BEST-Product Initiative
Benchmarking for Emissions Sustainability and Transparency for Product
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ABOUT BEST-Product Initiative
The BEST-Product Initiative (Benchmarking for Emissions Sustainability and Transparency for Product) is working to develop internationally credible, harmonized methods for product-level carbon footprint accounting. The aim is to ensure that the carbon performance of the same product can be compared across producers—helping manufacturers close performance gaps and enabling supply chain buyers to make transparent, low-carbon procurement decisions.
As international attention on product carbon footprints (PCFs) increases, inconsistent accounting methodologies and parameters across countries are making it difficult to benchmark products fairly. This not only distorts trade through incompatible accounting systems but also creates opacity across supply chains.
The Initiative is founded by researchers affiliated with the University of California, Berkeley, together with ECP and other global partners from government, academia, and industry. BEST is an international effort aims:
- To establish a scientifically grounded, internationally recognized system for product-level performance benchmarking and labeling for energy and chemical sectors
- To recognize and accelerate leadership in low carbon energy development, carbon reduction, and sustainable operations
Core Objectives
Through benchmarking and labeling, BEST empowers organizations to demonstrate measurable progress toward low carbon/net-zero goals while fostering transparency, innovation, and international collaboration. The first pilot will begin with ethylene and polyethylene.
Global Alignment
Develop internationally aligned methodologies for calculating product carbon intensities that are consistent with ISO 14067 and TfS framework.
Tiered Labeling
Design and test a tiered, performance-based labeling system benchmarked against best available technologies and peer performance, allowing producers to differentiate their products in procurement markets.
Consensus Building
Engage stakeholders—including international experts, certification bodies, and industry alliances— to build consensus and enable interoperability and mutual recognition across borders.
Structure
GOVERNANCE AND STRUCTURE
The BEST Initiative operates as a multi-stakeholder collaboration supported by international research institutions, governments, and private-sector partners.
Secretariat
The Secretariat is coordinated by a founding team of the BEST initiative. It manages technical development, data integrity, and benchmarking tool updates.
Advisory Board
An international board of experts representing policy, industry, and academia provides guidance on methodology, transparency, and global alignment.
Verification Partners
BEST works with accredited auditing and technical organizations to ensure independent assessment of performance claims.
Membership Model
Organizations join BEST as Pilot Participants, Industry Partners, or Supporting Institutions. Membership demonstrates a public commitment to measurable improvement and transparency.
JOIN THE PILOT
BEST is launching its inaugural pilot phase (2025–2026). We invite early participants from industrial, commercial, and public sectors to join as founding partners.
Pilot participation offers:
Interested organizations can express interest at:
info@ecpfoundation.org