Diploma thesis demonstrates the possibilities of a carbon handprint – “The calculation model can provide a competitive advantage”
A reliable method for calculating carbon handprints can become a competitive advantage for a company. Aada Rauhala, a project worker at Technology Industries of Finland, studied the topic and wrote a diploma thesis on it. “A company can use the handprint to show the environmental benefits its solutions provide. This could be a significant advantage in a competitive tendering process.”
Aada Rauhala, an energy engineering student at Tampere University, wrote a diploma thesis demonstrating that the carbon handprint of a specific product can be calculated in practice and that it can have a tangible impact on exports and climate work.
“I examined whether the handprint model could be applied smoothly between different industries. The outcome showed that the model can be applied effectively in various cases,” Rauhala says.
A carbon handprint describes a positive climate impact. In other words, it demonstrates how fewer emissions are generated due to a certain product or solution in comparison with an alternative.
Unlike a carbon footprint, which measures the emissions of a producer’s own activities, the handprint focuses on how the user of a product can reduce their emissions.
For example, an energy-efficient device or a new industrial solution can reduce the user’s energy consumption – and thus their climate emissions.
Two Finnish companies provided practical examples. Elomatic’s Elogrid flow controllers, which are installed in ships, and stake sides manufactured from SSAB’s Strenx steel were studied to identify how these products could help the companies’ customers reduce their emissions.
Still no clear ground rules
Calculating carbon handprints offers opportunities, but the application of such calculations requires greater clarity and, above all, common ground rules. At present, companies can calculate their handprint in various ways, which makes comparisons difficult and results less reliable.
“The results clearly showed that when an entity determines the carbon handprint of a specific product, it is crucial for them to release transparent information about what was included in the calculation and what has been left out,” says Rauhala.
Annukka Saari, Director of Energy and Climate at Technology Industries of Finland, also considers transparency and standardisation to be crucial for credibility.
“Anyone can claim their product has a good handprint, but if the claim is not backed up by a standard, it can cross the line into greenwashing. That is why standards are essential,” says Saari.
Technology Industries of Finland is involved in developing a common and clear calculation model that companies could widely adopt. The aim is to create a solution that is as simple as possible and does not significantly burden companies with calculations.
“Calculating handprints should definitely be a voluntary activity, but it should also be systematic enough that everyone follows the same ground rules.”
Based on a roadmap and strategic initiative
One of Technology Industries of Finland’s four strategic initiatives is to create new business through sustainable investment. Aada Rauhala’s diploma thesis fits into this whole.
The handprint theme originated from Technology Industries of Finland’s low-carbon roadmap, which states that Finnish technology industry solutions could save up to 75 million tonnes of emissions – equivalent to three times Finland’s national carbon footprint.
“We have great potential, but it is abstract. That is why we wanted to examine individual products, determine what their handprint really is, and identify the benefits they can offer. Previously, a producer could claim their product is low in emissions, but that does not provide any real information. A methodical calculation model enables the emissions to be calculated authentically,” says Saari.
Calculation tool for companies – and a potential advantage for exports
According to Aada Rauhala, the model’s strength lies in its ability to complement already existing carbon footprint calculations. At the same time, it provides the company with the means to demonstrate the benefits of its products over the benchmark level. Such information can be crucial when products are evaluated, for example, in competitive tendering processes.
“The aim was to examine whether this model could be applied at the enterprise level so that it could become an established tool. I think the results show it really has that potential,” says Rauhala.
Rauhala applied a model developed by the VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the LUT University based on ISO standards. The work received funding from the TT Foundation, and the companies involved provided the information required for the calculation. As such, the results are based on real-world data.
“This thesis will not be left to gather dust – we are going to put it into action,” says Saari.
“Communication and project management must be in order.”
In writing her diploma thesis, Aada Rauhala gained deep technical knowledge and a greater understanding of the connection between climate and energy.
“Working with multiple organisations requires communication and project management skills in particular. The project’s success relied on clear and consistent communication between the various parties involved. It must be in order,” she says.
Rauhala is graduating with a Master of Science in Engineering and has not yet decided on her next direction. However, one thing is clear.
“My work must be meaningful. The environment, nature, and people are themes I want to engage with. I do not want to be stuck in one place – I want to keep learning and developing.”
Elomatic’s customers are interested in the carbon handprint
Why did Elomatic want to be involved in the diploma thesis and get a calculation of the carbon handprint of its Elogrid flow controller? We asked Teemu Turunen, Elomatic’s Business Development Director.
“One reason was the demands and enquiries from customers. We were not familiar with carbon handprints, but we could see them gaining in importance. We wanted to learn and, at the same time, promote the emergence of common practices for the industry.”
Why should a company like Elomatic care about calculating its handprint?
“It aligns perfectly with our values and the type of projects we want to execute. We aim to be a pioneer in our field. When we know something is coming, one way or another, we want to be prepared for it in good time. In some markets, the carbon handprint could be the decisive factor that tips the scales in our favour.”
Are you happy with the diploma thesis and the results it provided?
“Very happy. Aada Rauhala did a great job. The process itself was also valuable – the discussions and thesis supervision helped us understand the subject in much more depth. Of course, the results obtained from Elogrid have been positive for us.”
Do you intend to put the diploma thesis into practice?
“Yes, I believe we will be able to use it as a sales argument right away.”
Texts: Mikko Viljanen
Photos: Liisa Takala (photo of Teemu Turunen: Elomatic; image processing: Daniel Forsman)