PETER SALING
Director Sustainability Methods at BASF and Co-Chair of the TfS Scope 3 GHG emissions programme

Abstract

Together for Sustainability (TfS) (1)– a global chemical industry initiative – and its 50 member companies are driving a shift in carbon accounting methodologies within the chemical industry. In its first ever White Paper (2), TfS identifies three areas for improvement: including biogenic carbon accounting, mass balance as a transitional mechanism and the use of recycled materials. These recommendations aim to incentivise the adoption of sustainable practices within the industry, and push for a recalibration of existing carbon accounting standards.

INTRODUCTION
In the pursuit of a net-zero future, carbon accounting standards are being put under the microscope to build a more sustainable future for the chemical sector and beyond.

Following the launch of the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) Guideline (3) in November 2022, TfS has outlined improvements for corporate greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting in its first White Paper, Improving and harmonising Scope 3 reporting. Three modifications for improving corporate GHG accounting were identified: biogenic carbon accounting, mass balance as a transitional mechanism and the use of recycled materials.

This article outlines the opportunity for the chemical sector to harmonise carbon accounting methodologies as well as TfS’s three recommended modifications to enable a more sustainable and environmentally responsible industry.

Sparking a change
The chemical industry is uniquely positioned to pioneer and implement new technologies to facilitate the transition to a low-carbon future. In addition to being recognised for its role in numerous innovations and scientific breakth ...