How to use the Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) during the bidding phase?

Carbon is now establishing itself as a key decision-making factor in purchasing, alongside price and quality. This was demonstrated by speakers at a webinar co-organized by Global Climate Initiatives (GCI) and ObsAR, which focused on the use of Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) in calls for tenders.

From carbon footprint to decarbonization of purchases

As Philippe Mangeard, president and founder of GCI, pointed out, most companies that have calculated their carbon footprint then come up against the complexity of Scope 3, which accounts for the majority of emissions. The key, however, lies in supplier commitment: knowing the carbon footprint of the products and services purchased enables concrete action to be taken on the supply chain.

Decarbonizing public procurement: the example of Bordeaux Métropole

Bordeaux Métropole shared some concrete feedback: in an office furniture procurement process, the local authority incorporated a carbon criterion weighted at 20% using the Decarbo’Tender®tool developed by GCI. This approach made it possible to reward the most virtuous bids while ensuring equal treatment of all candidates.

"The PCF enabled us to objectively compare bids and select the most environmentally friendly ones," explained Moustapha Elouajidi, Deputy Director of Purchasing and Public Procurement.

A standardized, transparent, and collaborative approach

The calculation of the PCF, in accordance with ISO 14067, provides a robust and audited methodological basis. Combined with Decarbo'Solution® —the winning trio of Decarbo'Tender®, Decarbo'Target®, and Decarbo'Supply® —it enables effective supplier engagement and transforms regulatory obligations (Climate and Resilience Act, SBTi trajectory, etc.) into levers for sustainable performance.

👉 To go further:

• Decarbonization of purchases with Decarbo’Supply®
• Steer your low-carbon trajectory with Decarbo’Target®

Towards a new carbon competitiveness

Testimonials from public actors such as Bordeaux Métropole, but also from private companies such asAuchan Retail and Schmidt Groupe, show that the PCF is becoming a key tool for carbon competitiveness.
Through Decarbo'Solution®, GCI supports organizations in achieving measurable, collaborative, and economically viable decarbonization.

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