Cutting carbon: how garment manufacturers are measuring emissions

As we are regularly told, the garment industry is one of the most significant contributors to environmental pollution, notably in terms of carbon emissions. With growing global awareness about climate change and environmental sustainability, garment manufacturers are under mounting pressure to measure and reduce their carbon footprint.

Measuring the carbon footprint of garment production involves quantifying the total greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted directly and indirectly throughout the lifecycle of garments. This process is essential for developing strategies to mitigate environmental impact and promote sustainability.

But what are the technologies garment manufacturers are using to measure their carbon footprint and why is these an increasingly important practice?

In short, you cannot manage what you cannot measure. Solid, reliable data on carbon emissions is critical if the world is to achieve climate reduction goals. To this end, the role of garment manufacturers in measuring and quantifying their own footprint it is critical.

There are a number of methods and techniques to do this

A critical method in our industry is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is a comprehensive tool that can be used by garment manufacturers to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a garment's life - from raw material extraction through processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal.

LCA involves collecting data on energy use, water consumption, and emissions at each stage. Advanced LCA software, such as SimaPro, GaBi, and OpenLCA, allows companies to model these processes and calculate their overall carbon footprint. These tools can identify the stages with the highest environmental impact, providing crucial insights for making more sustainable choices. They can also highlight environmental ‘hotspots’ which show where the most emission-intensive stage of production is.

Carbon accounting software, meanwhile, helps can help manufacturers track and report their GHG emissions in accordance with international standards such as the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. Tools like Carbon Trust Footprint Manager, Climate Earth, and Enablon can integrate with a company’s existing data systems to automatically gather data related to energy consumption, transportation, waste management, and other relevant activities.

These platforms facilitate the calculation of Scope 1 (direct), Scope 2 (indirect from purchased electricity), and Scope 3 (indirect from supply chain) emissions, providing a comprehensive view of the company’s carbon footprint.

On the more technological side, Internet of Things (IoT) sensors are increasingly being deployed in factories and supply chains to monitor real-time energy consumption and emissions. These sensors can be attached to machinery, vehicles, and other equipment to collect data on fuel use, electricity consumption, and other parameters. The data collected is then transmitted to centralized systems where it can be analyzed to calculate emissions. This technology allows for continuous monitoring and immediate detection of inefficiencies or anomalies, facilitating prompt corrective actions to reduce emissions.

Blockchain technology offers a transparent and immutable way to track and verify the carbon footprint of garments throughout the supply chain. By recording each transaction on a decentralized ledger, blockchain ensures that data related to carbon emissions is accurate and tamper-proof. This technology can enhance the traceability of materials and processes, allowing fashion brands to ensure their suppliers adhere to sustainability standards. Blockchain can also facilitate carbon credits trading by providing a trustworthy record of emissions reductions. The use of carbon credits will likely become more widespread within the fashion industry and its associated supply chains moving forwards.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) are used to map and analyze the environmental impact of garment manufacturing operations across different locations. By integrating spatial data with information on energy use, transportation routes, and production processes, GIS can help companies identify hotspots of high emissions. This spatial analysis is valuable for optimizing logistics, selecting environmentally friendly sites for new facilities, and planning resource-efficient operations.

But why is it so important to measure carbon emissions? And where is the pressure coming from to do so?

There are a number of drivers here.

The first is regulatory compliance. Many countries are enacting stricter environmental regulations that require fashion companies to measure and report their carbon emissions. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in significant fines, legal penalties, and damage to a company’s reputation. By accurately measuring their carbon footprint, garment manufacturers can help their fashion buyers to achieve compliance with national and international standards, such as the Paris Agreement, which aims to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.

Secondly, consumers are becoming more aware of the environmental impact of their purchases and are increasingly favoring brands that demonstrate a commitment to sustainability. By measuring and transparently reporting their carbon footprint, garment manufacturers can build trust with consumers, enhance their brand image, and gain a competitive edge in the market.

An added financial benefit of measuring carbon emissions is that this exercise often reveals inefficiencies in production processes and supply chains. By addressing these inefficiencies, manufacturers can reduce energy consumption, minimize waste, and lower operating costs. For example, optimizing transportation routes can reduce fuel use, while improving energy efficiency in manufacturing can cut electricity bills. Therefore, reducing the carbon footprint is not only beneficial for the environment but also economically advantageous for companies.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) has become a crucial aspect of business strategy. Companies are expected to contribute positively to society and the environment. Measuring and reducing the carbon footprint is a key component of CSR, demonstrating a company’s commitment to environmental stewardship. This can enhance relationships with stakeholders, including investors, customers, and employees, who are increasingly valuing corporate sustainability efforts.

Finally, addressing carbon footprints can drive innovation in the garment industry. Companies are encouraged to develop and adopt new technologies and practices that reduce environmental impact. This focus on innovation can lead to the creation of more sustainable materials, energy-efficient production methods, and circular economy models that emphasize recycling and reuse. By leading in sustainability, garment manufacturers can ensure their long-term viability in a world that is moving towards a low-carbon economy.

Mostafiz Uddin is the managing director of Denim Expert Limited. He is also the founder and CEO of Bangladesh Denim Expo and Bangladesh Apparel Exchange (BAE).