Behind the scenes: What we learned from calculating the carbon footprint of GT5000 Terra

When we first set out to calculate the carbon footprint of the GT5000 Terra, our primary goal was transparency. But the process brought something more: a clearer understanding of how to build more sustainable practices into our everyday operations. 

Here are the key lessons we learned from calculations. 

 

A company-wide effort 

The project quickly turned into a collaborative effort that involved nearly every department. Collecting the necessary data required input from across the organization, and it quickly became clear that simply knowing where to find the right information, and how to store it, would be one of the biggest challenges. 

As Ulla Kosonen, our QE Manager explains, data collection was a major hurdle but also a turning point that helped us build a more structured approach for the future. 

Building the tools for future success 

To bring clarity and consistency to the process, we partnered with Metropolia University of Applied Sciences and Green Carbon to create a tailored Excel-based template. What started as a project-specific solution has since evolved into a reusable tool, one that we now rely on to streamline future carbon footprint assessments. 

Better collaboration, better data 

One of the key learnings was the value of cross-functional collaboration. Sustainability cuts across procurement, R&D, logistics, production, and beyond. At the same time, it became clear that well-structured data management is essential for making environmental calculations more efficient and accurate. 

Supporting our climate commitments 

The benefits of this project didn’t end with the final carbon figure. The groundwork we laid now supports our Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi) reporting, helping us meet climate goals with real, verifiable data. With this system in place, we’re better equipped to assess and reduce the lifecycle emissions of other products as well. 

Customers play a key role 

One of the most striking insights was how much the product’s use phase contributes to overall emissions. In the case of the GT5000 Terra, customer usage accounts for the majority of its footprint, but it also presents the greatest opportunity for reduction. When powered with renewable electricity, the device’s carbon footprint can be reduced by up to 70%. 

Also, thanks to the use of renewable electricity and heating at Gasmet’s production facilities in Finland, we discovered that only 16% of total emissions come from the production phase. 

Looking ahead 

What started as a footprint calculation evolved into something bigger, refining how we manage sustainability internally. The tools, structures, and mindsets developed during this process will continue to shape our environmental efforts going forward. 

Read the full carbon footprint breakdown in our article:
Unveiling the Carbon Footprint of GT5000 Terra – A Step Towards Transparency.