This article describes how to calculate PCF according to VDMA guidelines in Tanso. The steps refer to typical mechanical engineering products (e.g. machine tools), but can be applied to other machines. Select the machine and break down all relevant materials by weight. The following are required for a VDMA-compliant calculation:
Step 1: Identify materials
Control cabinet (total weight in kg/t)
All motors (total weight in kg/t)
Remaining materials in kg/t
At least 80% of the material volume must be allocated individually
The remaining max. 20% can be added together later
Typical in mechanical engineering: cast iron, steel, aluminium
💡 Hint: The sum of the control cabinet + motors + at least 80% residual material results in the mandatory VDMA material basis.
Step 2: Prepare the bill of materials (BOM)
Create an import file for later BOM transfer in Tanso. The file should contain:
Material description
Unit (kg/t)
Material weight
Optional: Transport information
Step 3: Add transport
For each material entry, as well as switch cabinets and motors, add the transport information:
Means of transport (e.g. Euro 6 truck, rail, ship)
Transport distance in kilometres
💡 Waste does not need to be included according to the VDMA standard; the column remains empty.
Step 4: Create PCF & import BOM
Create a new PCF in Tanso
Then upload it to the prepared bill of materials (BOM)
Step 5: Assign emission factors
Control cabinet: Filter by VDMA in the emission factor database and assign the appropriate VDMA emission factor
Engines: Also search the VDMA emissions factor database and assign the engine emissions factor
Min. 80% Materials: Assign individual emissions factors to these materials as usual (e.g., steel, cast iron, aluminum).
If the material coverage is <100%, the missing portion (max. 20%) will be added later using a user-defined emission factor.
80% emissions in kgCO2e / 80% residual materials in kg = user-defined emission factor for residual material
From this, create a user-defined emission factor > Other
➡️ If, for example, 87% residual materials, add only 13% accordingly
Remaining 20% (or less) of materials in kg → Enter the weight of the remaining material and assign the user-defined emission factor from the above calculation.
⚠️ According to the VDMA guideline, a 15% safety margin should now be added. We do not recommend doing this to increase the accuracy of your PCF calculation.
Step 6: Transport and production processes
Assign the appropriate transport factor for each material as usual and insert the production processes via CCF Sync. Alternatively, this can also be done manually.