生态环境部：研究重点产品碳足迹因子，打通管理“全链条”

Core Viewpoint - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment of China is advancing the establishment of a product carbon footprint management system, focusing on key sectors such as coal, electricity, oil, gas, steel, cement, petrochemicals, and transportation, aiming to enhance the carbon footprint accounting standards and factor research [1][6]. Group 1: Carbon Footprint Management System - The carbon footprint of a product encompasses the total carbon emissions generated throughout its entire lifecycle, from raw material acquisition to disposal, serving as a crucial indicator of a company's and product's green and low-carbon level [2][5]. - As of 2024, over 70 national standards for carbon footprint accounting are in development, alongside more than 100 group standards for specific sectors, addressing the urgent need for carbon footprint accounting in various industries [1][2]. Group 2: Government and Industry Initiatives - The government is integrating carbon footprint requirements into procurement standards, promoting green procurement practices that emphasize environmental protection and resource conservation [2][3]. - Major e-commerce platforms are encouraged to display product carbon footprint information, with initiatives like Alibaba's "88 Carbon Account" and JD's "Green Plan" aimed at promoting low-carbon consumption [3][5]. Group 3: Financial Innovations - Financial institutions are innovating in carbon footprint management, with products like "Carbon Number Loan" aimed at supporting small and micro enterprises in green transformation by linking loan rates to carbon footprint levels [5][6]. - In 2024, significant loans were issued based on carbon footprint metrics, including a 20 million yuan loan for a car rental company and a 29 million yuan loan for a cable manufacturing enterprise, demonstrating the financial sector's role in incentivizing low-carbon practices [5][6]. Group 4: Future Directions - The Ministry of Ecology and Environment plans to enhance the carbon footprint accounting standards and factor research, focusing on key sectors and aiming for international recognition of domestic standards [6][7]. - There is an emphasis on local and industry enterprises to innovate in carbon footprint management and certification, with a goal to establish a comprehensive carbon footprint management system [6][7].