If you're exploring ways to understand and improve your products' environmental impact, you've probably encountered terms like Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), and Product Carbon Footprint (PCF). At first glance, they may sound similar—and they are connected—but they serve different purposes.

At Oakdene Hollins, we spend a lot of time thinking about how businesses can reduce their environmental impact. We've found that two approaches work incredibly well together: the circular economy and carbon accounting.

When companies discuss reducing their carbon footprint, the conversation often starts with numbers—emissions data, reduction targets, and energy audits. The truth is that none of it is appealing or relatable to most of your employees. 

Sustainability involves the whole organisation—it touches every function, from procurement and operations to marketing and finance. However, to truly move the needle, sustainability needs allies at the very top of the company.

If your business is starting its decarbonisation journey (or simply trying to figure out your carbon footprint to address customer or regulatory reporting requirements), one of the first things you'll need is a high-level picture of your emissions. That's where spend-based analysis comes in.

Reducing carbon emissions isn't just about switching to renewable energy or improving energy efficiency. While these are important and tend to be amongst the first steps that companies undertake, a significant portion of a company's emissions comes from how it uses materials—from raw material extraction to product disposal. That's where circularity comes in.

Reducing your carbon footprint isn't just about protecting the environment—it's also about making your business more efficient, competitive, and cost-effective. With rising energy costs, stricter environmental regulations, and increasing pressure from customers and investors to reduce their carbon footprint, manufacturers need practical solutions that deliver actual results.

Reducing carbon footprints is a priority for businesses worldwide, yet one highly effective approach is often overlooked: engaging customers.

Carbon accounting is essential for businesses aiming to track and reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. However, beginners often encounter pitfalls that can lead to inaccurate reporting, regulatory non-compliance, or missed reduction opportunities.

In today’s business landscape, sustainability commitments are no longer optional—they are expected from customers, investors, and regulators. However, not all climate targets are created equal.