To help retailers determine the post-purchase carbon impact of products like appliances, electronics and outdoor power equipment, the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) has partnered with Optera to develop the Direct-Use Product Emissions Database (DPED). The DPED will help fill current reporting gaps and align how retailers measure, compare and communicate greenhouse gas emissions. It will be published by March 2024, in time for retailers to leverage the initial database for their next round of emissions reporting.
“For many retailers, the bulk of their greenhouse gas emissions come from consumers using the products they sell,” said Tim Weiss, CEO of Optera in a statement. “From lawnmowers to kitchen appliances, retailers need a consistent way to evaluate the emissions impact of their products.”
Lowe’s and Target, founding supporters of the initiative, were among nine RILA member companies that identified the scope 3, Category 11 challenges in today’s reporting environment, and they are collaborating with industry peers and Optera to develop the tool.
“As Lowe’s worked to measure our Use of Sold Product data and offer more eco-friendly products to our customers, we quickly recognized the value of collaborating with other retailers,” said Chris Cassell, VP, Corporate Sustainability at Lowe’s in a statement. “By leveraging this new solution, as an industry, we have a chance to enhance accuracy and comparability to drive better decision-making and accelerate our progress in reducing value chain emissions.”
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“Target’s net-zero ambition extends to reducing emissions across our value chain and in turn supporting our suppliers in their decarbonization efforts,” said Agata Ramallo Garcia, VP of Sustainability at Target in a statement.
