Climate declarations are one-page documents that focus on reporting a single environmental impact category.
The most popular climate declaration is the one that focuses on the carbon footprint of a product in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2 eq.) It follows ISO 14067 for the calculation.
In order to publish a climate declaration, a valid EPD should be available since climate declarations are based on a complete EPD.
EPD document, contains different environmental impact categories for a product/service such as acidification potential, eutrophication, soil quality etc. and the needed information for climate declarations are taken from the original EPD. Climate declaration has to be published together with an EPD publication.
EPD document, contains different environmental impact categories for a product/service such as acidification potential, eutrophication, soil quality etc. and the needed information for climate declarations are taken from the original EPD. Climate declaration has to be published together with an EPD publication.
What Is Climate Declarations?
“Climate declarations” in the context of sustainability typically refer to public statements or commitments made by companies, organizations, or governments regarding their actions and goals related to climate change mitigation and adaptation. These declarations often outline specific targets, strategies, and initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, transitioning to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and enhancing resilience to the impacts of climate change.
Climate declarations can take various forms, including:
Corporate Climate Pledges: Many companies make public commitments to reduce their carbon footprint and adopt sustainable practices. These pledges may include setting emissions reduction targets, investing in renewable energy, implementing energy-saving measures, and incorporating climate considerations into their business strategies.
International Agreements: Governments may negotiate and sign international agreements and treaties to address climate change collectively. Examples include the Paris Agreement, in which countries committed to limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and the Kyoto Protocol, which set binding targets for developed countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Local Climate Action Plans: Cities and municipalities often develop climate action plans to address local environmental challenges and reduce carbon emissions within their jurisdictions. These plans may include measures such as expanding public transportation, promoting energy-efficient buildings, implementing waste reduction programs, and enhancing green spaces.
Industry Initiatives: Various industries and sectors may establish voluntary initiatives or alliances to address climate change collectively. For example, the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) encourages companies to disclose climate-related risks and opportunities to investors, while initiatives like RE100 encourage businesses to commit to using 100% renewable electricity.
Overall, climate declarations play a crucial role in raising awareness, mobilizing action, and driving progress towards a more sustainable and resilient future in the face of climate change.
Meet our Climate Declaration Expert Consultants
Yıldıray Yılmaz
Senior Sustainability Advisor
Gülbahar Korkusuz
Senior Sustainability Advisor
What are Climate Declarations?
Climate Declarations are documents that provide concise and transparent information about the carbon footprint and climate impact associated with a product, service, or organization. These declarations aim to communicate the greenhouse gas emissions generated throughout the lifecycle of the entity in question, including production, transportation, use, and disposal phases. Climate Declarations are becoming increasingly important as businesses and consumers seek to understand and mitigate their contributions to climate change.
Why are Climate Declarations important?
Climate Declarations serve several crucial purposes:
- Transparency: They provide transparent and standardized information about the carbon footprint of products, services, or organizations, enabling consumers and stakeholders to make informed choices.
- Awareness: Climate Declarations raise awareness about the climate impact associated with various activities, fostering a deeper understanding of the environmental consequences of consumption patterns and production processes.
- Decision-making: They help consumers and businesses make climate-conscious decisions by allowing them to compare the carbon footprints of different products or services and choose more sustainable options.
- Accountability: Climate Declarations hold organizations accountable for their greenhouse gas emissions, encouraging them to take responsibility for their environmental impact and pursue emissions reduction measures.
- Climate Action: They support climate action by providing a basis for setting targets, implementing mitigation strategies, and monitoring progress towards carbon neutrality or other climate-related goals.