---
title: Discover how Yearly and Total Carbon Costs redefine real impact
description: "Beyond Carbon Footprint: How should we measure true sustainability and Carbon cost? Get the accurate picture of your corporate climate action and finances."
---

[News and insights: Rejoose on Carbon Data & Sustainable IT ](https://rejoose.com/news-insights-rejoose-carbon-data)

# [Discover how Yearly and Total Carbon Costs redefine real impact](https://rejoose.com/news-insights-rejoose-carbon-data/discover-how-yearly-and-total-carbon-costs-redefine-real-impact)

 Skrevet af [Rejoose](https://rejoose.com/news-insights-rejoose-carbon-data/author/rejoose) | Jun 10, 2025 7:03:01 AM

#### **Beyond Carbon Footprint: How should we measure true sustainability?**

When evaluating IT products, or any product, really, we often default to one simple metric: **carbon footprint per unit**. But is that enough? Let’s put this to the test.

 

##### Imagine you’re choosing between three products:

- **Product A:** 250kg CO2e, lasts **3 years**
- **Product B:** 300kg CO2e, lasts **5 years**
- **Product C:** 350kg CO2e, lasts **6 years**

At first glance, **Product A** seems like the best choice, it has the lowest carbon footprint. 

 

But what happens when we factor in **Yearly Carbon Cost (YCC)** CO₂ emissions spread over the product's lifetime?

 

**YCC Calculation:**

- **Product A:** 250kg CO₂e / **3 years** = **83.3 kg CO₂e per year**
- **Product B:** 300kg CO₂e / **5 years** = **60 kg CO₂e per year**
- **Product C:** 350kg CO₂e / **6 years** = **58.3 kg CO₂e per year**

**Now, the lowest-carbon option is Product C!**

 

##### But should we stop there? Let’s add another layer: **vendor responsibility.**

##### **How do the vendors operate?**

**Vendor A:** Highly committed to ESG

- Uses 100% renewable energy in manufacturing 
- Transparent carbon reporting & third-party audits 
- Strong DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion) initiatives 
- Circular economy focus—offers repair, reuse, and recycling 

**Vendor B:** Also responsible, with strong commitments

- Reducing emissions with energy-efficient factories 
- Regular sustainability reporting 
- Investing in workforce diversity & fair labor practices 
- Works towards product longevity & repairability 

**Vendor C:** Only does the basics

- Meets regulatory minimums but **lacks real ambition** 
- No clear ESG targets or transparency 
- No engagement in diversity, ethical supply chains, or sustainable practices 
- Low carbon footprint on paper—but at what cost?

 

**Which product is now the best choice? **

 

> **Lesson:** Sustainability isn’t one-dimensional. If we only look at a single number, we risk making poor choices. The **Total Carbon Cost (TCC)** and **Yearly Carbon Cost (YCC)** give us a more accurate picture, just as we evaluate cost, performance, and quality in financial decisions.

 

[Se hele indlægget](https://rejoose.com/news-insights-rejoose-carbon-data/discover-how-yearly-and-total-carbon-costs-redefine-real-impact)

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