The common global goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030 (based on 2010 levels) and to reach carbon neutrality and/or zero net emissions by around 2050 is crucial to protect our environment. The United Nations' IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) requires support from all industries to achieve the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals), and OEKO-TEX® STeP is the ideal certification for textile and leather producers who want to achieve these goals more effectively.
What is the Impact Calculator and how can it help achieve these goals?
To gain a better understanding of which processes generate the highest impact in a production facility, the so called “environmental hotspots” must be identified. For this reason, the Impact Calculator was introduced last year for STeP certified facilities to calculate their carbon footprint (CO² eq). This user-friendly digital tool provides production facilities with an initial estimate and assessment on the materials and process steps that contribute most to their overall environmental impact, allowing facilities to improve operations, meet reduction targets and share their achievements with customers, investors and other stakeholders. The Impact Calculator is built on a science-based methodology together with Quantis and the WALDB database. It calculates carbon footprint from Scope 1 to 3 at any given time and can be repeated whenever necessary. The tool is available to any textile or leather production facility applying for or already holding an OEKO-TEX® STeP certification.
Future Regulatory Challenges: Reporting of CO2 and Water footprint in Textiles
Understanding and reporting carbon emissions and water usage across various production stages will likely be a standard requirement of every textile-related business in the future. For example, in the foreseeable future a carbon footprint tax will be introduced on all textile imports into the EU as well as for local production, based on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). The result of the Impact Calculator is recognized by the EU as proof of a facility’s carbon footprint.
If you would like to find out more about the Impact Calculator watch our detailed webinar: