The importance of reducing the environmental impact of human activities has significantly grown in the last few years. The fight against climate change has become a global priority. We are all increasingly aware of the need to measure and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. In this context, Comac continues its commitment to fighting climate change also thanks to the calculation of the Carbon Footprint of cleaning machines. For this reason we have increased the number of floor scrubbers for which CFP calculations are made and included the first C700 sweeper as well.
Why is it important to calculate the Carbon Footprint?
Here on The Comac Blog, we have already talked about Carbon Footprint. We have seen what it is and why is important to calculate it. We revisit this topic as climate change is an urgent issue. It’s an undeniable reality highlighted by rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, and continuously rising sea levels. The main cause of climate change is CO2, a gas primarily produced by fossil fuels. Measuring the Carbon Footprint, and thus CO2 emissions, is important because it allows us to assess and take actions to reduce emissions, thereby fighting the negative impacts on our planet.
Carbon Footprint of cleaning machines: the reason why Comac decided to calculate it
Before listing the reasons that prompted Comac to calculate the carbon footprint of cleaning machines, let’s quickly revisit the definition of CFP. The Carbon Footprint of Product (CFP) is calculated using the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology. This calculation allows for measuring greenhouse gas emissions throughout the entire life cycle of a product, from its creation to the end of its useful life, known as “cradle to grave.” The data resulting from the calculation represents the impact that the product has on climate change.
But why has Comac chosen to calculate the Carbon Footprint of cleaning machines? Comac has always been sensitive to the issue of climate change. For this reason, Comac has voluntarily chosen to embrace this philosophy by starting to calculate the Carbon Footprint of its floor scrubbers according to the international standard ISO 14067:2018. Measuring the CO2 emissions of our machines as per the regulations allows us to have real and verified data on the performance related to climate change. In this way, we can understand how and where to intervene to try to limit greenhouse gas emissions, and thus reduce the carbon footprint of our products.
The Carbon Footprint certification is not only a clear and reliable indicator of the environmental impact of a product but also proves to be a fundamental requirement for participating in public tenders. In this context consistency in measuring the carbon footprint of products and services is essential.
Comac cleaning machines included in the calculation of the Carbon Footprint
In 2023, Comac chose to quantify the carbon footprint associated with the life cycle of 24 floor scrubbers and, for the first time, one sweeper. In this way, the Carbon Footprint calculation is now available for 25 Comac cleaning machines. The company has thus made a significant effort to demonstrate the concrete actions that have always distinguished Comac regarding sustainability issues.
Each of these machines was subjected to a detailed analysis to measure the environmental impact deriving from climate-altering gas (GHG) emissions in order to understand their role in the context of climate change. An initiative that goes beyond regulatory compliance, demonstrating Comac’s willingness to actively contribute to environmental sustainability and offer eco-friendly solutions for the cleaning challenges of the future. This commitment not only confirms the company’s environmental responsibility but also makes these cleaning machines suitable for participation in tenders where environmental requirements are mandatory. In Italy, for example, the ISO 14067 certification for the quantification of the product’s climate footprint is one of the rewarding criteria described in the CAM, also known as Criteri Ambientali Minimi, which define the technical environmental requirements in the phases of the purchasing process of the Public Administration.
Comac floor scrubbers with Carbon Footprint
The range of Comac floor scrubbers included in the Carbon Footprint calculation increases year by year. This is because Comac has understood that “the more you measure, the more you improve.” To date, 24 floor scrubbers are included, both walk-behind and ride-on models:
CS700: the first Comac sweeper with Carbon Footprint
CS700 is the first sweeper to be included in the Carbon Footprint calculation. Including a sweeper in the calculation of Comac’s product carbon footprint has allowed us to also reflect on this market segment. Analyzing the climate footprint of the CS700 not only provides us with concrete data on the environmental impact of this category but also offers a clear perspective on how we can improve and innovate in the future. This allows us to design future sweepers while considering what emerged from the calculation, in order to offer increasingly sustainable and efficient products. Every aspect, from material selection to the production phase, is now analyzed with more information and characterized by a deeper awareness of environmental implications.
Comac machines included in the CFI – Carbon Footprint Italy
For transparent communication, Comac has chosen to enroll four floor scrubbers and one sweeper in the Carbon Footprint Italy program. CFI is the Italian program dedicated to communicating the results of quantifying greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from products and organizations. In a market saturated with brands and labels, where it is often difficult to distinguish genuine sustainable operations from greenwashing strategies, registration in the CFI program plays a key role. This registration allows Comac to affix the label directly to each of the five enrolled machines, providing customers with detailed information and ensuring the authenticity of the climate footprint data. Therefore, the Vispa EVO, Antea 50 BT CB, Innova Comfort 85 B, C85 Essential floor scrubbers, and the CS700 B sweeper can carry the CFI product label.
Constant commitment to providing sustainable cleaning solutions
Moving towards sustainability is no longer just a goal, but a necessity, a commitment that must be constant. Comac is proud to be among the first companies in the industry to have embarked on this journey, demonstrating that sustainability is not only an ethical issue but also an innovative solution that brings benefits for the environment and for business success. Moving towards a sustainable future requires continuous collaboration among companies, consumers, and regulatory bodies. Comac is ready to be an active part of this collaboration, constantly innovating and adopting the best practices to ensure a positive impact on the planet and for future generations. Stay with us, because Comac’s future commitment to sustainability is a constant journey that we want to continue sharing with you all.
This post is also available in: Italian