Frequently Asked Questions
What does Impulse do?
Impulse is an LCA company; we calculate the carbon footprint of products, services, and organizations. Based on these findings, we give companies insights into their emissions, enabling companies to lower their emissions effectively.
What is the Holocene framework?
Holocene is the calculation framework used at Impulse. In short, this framework allows us to run a life cycle assessment (LCA) of your products or company and create an accurate emissions report. Want to learn more? Read all about our Holocene Calculation Framework here!
Why is the calculation framework called "Holocene"?
Holocene is the name of our current epoch, which began 11,700 years ago after the last major ice age. Since the last major ice age, the temperatures have been steady between -1 and +1 degrees Celsius. These stable temperatures gave us a stable planet, where nature, animals and humans could thrive. Currently, we are on the verge of crossing the +1 degrees Celsius, ultimately entering a new epoch where civilisation and nature as we know it might not be possible. Consequently, we must do our uttermost best together to stay in the Holocene epoch that ensures us stable and reliable circumstances, where we all can thrive.
What are greenhouse gases?
Greenhouse gas (GHG) is those gases that produce the greenhouse effect. The main GHG are carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and fluorinated gases; they all account for in different ways for global warming.
What is a carbon footprint?
The carbon footprint is the total greenhouse gas (GHG) that a person, organization, company, or product emits. Generally, the carbon footprint is expressed in CO2eq.
How can I lower my carbon footprint?
Food, transportation, and energy consumption highly affects our average carbon footprint. The first things that you can do is decreasing the use of meat in your diet, use low-carbon emitting ways of transportation and lower your energy consumption at home. Also, prefer second-hand products and lower shopping helps to lower your carbon footprint significantly.
What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to calculate the environmental impacts of products, services, or organizations throughout the entire supply chain. Ultimately, to determine the environmental impact, and give insights into where the carbon hotspots are.
Which products/services are suitable for an LCA?
All products and services in all sectors are suitable for an LCA!
What is 1 kg of CO2 eq?
CO2 equivalent is the unit measure used to effectively compare the emissions from various GHG. Click here to learn more about CO2 metrics.
How does Impulse guarantee quality and reliability?
At Impulse, we are a data-driven company, which makes our research, analysis and reports accurate and reliable. Our team of LCA experts have a great scientifical background in performing LCA. Besides, Impulse adheres to internationally recognized standards, including the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and environmental management ISO Standards, to ensure our LCAs provide consistent, accurate, transparent, and understandable insights into your environmental footprint.
Does Impulse comply with international standards?
Yes, Impulse complies with international standards like the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol and environmental management ISO Standards. These standards ensure the quality and accuracy of your LCAs.
What is the difference between Cradle-to-gate, Cradle-to-grave & Cradle-to-cradle?
Cradle-to-gate refers to the carbon impact of a product from the moment it's produced to the moment it enters the store. Then, Cradle-to-grave covers the entire lifecycle of a product. It's a full analysis of a product from the raw materials to the disposal of the product to determine its full carbon footprint. Lastly, Cradle-to-cradle covers the entire lifecycle of a product in case it's circular, so the disposal phase is the start phase of a new lifecycle!
