Comparison of product carbon footprint between existing and alternative product: A case study of personal computer

Product carbon footprint (PCF) is an ecological profile of a product only focused on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. PCF aims primarily at generating environmental profile of a product. Another aim is to identify key parameters of a product in its entire life cycle. In this paper, PCF of an existing personal computer (PC) and alternative PC were quantified and key issues identified. Typical energy consumption during the entire life cycle of the alternative PC was reduced by approximately 15% compared with that of the existing PC. Energy consumption during the use stage was identified as key parameter for both PCs.