Case Study SDG 12: Implementing ISO 14067:2018 Greenhouse Gases - Carbon Footprint of Products to Produce Responsibly

SDG 12, “Responsible Consumption and Production,” aims to promote sustainable consumption and production trends across the world. It recognises the planet’s grave concerns and seeks to address them via responsible and ecologically mindful growth. The rising rate of urbanisation has far-reaching consequences for cities and communities, making SDG 12 even more important in attaining a balanced and sustainable future.

SDG 12 emphasises the importance of implementing sustainable solutions in order to handle rising urban expansion while protecting social inclusion, safety, and environmental harmony. This aim promotes investments in sustainable infrastructure, a focus on innovation and research, and the adoption of inclusive and sustainable industrial practises. We can reduce inequality, promote effective resource utilisation, and encourage poverty eradication and community well-being by accepting these initiatives.

In this case study, we explore how Bernard Business Consulting (BBC) assisted a Malaysian recycling firm in navigating obstacles connected to proper GHG emission reporting and worldwide trade rules. BBC’s strategic assistance enabled Company RM to embrace sustainability, implement ISO 14067:2018 – Greenhouse Gases – Carbon Footprint of Products, and achieve SDG 12.

Sustainable Business Strategies for SDG 12

Businesses that embrace sustainable business practises proactively play a critical role in moving SDG 12 forward. SDG 12 aims to promote responsible consumption and production patterns, gently balancing human needs with environmental preservation for future generations. By using the five sustainable business techniques outlined below, firms may not only positively influence SDG 12 but also encourage innovation, instigate constructive reforms, and foster the development of sustainable and inclusive communities:

Adopting Circular Economy Principles: Using a circular economy strategy can help to minimise waste and encourage responsible consumption. Businesses may design goods with extended lifespans, promote repair and refurbishing services, and develop product take-back programmes. Companies may reduce resource depletion and contribute to sustainable manufacturing practises by completing the loop in the product life cycle.
Sustainable Sourcing and Procurement: Businesses should prioritise purchasing raw materials from ethical and sustainable sources. Comprehensive supply chain analyses can assist in identifying possible environmental and social concerns. Supporting suppliers who adhere to responsible sourcing criteria and adopt sustainable practices can help to promote responsible production and consumption.
Investing in Green Technologies and Renewable Energy: By embracing green technologies and renewable energy sources, a company’s carbon footprint may be dramatically reduced. Businesses may optimise resource utilisation by implementing energy-efficient operations, implementing renewable energy solutions, and using modern technology. Such solutions not only save money but also contribute to good manufacturing practises.
Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) Integration: Conducting Life Cycle Assessments allows organisations to assess the environmental effect of their goods and activities from cradle to grave. Companies may make educated decisions to minimise negative environmental consequences throughout their operations by identifying areas for improvement, supporting responsible consumption and production.
Setting Science-Based Goals: Businesses should set science-based goals for reducing carbon emissions and increasing resource efficiency. Companies may guarantee their activities are meaningful and contribute to SDG 12’s objectives by matching their sustainability goals with scientific facts.

Case Study: Implementing ISO 14067:2018 to Fulfil GHG Regulations and to Achieve SDG 12 for a Plastic Recycling Company in Malaysia

This year, with tightening regulations on GHG emissions and reporting, especially with the adoption of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) by the European Parliament, our clients are facing challenges in fulfilling the requirements. BBC helps our clients solve their challenges in fulfilling the GHG compliance requirements. At the same time, we guide our clients to achieve SDG 12 and play their roles in the SDGs. Company RM, a prominent plastic recycling company in Johor, Malaysia, is one of the clients that we helped embrace sustainability and GHG compliance.

Background

Company RM, a plastic recycling company situated in Johor Malaysia, is dedicated to environmental sustainability and appropriate waste management. RM wanted to assure compliance with GHG requirements for export and import company development as part of its long-term ambition. Furthermore, Company RM intended to make a big contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) – “Responsible Consumption and Production.” To attain this aim, however, they needed to enhance their environmental performance as well as precisely quantify and report their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

Challenges

Company RM encountered difficulties precisely calculating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, obstructing transparent reporting and compliance with international requirements. Furthermore, overcoming complex GHG rules for export and import caused challenges for Company RM’s global market development.

Accurate GHG Emission Measurement: Due to the variety of recycling methods and waste materials, company RM encountered a multidimensional issue in precisely calculating its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Transparent reporting and compliance with severe international laws were hindered by the lack of a standardised system, strong data, and appropriate instruments. Precise GHG emission assessment became critical to reinforcing their commitment to responsible consumption and production as the worldwide focus on environmental sustainability increased.
Regulatory Compliance and Global Trade: Company RM encountered complicated GHG rules for export and import as it expanded globally, necessitating careful adaptation to various needs. Noncompliance may impede market access and growth in the competitive recycling business, making a unified strategy critical for their global trade ambitions.

Solutions

After gap analysis, we assisted Company RM to address their challenges and achieve their sustainability objectives with the following solutions:

Implementation of ISO 14067:2018: In our efforts to improve Company RM’s environmental performance, we strongly advised the adoption of ISO 14067:2018, a worldwide recognised standard thoroughly established for estimating and reporting a product’s carbon footprint. Company RM received an organised and dependable way to accurately measuring its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by adopting this prominent standard, reaffirming their commitment to environmental responsibility.
Conducting Comprehensive Life-Cycle evaluation: In order to acquire a comprehensive picture of Company RM’s environmental effect, BBC undertook an extensive life-cycle evaluation that was constructed into every aspect of their recycling practices. This detailed research provides a solid foundation for building targeted environmental improvement initiatives, from the early stages of garbage collection and sorting through the last phases of recycling and distribution.
Empowering Sustainable Business Practices: BBC provided Company RM with a strategic plan for integrating effective sustainable practices into their operations. This strategy, which emphasised energy optimisation, waste reduction, and the incorporation of cutting-edge recycling technology, enabled Company RM to achieve resource efficiency while minimising their ecological imprint.
Capacity Building with Training: BBC organised training sessions to educate and motivate staff at Company RM, promoting sustainable practices and environmental stewardship. This capacity building strategy fostered a culture of sustainability, aligning efforts with SDG 12’s ambitious goals.

Impact

We have assisted Company RM to progress into a more sustainable business model and have resulted in:

Accurate GHG Emission Reporting: Company RM achieved exceptional precision in measuring and reporting GHG emissions by methodically applying ISO 14067:2018. This significant accomplishment strengthened their environmental credentials, placing them as a responsible industry leader committed to transparency and compliance with international rules, raising their reputation in the worldwide market as an ecologically concerned and trustworthy company.
Alignment with SDG 12: Company RM shown extraordinary commitment to sustainability by smoothly integrating SDG 12-aligned responsible business practises. Their ecologically responsible initiatives aided in environmental preservation and resonated with environmentally concerned customers, partners, and stakeholders, cementing their position as a positive change agent in the recycling business.
Market Expansion and Growth: Company RM is now ready to reach the global market by embracing GHG compliance and attracting environmentally conscious clients and partners. Their commitment to sustainability led to new collaborations and made them an appealing alternative for eco-friendly solutions, boosting market expansion and supporting long-term success.
Resource Efficiency and Cost Savings: Company RM achieved resource efficiency by incorporating sustainable practices, benefiting both the environment and finances. Strategic energy-saving, resource utilisation, and waste reduction demonstrated the symbiotic relationship between sustainability and economic viability, showcasing Company RM’s ability to balance environmental responsibility with financial prudence.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Sustainable Development Goal 12 (SDG 12) – “Responsible Consumption and Production” – is a critical global goal in the quest of a more sustainable and equitable society. Companies like Company RM showed their commitment to SDG 12 and the preservation of our planet’s resources by incorporating responsible business practises such as accurate GHG emission reporting, sustainable resource management, and compliance with international legislation.

The strategic guidance provided by BBC proved instrumental in guiding Company RM towards a sustainable business model. Company RM’s path towards sustainability not only improved their environmental performance and reputation, but also opened them new development potential. This case study demonstrates the transformational potential of sustainability consulting and the beneficial influence it can have on organisations, helping to pave the path for a more sustainable, responsible, and resilient society. As we work together to achieve SDG 12, businesses and individuals alike have an important role in building a future where responsible consumption and production practises become the norm, bringing us closer to a society where everyone may live a successful and sustainable existence.

Learn more about ISO 14067:2018.