159
Prior to commencing the hotspots analysis, the task force creates a template
value chain heat map to identify sustainability attributes for the resultant Standard.
This involves the review and condensation of the typical life cycle assessment
(LCA) impact categories into a more simplifi ed format that would facilitate harmonizing, categorizing, and analysing environmental/sustainability issues (i.e.,
hotspots) with broader stakeholder pressures (i.e., hot buttons).
The fi rst step of the hotspots analysis involves a review of available literature to
identify signifi cant product life cycle impacts. This review includes: life cycle
assessment studies on the candidate product or product components, manufacturer
product life cycle data, academic studies, environmental product declarations
(EPDs) and existing standards.
Another key contribution to the hotspots analysis involves interviews with
selected manufacturers. Each manufacturer is asked to rank the level of importance
(i.e., high, medium, or low) of addressing each of environmental impacts across the
fi ve life-cycle stages of the product category. The results of the literature review,
stakeholder interviews, as well as review of other existing standards were aggregated
into a heat map to graphically provide a preliminary view into priority environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns.
Throughout the process, an extensive stakeholder engagement is conducted to
review the results of the hotspots analysis and solicit feedback. In these engagements,
AHAM typically include representatives from the following sectors: manufacturers,
suppliers, retailers, government agencies, consumer groups, and non-governmental
organizations.
As an additional level of rigor, prior to translating these hotspots into criteria
within its sustainability standards, AHAM often conducts a screening-level life
cycle assessment using primary (where available) and proxy data from manufacturers
and industrial databases to verify and validate the result of the hotspots analysis.
Pilot-testing of the resultant sustainability standards by appliance manufacturers
is also a core component of the overall process.
3.4.2 Global Protocol for Community Scaled Greenhouse
Gases Emission Inventories (GPC)
GPC (global protocol for community scaled greenhouse gases emission inventories)
conducted hotspots analysis to identify requirements and provide guidance for
calculating and reporting city-scale GHG
12 inventories, consistent with the 2006
IPCC
13 Guidelines for National GHG Inventories. The goal is to allow for more
credible reporting, meaningful benchmarking and aggregation of climate data and
greater consistency in GHG accounting. The Global Protocol for Community-Scale
GHG Emissions (GPC) is the result of a collaborative effort between the World
Resources Institute (WRI), C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), and
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).
12 GHG: greenhouse gases.
13 IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
12 Hotspots Analysis: Providing the Focus for Action
Prior to commencing the hotspots analysis, the task force creates a template
value chain heat map to identify sustainability attributes for the resultant Standard.
This involves the review and condensation of the typical life cycle assessment
(LCA) impact categories into a more simplifi ed format that would facilitate harmonizing, categorizing, and analysing environmental/sustainability issues (i.e.,
hotspots) with broader stakeholder pressures (i.e., hot buttons).
The fi rst step of the hotspots analysis involves a review of available literature to
identify signifi cant product life cycle impacts. This review includes: life cycle
assessment studies on the candidate product or product components, manufacturer
product life cycle data, academic studies, environmental product declarations
(EPDs) and existing standards.
Another key contribution to the hotspots analysis involves interviews with
selected manufacturers. Each manufacturer is asked to rank the level of importance
(i.e., high, medium, or low) of addressing each of environmental impacts across the
fi ve life-cycle stages of the product category. The results of the literature review,
stakeholder interviews, as well as review of other existing standards were aggregated
into a heat map to graphically provide a preliminary view into priority environmental impacts and stakeholder concerns.
Throughout the process, an extensive stakeholder engagement is conducted to
review the results of the hotspots analysis and solicit feedback. In these engagements,
AHAM typically include representatives from the following sectors: manufacturers,
suppliers, retailers, government agencies, consumer groups, and non-governmental
organizations.
As an additional level of rigor, prior to translating these hotspots into criteria
within its sustainability standards, AHAM often conducts a screening-level life
cycle assessment using primary (where available) and proxy data from manufacturers
and industrial databases to verify and validate the result of the hotspots analysis.
Pilot-testing of the resultant sustainability standards by appliance manufacturers
is also a core component of the overall process.
3.4.2 Global Protocol for Community Scaled Greenhouse
Gases Emission Inventories (GPC)
GPC (global protocol for community scaled greenhouse gases emission inventories)
conducted hotspots analysis to identify requirements and provide guidance for
calculating and reporting city-scale GHG
12 inventories, consistent with the 2006
IPCC
13 Guidelines for National GHG Inventories. The goal is to allow for more
credible reporting, meaningful benchmarking and aggregation of climate data and
greater consistency in GHG accounting. The Global Protocol for Community-Scale
GHG Emissions (GPC) is the result of a collaborative effort between the World
Resources Institute (WRI), C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40), and
ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability (ICLEI).
12 GHG: greenhouse gases.
13 IPCC: Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
12 Hotspots Analysis: Providing the Focus for Action