footprint Terminology

Companies advancing toward carbon-neutral goals frequently encounter two distinct standards: the Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF) and the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). Their scopes and purposes are fundamentally different.

Corporate Carbon Footprint (CCF)

Usually calculated using ISO 14064 or the GHG Protocol, the CCF represents the entirety of Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions generated by a company over a specific period (typically a fiscal year). It is essential for understanding the company's overall climate impact and setting high-level reduction targets.

Product Carbon Footprint (PCF)

Based on the ISO 14067 standard, the PCF measures the total greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the entire life cycle (cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-gate) of a specific product or service—encompassing raw material extraction, production, transportation, use, and disposal.

If your clients are asking about a product's emissions, you need a PCF. If investors are evaluating your company, you need a CCF. Cliff provides global-standard calculation services for both, backed by expert engineering teams.