Challenges and Approaches Using the Example of Electric Drives

Carbon emissions are no longer a secondary consideration—they’re a measurable cost driver and a strategic factor in technology planning. This whitepaper explores the critical role of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) analysis in early product development, using electric drives as a representative case. In collaboration with RWTH Aachen University and Berylls Strategy Advisors, we break down the PCF methodology, highlight the data quality challenges, and show how to integrate ecological and economic considerations into design decisions. Aimed at engineers, planners, and sustainability strategists, this publication offers a practical framework to manage emissions proactively and stay competitive under regulatory and market pressures.

• Understand why early design decisions are critical for reducing production-related CO₂ emissions—and how Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) analysis supports this goal.
  
  
• Learn how to set up a cradle-to-gate PCF calculation, manage data quality challenges, and integrate carbon metrics into your technology planning process.
  
  
• Explore how software-based approaches help align ecological and economic objectives by connecting emissions data with cost analysis and design requirements.