The main results of the Environmental Handprint project:

• The methods of handprint for water, nutrient, air quality and resource efficiency
• The company-level carbon handprint method
• The handprint method of the project

The environmental handprint methods are described in more detail in the updated guide [PDF].

The environmental handprint methodology was founded on Carbon Handprint approach, which was developed in Carbon handprint project during 2016 – 2018. The purpose of the Environmental Handprint project was to expand from carbon to other environmental impacts and from product to company-level. The environmental handprint approaches were founded on the standardized life cycle assessment method as far as possible and provide a framework for identifying environmental impacts in the operating environment. The project was carried out in close cooperation between VTT, LUT University and companies.

Organizations can use handprints to quantify the positive environmental impacts that their customers can achieve by using products or services organizations are offering. The handprint can thus serve as a powerful tool in communications and marketing. By conducting handprint assessments, a company can also find out how their product qualifies in comparison to baseline products. Handprints can therefore also support decision-making and lifelong product design. Company-level handprint allows to assess and communicate the positive impacts of organizations.