2. Climate resilient

What is the Extraction and processing CO₂ footprint?

• Footprint (in kg CO₂ eq./m³) > 20 = 0 points
• 0 < Footprint (in kg CO₂ eq./m³) ≤ 20 = 5 points
• Footprint (in kg CO₂ eq./m³) ≤ 0 = 10 points

Explanation

In order to reduce climate change impact we need to be as energy efficient as possible and minimize CO₂ emissions for the extraction and processing of the raw materials before using them in our growing media. Up to 20kg CO₂ / m³ most common raw materials can be extracted and processed, including wood fiber.

Anything between 0 and 20kg CO₂ / m³ therefore gets an average score. Industry experience has shown that only marginal efficiency gains can still be established for these materials in processing and extraction. Anything above this value should be prevented and therefore gets a zero score. The ultimate situation would occur when only renewable energy is used during extraction and processing of the raw materials (and carbon is stored in the soil when the raw material is grown), that’s when the maximum score of 10 points is rewarded.

To emphasize its importance the extraction and processing carbon footprint will be shown in the sustainability score card as well.

What is the distance of the origin to the production facility?

• Distance >400km = 0 points
• Distance ≤400km = 5 points

Explanation

As explained for the local scoring the threshold of 400km determines whether or not a material or product is local. For climate resilience we have adapted the maximum scoring to reflect the wish of the stakeholders to emphasize the extraction and processing CO₂ footprint, compared to transport distances.

What is the distance of the production facility to the customer?

• Distance >400km = 0 points
• Distance ≤400km = 5 points

Explanation

As explained for the local scoring the threshold of 400km determines whether or not a material or product is local. For climate resilience we have adapted the maximum scoring to reflect the wish of the stakeholders to emphasize the extraction and processing CO₂ footprint, compared to transport distances.

What renewable, metal, mineral or fossil material is used?

• Fossil = 0 points
• Peat = 0 points
• Metal = 5 points
• Mineral = 5 points
• Renewable (within 100 years) = 8 points
• Renewable (within 5 years) = 10 points

Explanation

In order to reduce climate change we need to use as little fossil materials as possible to reduce the risk of non-biogene CO₂ emissions. Metals and minerals don’t have a fossil carbon content, but do have a high extraction impact through mining, reducing the area available for soil carbon storage. Renewable materials get the highest score, although short term renewables (like grasses) score better than longer term renewables (like trees), because they have a shorter natural carbon cycle. With a shorter natural cycle, replanting of the biomass compensates CO₂ emissions due to harvesting and use sooner and it therefore gets a higher score.

What is the footprint of the Raw material fossil carbon content?

• Footprint (in kg CO₂ eq./m³) > 0 = 0 points
• Footprint (in kg CO₂ eq./m³) ≤ 0 = 10 points

Explanation

The higher the fossil carbon content of a material, the worse the impact is for the climate when the material degrades or gets incinerated. The best materials are those that actually prevent carbon from being emitted (like biochar). While the worst materials from a climate perspective have a lot of fossil carbon content (like peat).

To emphasize it’s importance, the carbon footprint will be shown in the future fit scorecard or as part of a separate LCA calculation.

How much of the carbon footprint is compensated?

• 0% of the carbon footprint compensated = 0 points
• 100% of the carbon footprint compensated = 2 points

Explanation

Based on how much of the full lifecycle of a raw material or product is compensated, a maximum of 2 bonus points can be achieved. The maximum bonus points are lower to reflect the fact that compensation is good, but it is better to prevent emissions in the first place.