Discover how Yearly and Total Carbon Costs redefine real impact
Thomas Mardahl
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1 minute read
Beyond Carbon Footprint: How should we measure true sustainability?
When evaluating IT products—or any product, really—we often default to one simple metric: carbon footprint per unit. But is that enough? Let’s put this to the test.
Imagine you’re choosing between three products:
- Product A: 250kg CO2e, lasts 3 years
- Product B: 300kg CO2e, lasts 5 years
- Product C: 350kg CO2e, lasts 6 years
At first glance, Product A seems like the best choice—it has the lowest carbon footprint.
But what happens when we factor in Yearly Carbon Cost (YCC)—CO₂ emissions spread over the product's lifetime?
YCC Calculation:
- Product A: 250kg CO₂e / 3 years = 83.3 kg CO₂e per year
- Product B: 300kg CO₂e / 5 years = 60 kg CO₂e per year
- Product C: 350kg CO₂e / 6 years = 58.3 kg CO₂e per year
Now, the lowest-carbon option is Product C!
But should we stop there? Let’s add another layer: vendor responsibility.
How do the vendors operate?
Vendor A: Highly committed to ESG
- Uses 100% renewable energy in manufacturing
- Transparent carbon reporting & third-party audits
- Strong DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives
- Circular economy focus—offers repair, reuse, and recycling
Vendor B: Also responsible, with strong commitments
- Reducing emissions with energy-efficient factories
- Regular sustainability reporting
- Investing in workforce diversity & fair labor practices
- Works towards product longevity & repairability
Vendor C: Only does the basics
- Meets regulatory minimums but lacks real ambition
- No clear ESG targets or transparency
- No engagement in diversity, ethical supply chains, or sustainable practices
- Low carbon footprint on paper—but at what cost?
Which product is now the best choice?
Lesson: Sustainability isn’t one-dimensional. If we only look at a single number, we risk making poor choices. The Total Carbon Cost (TCC) and Yearly Carbon Cost (YCC) give us a more accurate picture—just as we evaluate cost, performance, and quality in financial decisions.
