The Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) and Optera have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at developing a tool for scope 3, Category 11 Use of Sold Products emissions reporting. As part of this collaboration, Optera, a provider of carbon management software, will be responsible for creating and managing the Direct-Use Product Emissions Database (DPED).

A press release jointly issued by both parties revealed that the DPED is being designed to fill in gaps in reporting and align with the methods retailers use to measure, compare and communicate greenhouse gas emissions of direct-use products. These products include appliances, electronics and outdoor power equipment. The database is slated for release in March 2024.

The press release further explained that initially, the DPED solution will support consistent and comparable scope 3 emissions reporting at the product category level. However, RILA and Optera envisage the DPED evolving into a self-sustaining tool applicable across other industries and various use cases at the individual product level.

According to the same press release, Lowe’s, Target and seven other RILA members have identified challenges and opportunities related to scope 3, Category 11 reporting. These companies are actively collaborating with industry members and Optera on developing the DPED.

"The lack of consistent and comparable product use emissions data has been a longstanding challenge, and we're excited to leverage Optera's expertise in this field to develop a database solution to a key portion of this challenge," said Erin Hiatt, Vice President of RILA.

"For many retailers, the bulk of their greenhouse gas emissions come from consumers using the products they sell. From lawnmowers to kitchen appliances, retailers need a consistent way to evaluate the emissions impact of their products," stated Tim Weiss, CEO of Optera.