Comparison of GHG emissions from the use of primary and recycled raw materials for the production of metals
Recycling company
2022
The use of recycled raw materials brings considerable benefits in terms of greenhouse gas emissions (GHG emissions) from products. For our client, a recycling company, it is important to present these benefits to its customers in a transparent and comprehensible manner and to communicate them to the public. This is done by comparing the GHG balance when using primary raw materials and recycled raw materials.
In addition to the investigation of aluminium and copper, particular attention was paid to the GHG balance of various steel production routes. The possibility of increased scrap input in the blast furnace and converter through the use of the recycled product was analysed as an additional steel production route.
In order to inform industry, society and politics about the specific advantages of recycled raw materials, a well-founded basis for discussion regarding the advantages of recycled raw materials was created by means of product-specific GHG balancing (cradle-to-gate) along the entire value chain. Through a transparent calculation approach and assumptions, as well as a targeted focus on the main impact channels, the GHG saving potentials were made tangible and the benefits specifically emphasised.
The analysis framework was specifically tailored to the relevant requirements. For example, the GHG balance of the value chains of the three metals for primary and recycled raw materials included a module that analysed the explicit GHG footprint for all input and output material flows used for each production step. The GHG balance sheet also contained a transport module that showed the transport emissions along the entire value chain for the respective primary or recycled raw material.
In addition to a scientifically sound final documentation, a meaningful communication concept with "ten theses" on the selected products was developed in consultation with the client as a storyline for internal and external communication. Concrete partial results of the product-specific GHG balances as well as further case studies and facts, which make possible emission savings tangible, underpin the theses. Selected points were presented to the public at the IFAT trade fair.
Last update: 24.06.2024
Senior Project Manager, Head of Corporate Services
Consultant
Our study identifies the key cost components for low-carbon blue and green hydrogen and calculates the cost of supplying hydrogen to industry.
The Swiss Federal Office of Energy is planning to redesign its energy strategy for the period up to 2060. Under the leadership of Prognos, various scenarios are being developed for a secure and sustainable energy future for Switzerland. The focus is on the question of how rising electricity demand can be met in the future.
The Republic of Austria promotes numerous energy efficiency measures. Prognos analysed these measures and drew up recommendations for further development.
To facilitate the transition to a climate-neutral economy, Prognos is supporting the European Commission in implementing the European Fair Transition Observatory (EFTO).
With Rail4Climate, the Climate and Energy Fund promotes capacity and efficiency improvements in the Austrian rail sector with a focus on digital operations control, data usage and automated maintenance. We support the project with an indicator-based evaluation system.
Prognos examined for the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labor, Energy and Climate Protection of the State of Brandenburg what role CO2 capture, usage and storage could play in the state.
Prognos and bridgingIT developed a concept for future internal sustainability management for a customer in the municipal energy sector.
Prognos compared international industrial electricity prices for the Austrian electricity industry. Based on this analysis, we also developed recommendations for government instruments to reduce electricity costs.
Prognos is supporting the North Rhine-Westphalian Ministry of the Environment in organising, implementing and establishing the world's first trade exhibition for the climate adaptation industry.
Flooded streets, dried-up rivers, broken asphalt: we analyse the effects of extreme weather events on transport infrastructure and the economy.
We combine economic research and strategy consulting for sustainable decisions in politics, business and society. Our robust data, precise analyses and scientifically based findings enable fact-based progress – financially independent, politically neutral.
