Erosion Control Solutions Promote Environmental Benefits and Maintains a Minimal Carbon Footprint.
Propex GeoSolutions recently became the first High Performance Turf Reinforcement Mat (HPTRM) manufacturer to verify the carbon footprint of its erosion control solutions.
The cradle-to-grave carbon footprint of PYRAMAT® 75 HPTRM is 2.7 kgCO2e per 1m2 of material, which is equivalent to driving about seven miles.
SCS Global Services, an international leader in third party certification and environmental standards development, evaluated PYRAMAT’s lifecycle to calculate its cradle-to-grave carbon footprint. The carbon footprint was then verified through an independent third-party review by Dr. Tom Gloria, of Industrial Ecology Consultants. To receive verification, PYRAMAT had to meet the following requirements:
- The Greenhouse Gas Protocol: Product Life Cycle Accounting and Reporting Standard World Resources Institute/World Business Council for Sustainable Development (Sept. 2011)
- PAS 2050:2011 Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services. British Standards Institution
- ISO 14064-3:2006 Specification with guidance for the validation and verification of greenhouse gas assertions
“This verification is another piece of the sustainability puzzle. We’ve known for 20 years that our erosion control solutions support the environment by encouraging vegetation and improving water quality, but now we know that their life cycle produces a small carbon footprint.”
PYRAMAT is used in multiple erosion control systems including ARMORMAX®, SCOURLOK®, and PYRAWALL®. In addition to a minimal carbon footprint, Propex solutions help reduce emissions, increase vegetation and support living shorelines. In 1999 the EPA published a Storm Water Technology Fact Sheet on Turf Reinforcement Mats that recognizes erosion control solutions like PYRAMAT as a Best Management Practice for providing long-term water quality benefits.
“Verification of PYRAMAT’s carbon footprint ensures the accuracy and thoroughness of its reported greenhouse gas emissions. Product carbon footprints serve as benchmarks against which product improvements can be measured, and provide customers with information about a product’s climate impact to inform their purchasing decisions.”
About Propex Environmental Vision
Propex believes in being good stewards of the environment, and has adopted a three-pronged approach to our green commitment – reducing our carbon footprint, implementing sustainable manufacturing practices and developing products that have lasting environmental benefits. Through this vision, we hope to not only hold ourselves accountable, but also further the geosynthetic industry’s commitment to sustainability. To learn more about Propex’s environmental commitment, visit: http://propexglobal.com/environmental-commitment
About SCS Global (SCS)
SCS has been a global leader in third-party environmental and sustainability certification, auditing, testing and standards development for 35 years. SCS programs span a wide cross-section of industry sectors, recognizing exemplary performance in natural resource management, green building, product manufacturing, food and agriculture, retailing and more. SCS is a California Benefit Corporation, reflecting its commitment to socially and environmentally responsible business practice. www.scsglobalservices.com
