Following the launch of the pilot of the PCF data-sharing solution in 2023, TfS releases the PCF Data Model. The Data Model is a detailed and technical document describing how the PCF should be reported and shared in the TfS PCF sharing solution in terms of data attributes, nomenclature and formatting.

TfS and its 51 member companies continue their mission to equip the chemical sector with the tools it needs to decarbonise the industry. Following the launch of the PCF Guideline, a standardised way to calculate GHG emissions at product level, TfS kicked off a pilot of the TfS PCF data-sharing solution enabled by Siemens’ SiGreen software. The sharing solution will allow suppliers to share at scale comparable upstream PCF data with their customers in a secure and confidential environment. The sharing solution creates efficiencies within companies’ reporting processes and drives the sector forward to achieve its shared goals. It will make it easier for businesses to conduct cross-industry comparisons and compile and manage their emissions across all three scopes.

TfS PCF Data Model: how to report and exchange PCF data

As a next step, TfS publishes its PCF Data Model that helps suppliers prepare for the use of the TfS PCF data-sharing solution. The document describes how PCFs should be reported in terms of data fields, nomenclature and formatting. It describes the data aspect model according to which PCF data shall be exchanged compliant with the TfS PCF Guideline for the chemical industry. The document further details, expands and supersedes the attribute list previously contained in the TfS PCF Guideline for the chemical industry (Table 5.20 in section §5.3.2, in version 2.0), and in all following versions, it will be managed as a separate cross-linked document.

In essence, the PCF Data Model provides detailed information on which attributes should be reported alongside the PCF values, to give customers the necessary contextual information for better data interpretation. The purpose of the TfS PCF Data Model is to define the information that suppliers need to provide along with PCF values. Apart from the PCF value, additional information is required to facilitate the interpretation and validation of PCF data and to provide essential details for quantifying PCFs further down the value chain.

The PCF Data Model is a tool that allows the chemical industry to improve efficiencies in PCF reporting. By avoiding the proliferation of non-standardised company-specific data queries and formats, suppliers of chemical materials can greatly simplify the efforts associated with exchanging PCF data.

In Q1 2024, TfS will complete the pilot of the TfS PCF sharing solution and if successful, it will be rolled out to TfS members and suppliers in Q2. Thanks to the publication of the PCF Data Model, companies can prepare and familiarise themselves with the PCF data attributes.