Much of the current regulations around the world began as metrics to achieve reductions in oil consumption. They adopted miles per gallon (kilometers per liter), measured in equivalent tailpipe grams of CO2 per mile (kilometer) as the means to achieve these reductions. It was the right approach to achieve the stated objective. However, extending that same metric toward the new objectives for reducing greenhouse gas emissions may result in unintended consequences.
A better way of measuring automotive GHG emissions is by using life-cycle assessment (LCA), which takes into account all of the emissions created during the life of a product from raw material production to product end-of-life. WorldAutoSteel is committed to advocating life cycle assessment’s inclusion in the development of vehicle emissions regulations around the globe. We feel it’s the right thing to do for the planet. Learn more at worldautosteel.org/life-cycle-thinking/