U.S. patent application number 11/887048 was filed with the patent office on 2008-08-28 for integrated system, device and use thereof.
Invention is credited to Jari Natunen.
Application Number | 20080208486 11/887048 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 37067186 |
Filed Date | 2008-08-28 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080208486 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Natunen; Jari |
August 28, 2008 |
Integrated System, Device and Use Thereof
Abstract
An integrated data-system, a personal device for the system, and
methods for operating the system are provided. Means and technology
for providing quantitative information about products are supplied.
A key function of the system is to provide information about
product-based emissions, such as carbon dioxide emissions.
Inventors: |
Natunen; Jari; (Vantaa,
FI) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BUCHANAN, INGERSOLL & ROONEY PC
POST OFFICE BOX 1404
ALEXANDRIA
VA
22313-1404
US
|
Family ID: |
37067186 |
Appl. No.: |
11/887048 |
Filed: |
March 23, 2006 |
PCT Filed: |
March 23, 2006 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/FI2006/050112 |
371 Date: |
October 3, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
702/30 ;
705/1.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 30/00 20130101;
G06Q 20/202 20130101; G06Q 30/0601 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
702/30 ;
705/1 |
International
Class: |
G01N 31/00 20060101
G01N031/00 |
Claims
1. A system for obtaining information about indirect property of a
product comprising a personal PECD-device containing i. an account
for cumulative balance for the information about the indirect
property; ii. A PED database in PECD-device and/or means for
contacting an external PED, the PED database containing information
about the indirect property normalized per product unit; iii. means
for calculating cumulative balance values about the indirect
property and iv. an optional external PED-database.
2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system further
comprises connections to one, two or three of systems selected from
the group of i. a shop emission interface SEI, for obtaining
electronic information about a product identity or PED data, and/or
ii. a personal emission trade interface (PETI) for compensation of
the indirect effect, and iii. other PECD devices.
3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the system comprises
the PED database and all three connections there recited.
4. The system according to claim 1, wherein said indirect property
is greenhouse gas emission associated with the specific
product.
5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the system is
programmed to perform automated or semi automated shopping based on
preset criteria about indirect property and optionally other
criteria such as price of the product.
6. A PECD device, wherein the device comprises optionally one or
several of the following connections: i. a shop emission interface
and/or ii. a personal emission trade interface (PETI) iii. a PED
database iv. a connection for product connected data, preferably a
bar code scanning or RFID reading device and/or v. a connection to
other PECD devices, preferably in the same household.
7. The PECD device according to claim 6, wherein the device
comprises at least a connection to: i. a shop emission interfaces
and/or ii. a personal emission trade interface (PET), and/or iii. a
PED database.
8. The PECD device according to claim 6, wherein the device
comprises all of the connections there recited.
9. The PECD device according to claim 6, wherein the device
comprises a program for performing automated or semi automated
shopping based on preset criteria about indirect property and
optionally other criteria.
10. The PECD device according to claim 6, wherein the device
comprises means for obtaining information from quantitative product
marks.
11. A method for obtaining information about an indirect property
of a product comprising the steps of: 1) contacting a PED database,
2) transferring the data to PECD device, and 3) displaying the data
normalized with regard to an Aim level.
12. Method according to the claim 11, wherein an external PED
device is contacted, the indirect property is greenhouse gas
emission associated with the specific product, and the PED database
contains individual product data (IPD) and individual product group
information (IPGI).
13. Method according to the claim 11, comprising the step of using
product connected data.
14. A method for buying a product comprising an indirect effect
comprising the steps of: 1) obtaining product information according
to claim 11, 2) contacting the SEI of the shop, and 3) optionally
obtaining further PED data from the PED database.
15. The method according to claim 11, further involving the use of
a quantitative product mark (QMP).
16. The system according to claim 1, further involving the use of a
quantitative product mark (QMP).
17. A method of indicating an indirect benefit related to a product
by labelling the product with a quantitative product mark.
18. Method according to the claim 17, wherein the product mark is a
quantitative and demonstrative product mark.
19. Method according to the claim 18, wherein the indirect benefit
of the product is an ethical benefit or an ethical and practical
benefit.
20. Method according to the claim 19, wherein the benefit is
related to working conditions of the workers producing said product
or the benefit is an environmental benefit.
21. Method according to the claim 20 when the mark is an
environmental mark directed to reduction of green house gas
emissions.
22. The PECD device according claim 7, wherein the device comprises
means for obtaining information from quantitative product
marks.
23. The PECD device according to claim 8, wherein the device
comprises means for obtaining information from quantitative product
marks.
24. The PECD device according to claim 9, wherein the device
comprises means for obtaining information from quantitative product
marks.
25. A method for buying a product comprising an indirect effect
comprising the steps of: 1) obtaining product information according
to claim 12, 2) contacting the SEI of the shop, and 3) optionally
obtaining further PED data from the PED database.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention describes a novel integrated data-system, a
personal device for the system, and methods for operating the
system. The invention produces means and technology for providing
quantitative information about products. A key function of the
system is to provide information about product-based emissions,
such as carbon dioxide emissions.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Greenhouse Effect as a Major Technical Environmental Problem
[0002] Greenhouse effect (GHE) is the major global threat to the
future of mankind. Warming climate causes e.g. changing weather
conditions including increasing number of the strongest storms such
as hurricanes, drought, floods and rising sea level. The severity
of problems caused by the greenhouse effect may vary time to time
depending on location, but local conditions, such as hurricane
Katrina in autumn 2005 bringing the sea to Saint Louis, have major
impact on the global economy and welfare of all people.
[0003] GHE is technical problem caused by increase of greenhouse
gasses in the atmosphere. Key greenhouse gasses (GHG) include e.g.
carbon dioxide, CO.sub.2, and methane. It is known, that stopping
the increase of these gasses in the atmosphere would prevent the
problem from escalating. However, so far the measures for
preventing the greenhouse effect have not been successful, as not
all countries have taken measures against it. Newly industrializing
countries may consider that their industries cannot carry the costs
of reducing the emission and the increasing cost of production of
goods for rich western economies. On the other hand the consumers
using the goods should carry the cost of the specific consumption
and may be more able to do that than the industries under hard
competition. Currently the European efforts in reducing the
GHG-emissions on industry level has partially lead to movement of
industries to developing countries outside of Kyoto-protocol
regions and even increase of emissions due to e.g. increased
transport.
[0004] Currently there is no system that would give 1) exact and
comparable information about the product level GHG-emission of
numerous products to consumer and 2) display it in an easily
understandable form and 3) allow effective personal level trading
of green house gas emissions. Without these means the individual
persons would not be able to control their share of the problem,
and would not be able to effectively support sustainable
production. The frustrated consumers may close their eyes for the
difficult problem, or radically stop consumption of also products,
which have not real effect on GHE or even developed including low
or no emission, leading to non-effective reduction of GHG, economic
recession and even decrease ability cope with the problem.
[0005] It is further realized that many people would be interested
in getting useful information about product associated emission,
especially GHG-emission beside possibly managing and controlling
personal GHG-emissions. Families and house holds would also be
interested in learning and educating each other about their
consumption and possible voluntary system a) for allocation of the
emission burden between family members and intrafamily/household
exchange of excess Daily Allowance units (novel demonstrative unit
for acceptable emission levels) or b) for combined management of
the GHG-emission of whole group. The PECD-device and PED-database
provide useful new information devices giving new views on everyday
products and services.
Novel Integrated Personal Emission Control System (IPECS)
[0006] The present invention represents a technical solution of the
problem of emission, preferably GHE and similar problem related to
indirect effects of products. The Integrated Personal Emission
Control System (IPECS) includes devices and methods for 1)
allocating the costs of GHE to individual products and 2)
delivering information of the costs allowing the consumers to
select products with low emissions and compensate emission caused
by their consumption. The system supports the producers of low
emission products allowing sustainable product development. The
invention uses computer technology, internet and personal smaller
"calculator" devices such as mobile stations or devices. These
would allow a consumer control use of his or her personal emission
portion, which is an acceptable daily level of greenhouse gasses
caused by personal consumption. The system further includes
possibility for trade of GHG-emissions between IPECS and with
global GHG-emission trade systems.
[0007] A technological analogy of the present system is ABS-brake
system in which computer system is used for delivering information
about tire conditions to allow effective braking without loosing
control of steering. The present invention uses computer technology
for accurate delivery of information to consumers about
GHG-emissions of numerous individual products. The system would
allow and guide consumers to cost effectively and wisely "brake"
his or her product associated emissions, without causing additional
economic problems or even worsening the problem. The system would
further have an educational function and deliver information to
producers.
[0008] It is realized that the system can be used for control of
various environmental or other "indirect properties" associated
with various products. Beside GHG-emissions also other pollution
and/or emissions can be analyzed per product and compared with an
allowable level and communicated to consumers according to the
invention with a possible compensation mechanism if possible to be
arranged. The invention is specifically directed to control of
"indirect properties", which indicates properties of a product,
which is not easily observable from the product and which do not
essentially affect the direct usefulness of the product, such as
emission of gas or other chemical causing negative effect on
environment and/or people. The invention is further directed to
control of properties related to "multi-individual effects"
including "regional multi-individual effects" or "global
multi-individual effects" problems, such as pollution effects
associated with products, most preferably "global multi-individual
effects" such as GHE.
[0009] It is further realized that the system according to the
invention could be used for simultaneous control of multiple
environmental and other problems when these are summed using weight
factors of each component problems, so that weight factors indicate
the comparative effect of each problem to the individual and the
sum value is preferably normalized to recommendable maximal dose of
combined problems. The present invention is especially directed to
control of the greenhouse effect when the individual greenhouse
gasses associated with a product are summed using a weight factor
indicating the effect of each individual gas on the increase of
GHE.
[0010] Certain mobile and/or computer systems have been developed
for communication of nutrition related or other direct usefulness
information about various food products. The unusual nature of the
product information of the present invention sets novel requirement
for an effective system handling such information. In contrast to
previous systems the present invention is effective for example in
handling product information with the following
characteristics:
[0011] 1) Indirect properties of products. Due to indirect nature
of the information, for example ethical or emission data, which are
usually not directly observable from the product, the communication
to consumers should be demonstrative and easy to understand in
context of a product. This is especially supported by simple
demonstrative presentation formats as e.g. Daily Allowance and
Quantitative Product Marks, and/or
[0012] 2) Multi-individual effects such as emissions associated
with the products. The present invention allows e.g. compensation
of the negative effect in Personal Emission Trading Interface
(PETI) communication between PECD-devices and pooling emissions
between family members, and/or
[0013] 3) The effects which have cumulative effects such as
pollution, especially GHE, this solved e.g. by establishing longer
term Emission Balance, possibility to compare products and endorse
effective products and PETI and/or
[0014] 4) Effects having an impact on numerous product types,
preferably all product types, practically even all products, this
is solved e.g. a) by standardization of the problem as part of an
Aim Level such as Daily Allowance and by a b) Product emission
database (PED), which allows effective production of data also on
average levels allowing comparison between different product types
and groups. It is clear that exact data from all possible products
is very difficult to obtain, as there is by far over then thousand
common food products in major shops in Finland, for example, but
the system works effectively even with more rough average type
information, Individual Product Group Information (IPGI). The IGPI
would allow setting up the system and refining it later.
[0015] An example of the information with such properties is
emissions of GHGs, which would not be observable directly from the
product (and usual product information does not include anything
about this), it effects cumulatively all people and it is
associated with practically all possible products in contrast to
other product qualities.
[0016] It is also clear for example that nutritional factors affect
mainly the consumer of the product (and only in case of food) and
do not have major multi-individual effects at least on regional
and/or global level. The rationale of spreading of nutritional or
other traditional product quality indicators is to describe the
product and its direct usefulness to customer, while the present
invention adds new dimensions to the product information.
[0017] The invention is further directed to effective communication
of the GHE-problem (and like) on product level in a form, which is
normalized to sustainable level of consumption, and represented in
form, which allows comparison of numerous different products.
[0018] The present invention is directed to methods for delivering
effectively quantitative information related to indirect beneficial
or effects related to products offered for customers or
consumers.
[0019] The term product or goods here is in separate embodiments
directed to material products, and/or service products including
providing or using material products and/or pure service products.
Shop refers to any physical or virtual place from which a customer
may buy or order any product.
Product Mark Background
[0020] Numerous environmental marks are known and used for
labelling products with potential environmental benefit. These
marks are used for labelling only the best products fulfilling
certain standards and they are not effective in demonstrating
negative effects of products, which are not fulfilling the
standard. Trademark Climate cool is a good example of this
development. The quantitative product mark allows showing the
quantitative positive or negative effect of a product. This would
allow customers to compare products even when immediate complete
improvement of the product is not possible or would be difficult.
The mark would allow benefit for responsible producers even when
the indirect property is not completely improved.
[0021] On the other hand negative product marking is used with
harmful products with direct negative health effects to the
customer, an example of this is disease information, comprising
labelling of cigarettes in the European union. Another example is
labelling of food products with health recommendations, for example
about how much to use of daily. These marks do not include simple
quantitative symbols according to the invention. These marks are
directed to direct health properties of the material consumed and
thus are related with much simpler problem in communicating the
problem to the customer.
[0022] Related to the second major embodiment, certain
international-standards at least include information of working
conditions of employees. Such marking does not demonstrate the
indirect benefit or disadvantage for the customer nor present a
quantitative effect allowing gradual development of the products.
Furthermore the quantitative labour mark according to the present
invention would preferably contain information about salary levels
of the worker producing the product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0023] FIG. 1. shows the key components of the IPECS system. The
key communication processes between the units are marked by
numbers.
[0024] FIG. 2. shows an example of buying process by PECD.
[0025] FIG. 3. shows an example of a Cloud environment mark
concept.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The invention is directed to multi-component system called
IPECS, which can be integrated with and include special
Quantitative Product Marks (QPM). Key structures of IPECS,
especially Personal Emission Control Device (PECD), may be also
used separately. The system provides effectively quantitative
information about product based indirect properties, especially
environmental factors such as green house gas emissions.
[0027] The invention is also directed to a system for obtaining
information about indirect property of a product comprising a
personal PECD-device containing an account for cumulative balance
for the information about the indirect property; a PED database in
a PECD-device and/or means for contacting an external PED, the PED
database containing information about the indirect property
normalized per product unit, means for calculating cumulative
balance values about the indirect property and an optional external
PED-database. The system preferably further comprises connections
to one, two or three of systems selected from the group of a shop
emission interface SEI, for obtaining electronic information about
a product identity or PED data, and/or a personal emission trade
interface (PETI) for compensation of the indirect effect and
connections to other PECD devices, preferably in the same
household. The system is preferably programmed to perform automated
or semi automated shopping based on preset criteria about indirect
property and optionally other criteria such as price of the
product.
[0028] The invention is also directed to a PECD device, wherein the
device comprises optionally one or several of the following
connections; to a shop emission interface and/or to a personal
emission trade interface (PETI), and/or to a PED database and/or a
connection for product connected data, preferably a bar code
scanning or RFID reading device and/or a connection to other PECD
devices, preferably in the same household.
Integrated Personal Emission Control System (IPECS)
[0029] The present invention is in a preferred embodiment directed
to Integrated Personal Emission Control System (IPECS). The IPECS
includes beside the "Core Inventions" of Personal Emission Control
Device (PECD) and Product Emission Database (PED) further preferred
interfaces to parties in "Emission Trading", which indicates
organizations trading with greenhouse gas emission rights such as
the World Bank, "Production", which means production of goods and
"Markets" meaning shops/market places selling goods (services
and/or products). In a preferred embodiment the IPECS includes the
Core Inventions and at least one interface to Emission Trading
(APLCP and/or SCP), Markets (SEI, QMP) and Production (PIP, QMP).
In a more preferred embodiment the interface is to Markets or to
Emission Trading and even more preferably both of these, and even
more preferably the IPECS includes interfaces to both of them and
most preferably the IPECS includes all three interfaces to Emission
Trading, Markets and Production.
Personal Emission Control Device (PECD)
[0030] Personal Emission Control Device (PECD) is a computer device
or a group of computer devices, which includes at least means for
following operations [0031] 1) Contacting PED and obtaining
individual product information from the Product Emission Database
(PED), and at least one of following operations 2) or 3) [0032] 2)
a) Optionally calculating the data as part of Aim Level b) Display
of data as a representation of PED data as part of an "Aim Level"
such as "Daily Allowance Level", [0033] 3) Calculating "Emission
Balance" based PED-data obtained about the goods (products and/or
services) bought and/or consumed
[0034] More preferably PECD includes at least means for the
following operations [0035] 1) Contacting a PED and obtaining
individual product information from the Product Emission Database
(PED), [0036] 2) Display of data as a representation of PED data as
a portion of an "Aim Level" such as the "Daily Allowance Level",
and Optional display of comparative product data including PED data
as a portion of the Aim Level, [0037] 3) Optional interactions with
Shop Data Interface (SDI), preferably a Shop Emission Interface
(SEI) selected from the group of [0038] a) Optional display of
comparative product data including PED data as a portion the Aim
Level, such as the Daily Allowance, [0039] b) Optional and/or
parallel electronic means for performing purchase of good(s)
preferably by mobile shopping/money transfer interface such as a
WAP-system. [0040] In a preferred embodiment the purchase is
automatic or semiautomatic based on selected criteria for PED
data-levels considered acceptable by the consumer. The shopping
system compares the individual PED values of the products and
selects one or several products fulfilling the criteria. In the
fully automated versions the automated comparison operation may
replace the previous operation 2), display of data. [0041] c)
Optional transfer of product information, preferably PED-data, from
the Shop Data Interface [0042] 4) Calculating "Emission Balance"
based PED-data obtained about the goods (products and/or services)
bought and/or consumed [0043] 5) Storing the Emission Balance in an
"Account of Personal Emission Balance", which may be located in
PECD or [0044] a) optionally including the step of contacting
Personal Emission Trade Interface and [0045] b) storing information
about the balance there and [0046] c) further giving order for
compensation of total or part of the balance [0047] d) paying for
the compensation service, preferably online through the Internet.
The invention is further directed to method of operating PECD by
performing the steps described above.
Preferred Formats of PECD-Devices
[0048] Preferably the PECD is included in a consumer mobile
electronic device such as a mobile phone, mobile shopping device,
MP3 player, game device, radio, mobile TV, camera, computer,
handheld computer, watch, music player, video game, electric
notebook or diary, health device measuring a health parameter such
as hearth rate and/or steps taken, calculator, or currency
calculator or combination thereof. The invention is further
directed to electronic shopping devices, which include PECD as the
only or major function, preferably major function of the device.
The invention is further directed to PECD as the major function of
a device and the device optionally includes other functions such as
any of the mobile device functions described above. In a preferred
embodiment PECD is included as an individual service package or
program in the device. More preferably the PECD service is included
as a service package in a mobile station.
[0049] It is further realized that the PECD may be included in a
non-mobile computer system or server such as (home) personal
computer, or an outside computer system such as a shop computer or
a computer managing PECD belonging to a separate organization,
preferably to organization managing or in connection with a
PETI-system. In that case the consumer may perform operations at
home or use a mobile connection to the non-mobile computer.
[0050] In case the PECD is located in a shop computer, the
operations may be performed automatically for example after the
consumer has been identified in connection with a purchase. The
shop may further provide computer interfaces for checking status of
the Emission Balance. In a preferred embodiment the shop provides
cumulative PED information, preferably Emission Balance when
reporting other purchase related data to the customer such as an
account status when the customer has a money account at the shop
and/or when reporting bonus status of a customer belonging to a
bonus program or club or the like. The shop PECD system may be
located in or connected to a cash register machine or system and
PECD operations may be performed in connection to a SEI-system
producing data about items purchased by a consumer. It is realized
that personal PECD systems are preferred unless the PECD service
and storage in a personal account such as an account in PETI system
is available from all shops and preferably also from personal
computer or other personal display method.
[0051] When a separate organization managing centrally PECD for
example in connection with PETI (or part of it) the consumer has an
electronic connection, preferably a mobile connection, to the
PECD-computer. The consumer contacts the computer and is identified
automatically based on the connection or by separate electronic
means and/or gives identification information after which the
operations may be performed. The consumer give identification/PECD
information in context of purchase at a shop and shop may manually
or preferably automatically transfer the information to a central
PECD device and associated account such as an account in a PETI
system.
[0052] It is further realized that the PED database or a (current)
version of it may be stored in a PECD device or computer used by
the customer. This is preferred especially when the consumer prefer
savings in potential connection costs. In a preferred embodiment
the database is stored as IPGI information in the mobile PECD
device.
[0053] The product group information will allow operations but
requires less memory capacity for the mobile device.
Calculator
[0054] The calculator part of the PECD is used with calculations
and transformations of PED-data (IGPI and IPD).
Calculation of Emission Balance
[0055] The major calculation operation is calculation of Emission
Balance. The preferred PED-data is preferably represented as or
transformed to a percent value of the Daily Allowance level. The
emission balance is calculated by subtracting (minus operation) an
individual emission value from the Daily Allowance. The values of
emissions may be given as normalized values.
Representing the PED Data as Daily Allowance
[0056] When green house gases and/or other environmental problems
are measured the exact amount of harmful environmental effect,
preferably amount of green house gasses is associated with
production or use of a specified product, may be presented as
"daily allowance of greenhouse emission" or here briefly Daily
Allowance.
[0057] For material or products consumed on a daily basis the daily
allowance is preferably calculated as a relation of emission
produced for a single product in relation to a globally sustainable
emission level per person per day calculated as relative value,
preferably as percent (%), 100% thus corresponding to full level.
Current estimates by UN recommend a 60% reduction of green house
gas emissions. The sustainable daily emissions would currently then
be 0.40 multiplied by total global emissions per the total number
of world population per day.
[0058] The daily allowance for a product that is useful for a
longer time than a day, the "long term daily allowance" is
preferably calculated dividing the daily allowance of a single
long-term product by the number of days the product is useful on
average. The long-term daily allowance mark information should
contain the period of time over which is counted. The period of
long-term daily allowance may be presented as days or as days,
months and years, when preferably a month is calculated as 30 days
and year is calculated as 360 days.
[0059] In another embodiment the daily emissions of a product are
calculated as 10 grams/kilograms per product of emissions after
emissions are calculated as average green house gas, preferably as
carbon dioxide, based on the scientifically evaluated effect of the
various greenhouse gasses. The weight based daily emissions are
more concrete, but would require time-based evaluation by customer
and would not be as demonstrative and easy to use as % presentation
for example in context of a shopping decision.
Method for Calculating Emission Balance from Daily Allowance %
Values for a Group of Persons
[0060] The present invention is directed to calculating Emission
Balance values per single customer/person (personal daily allowance
%-sum) or per consumption unit of several persons such as family,
retirement home for elderly, school or day care centre (consumption
unit daily allowance %-sum). Preferably a person belongs to a
single consumption unit. In case a person belongs to several units
purchasing major green house emission involving products, the
personal Emission Balance may be controlled or allocated to the
personal account by calculating a portion of the person from the
daily allowance percents from all consumption units the person
belongs to and optionally allocating the burden from consumption
unit's Emission Balance personal daily allowance %-sum.
[0061] Preferably the PECD devices include a possibility for
communicating with other PECD devices, the allocations and possible
intra group emission trading can be performed by automated
operations and/or by semiautomatic operations requiring acceptance
by the owner of the device. This is realized so that various units
such as points may be chosen instead of %-units yielding a similar
result, the % considered to be more effective.
Personal Emission Control Device (PECD) for Daily Allowance
Control
[0062] The present invention is further directed to PECD, a
calculator, calculating with Daily Allowance %-values and
optionally transforming one or several consumption units daily
allowances %-value/values to personal daily allowance
%-value/values or vice versa. Preferably the PECD also stores
values. In a preferred embodiment the balance of daily allowance,
Emission Balance value is calculated online, when purchase is
performed. Alternatively Emission Balance can be calculated as the
sum of personal or consumption unit daily allowance % value is
after every day at 24.00 o'clock subtracted from 100%. The positive
value would indicate that part of the daily allowance has been left
over for potential later use, negative value would indicate that
the daily allowance was exceeded and this should be compensated
later. The information may be stored with date for later
consumption evaluation.
Options for Handling Longer Term Emission Balance
Cumulative Balance
[0063] In a preferred embodiment the calculator should save the sum
of the subtracted positive or negative values after every day as
cumulative allowance %. The calculator would preferably change the
cumulative allowance % to time units (days and/or months and/or
years depending on the size of the value, days are obtained by
dividing the cumulative allowance value by 100%). The PECD contains
preferably a specific account named as the Cumulative Balance
Account (CBA), alternatively the information of the Cumulative
Balance can be stored to an account at PETI system, or/and
compensated at PETI system. The consumer may then by manual
operation or automatically for example monthly balance the CBA
account by transferring the excess or deficit amount of daily
allowance to PETI system. It is assumed that the balance for most
persons in industrial countries is negative and that there is a
need for compensation. In a preferred system there is at least a
possibility to compensate the lack Daily Allowance % units in the
PETI system.
[0064] Alternatively the cumulative balance is calculated on line
and at the end of a day at 24 o'clock added to the Daily Allowance
% of the next day (or days) (when part of the allowance was left)
or subtracted from the Daily Allowance % of next day (or days)
(meaning adding negative Emission Balance when allowance was
exceeded previous day). This system may cause negative (or
positive) balance for several days, which may be managed by
transferring to large negative or positive amounts to a specific
account for the Cumulative Balance, alternatively the information
of the Cumulative Balance can be stored to an account at the PETI
system, or/and compensated at the PETI system. The user may decide
how to manage the Cumulative Balance on a daily bases.
Communication
[0065] The PECD communicates preferably with PED, SEI and PETI as
shown in FIG. 1. If the PED database or its smaller version is
included PECD is in a preferred embodiment operated alone, and
preferably using data from product interfaces such as bar codes and
RFID-devices. PECD may be further programmed to communicate
directly with organization providing compensations of green house
gas emissions such as APLCP and SCP according to the FIG. 1.
[0066] The PECD device may be further be programmed to communicate
with other PECD devices. This would allow emission trading and/or
allocation for example between emission balances of persons in the
same family or household. It is realized that part of consumption
such as housing related emissions are often shared between persons.
Such cost may be allocated for example based on data obtained from
an electricity or heating energy bill (invoice). The communication
between PECD devices id further preferably used for trading of
Daily Allowance units obtained by personal operations in reducing
CO.sub.2 from atmosphere, referred to here as Reduction
Efforts.
[0067] The PECD system includes in a preferred mode including
instructions and database for effects of Reduction Efforts and
optional verification service for such operations including growing
plant materials.
Display
[0068] Display means display of data as representation of PED data
as a portion of an "Aim Level" such as "Daily Allowance Level", and
Optional display of comparative product data including PED data as
a portion of the Aim Level.
Data Storage of Personal Emissions
[0069] The PECD devices include data storage possibilities such as
cumulated balance account (CBA) and account for transfer to PETI
services.
Database
[0070] In a preferred embodiment the PEACD includes a current or
smaller version of PED database, for example including the key IGPI
data.
Automated Operations
[0071] The invention reveals novel possibility for automated or
semi automated shopping based on product data, preferably the
preferred product data according to the present invention, more
preferably ethical or emissions data according to the invention. In
a preferred embodiment the purchase is automatic or semiautomatic
based on selected criteria for the data.
[0072] In a preferred embodiment the purchase is automatic or
semiautomatic based on selected criteria for PED data-levels
considered acceptable by the consumer. In these format the shopping
system compares the individual PED values of the products and
selects one or several products fulfilling the criteria. In the
semiautomatic shopping the customer accepts one or several of the
products before the shopping is performed. In the fully automated
versions the automated comparison operation may replace the display
of data step in operating the PECD
Product Emission Database (PED)
Product Based Emission Data
[0073] Green House Gas Emissions from Production and Sales of a
Product
[0074] Preferred methods include evaluation of all green house gas
emissions of a specific product. When evaluating the production
phase, the present invention is directed to total green house
emissions for a specific product. Preferred evaluation includes
evaluation of emissions related to raw materials, transportation
steps, production and sales of the product.
[0075] The present invention is directed to the counting of the
green house gas emissions of a raw material including all emissions
of all possible raw materials used for production of the raw
material. The calculated emissions include all emissions including
transportation and production and possible material based
emissions. The emissions to be calculated are emissions from
non-renewable sources.
[0076] The transportation related emissions include emission from
all transportation related emissions from all raw material and
production and product related transportation. The transportation
steps are preferably included from production of raw materials to
the level of the delivery of the product to the customer.
[0077] In case the product or the production step or a raw material
causes reduction of fossil green house gas emissions or green house
gas emissions from non-renewable sources, the reduction is deducted
from the total emissions of the final product, alternatively the
reduction of emission can be deducted from the emissions of a
specific raw material if the emissions are related to the raw
material, in case the reduction is larger than the non-renewable
emissions related to the raw material, the emissions of the
specific raw material can be calculated as negative emission in
further calculations. Material based emissions include emissions of
material not based on a specific productions step but emissions
spontaneously from a material.
[0078] The evaluation is in a preferred embodiment performed at
pre-decided practical accuracy level, which may be included as
additional information to PED data In practical level analysis of
process steps, which have reasonably small effect are omitted from
the analysis.
Calculation of the Emission Per Product Unit
[0079] The present invention is further directed to calculating the
emissions per product unit. All raw material based emissions are
calculated per product unit based on the amount of a specific raw
material used for the production of end product unit. In the
production phase the raw material emissions may be first calculated
per suitable larger amount of products corresponding to a specific
amount of end product units. For the calculation of a final per
product unit emission, the emission of a larger amount of products
is divided by corresponding number of end product units.
Alternatively all emission may be calculated through out based on
the emission per end product unit. The end product unit is the
single unit amount of product sold to the consumer.
Calculation of the Average Emissions and Relative Emission for
Quantitative Presentation
[0080] The present invention is further directed to a method of
calculating average per product unit emissions for a specific
product. In case there are differences in amounts of products in
product units, the product unit emissions are normalized based on
the amount of products in a common product unit type. The average
emission is calculated as an average of the products available in
the markets based on the regular product unit or normalized product
units. In case there is large variation in emissions and single or
few very high emission products cause bias in the average regular
responsible producers, some of the largest values may be left out
from average or median emissions may be used instead of the average
emissions.
[0081] The present invention is further directed to calculation of
relative emissions of end product in relation to the average or
median emissions of the products in the market. The emissions of
the end product are divided by the average or median emissions of
the similar end products in the market. In a preferred embodiment
the relation is presented as a number with two or three decimals,
or in another embodiment as per cent.
Individual Product Group Information (IPGI)
[0082] Individual Product Group Information means the best
available estimate of general effect per product unit within a
group of similar products when available in similar product units
or the comparable per weight or volume unit (gram, kg, liter,
gallon etc. the unit should chosen as most familiar for the
customer). Preferably the PECD device is programmed to calculate
the emission per product unit when the product unit differs from
the one in database. Additional features are preferred to include
correction based on packaging or transport or like if considered
relevant for the value of specific product. The IGPI value may be
given for example for all products of 1 liter of milk, average
newspaper with about 20 pages or for 300 g candies. The IGPI value
may be selected to be upper limit or average of the estimated
environmental effect, such preferably as GHG-emissions. The PED
data may include information how a specific value of IGPI is
obtained and how accurate it is. It is realized that exact values
can be laborious and difficult to obtain. The IPGI values would
allow development of the system when information is not completely
available for individual products. Furthermore Quantitative Product
Mark classifications would allow advanced producers to show
products better than the IPGI.
Individual Product Data (IPD)
[0083] IPD is individual product emission data, preferably
GHG-emission data, for a specific product per product unit.
Preferably IPD is given as Daily Allowance, but database would
preferably include alternative format as a mount of
CO.sub.2-equivalents (as grams or kg:s for example).
[0084] PED Management
[0085] PED management portal includes access to database and its
parameter and preferably an Internet portal available for operator
of PED. The management portal includes tools for analyzing and
checking data to be included in the database. The PED management
further includes maintenance of the computer system, network and
connections and information available for consumer using the PED
database.
Communication
[0086] PED obtains requests of specific product data from PECD (10,
FIG. 1) and delivers back information about products (11), similar
information (possibly in larger amounts) may be requested and
obtained between SEI and PED (61 and 60) for individual shopping
processes and/or for storage in SEI database. PED data may
transferred to PETI (50 and 51) for example when PETI contains also
PECD/PED or SEI interface, and to PIP (70 and 71) when PIP has for
example SEI services. Connection to PIP (70 and 71) is also used
for transfer raw PED data from PIP.
Information Verification Interface
[0087] In a preferred embodiment the information is at least
partially obtained from producers. The information verification
interface is used for comparison of values of similar products
obtained from different producers for example in form of tables
listing known product steps and corresponding emissions and/or raw
material content of each product.
Estimate Calculation Interface
[0088] The management of PEP also contains automated calculation
devices, which produce estimates of PED based on for example raw
materials content of a product and possible transport costs.
Automated Information Services
[0089] The Information services are preferably automated for
requested by authorized systems. This requires a step of
recognizing authorized system connecting to PED.
Optional Services
[0090] The PED may include synergistic services such as optional
PETI, PECD, and/or SEI Services, if the service producer would have
possibilities and means for such operations.
Database and Computer for the Storage of Data and Calculations
[0091] The present invention is further directed to a database
containing various emissions of production of a single product. The
invention is further directed to automated method for calculating
the per end product emissions based on the calculation per end
product using the database of the emission information and
information how these emissions relate to the amount of end
product. The invention includes further computerized calculation,
preferably automated or semi automated calculation, of the average
emissions and relative emissions.
[0092] In a preferred embodiment the invention is directed to a
database containing information about the average emissions and
relative emission of various products of a specific product type.
Furthermore the present invention is directed to the database
containing the emission information of multiple product types.
Preferably the database contains the information (IPGI and/or IPD)
about a) key products with regard to GHE or b) most of the consumer
products in the market and even more preferably at least in product
group level about two thirds of the preferred products or of about
90% of the preferred products, and even more preferably of 95% of
the products in the market and most preferably about practically
all products in a specific market. Preferably the invention is
directed to a database containing emission data of most daily used
consumer products or product groups available from supermarkets or
other shops to average consumers on a market. The invention is
further directed to calculation tool in PECD or SEI for estimating
effect of a product by its raw material content and possible
transport.
Personal Emission Trade Interface (PETI)
[0093] PETI is an interface or service provider between individual
consumers and compensation service providers such as SCP or APLCP,
FIG. 1. The interface is useful because the personal emission
amounts are in general relatively low in comparison to
international emission trading and the transactions require
expertise and time. PETI buys units of reduced carbon dioxide in
the atmosphere, or reduction of its production from a SCP,
typically a smaller scale service provider, or reduction of carbon
dioxide production from APLCP-organization such as World Bank or
Emission Trading system of EU. The carbon dioxide units are sold to
consumers using the PECD system for compensation of Daily allowance
or Cumulated Balance needs. The trading system preferably provides
information and alternatives of the compensation means. PETI may
include integrated additional services such as APLCP and/or SCP
Accounting
[0094] PETI system includes accounts of multiple consumers,
optionally also accounts of producers (PIP) for partially or
totally compensating the emission, using the system. PETI has
accounts at emission trading to obtain equivalent amount of
CO.sub.2-emission rights. The system charges for carbon dioxide
equivalents bought for compensation of emissions.
Individual Accounts
[0095] Individual personal accounts of Emission Balance, especially
Cumulative Balance Account or copies thereof may be stored in PETI.
PETI includes accounts of individual consumers for compensation of
emission. Copying data about every transaction to PETI is
especially preferred when the systems need verification and
control, for example in the format of system which allows public
selling of carbon dioxide emissions to PETI or other consumers.
Communication
[0096] PETI recieves information of accounts from PECD (30, FIG. 1)
and confirms back obtainig the information and possible
compensations (31), similar information may be obtained from PIP
(not market, possibly in larger amounts). Verification information
may be delivered from SEI and PED and confirmed to be obtained (41
and 40; 50 and 51 ) for individual shopping processes. Connections
APLCP (90, 91) and/or SCP (100,101) are used for obtaining emission
rights.
Shop Emission Interface (SEI)
[0097] The present invention is further directed to SEI system as
"partial calculators" calculating a partial sum of the daily
allowance %-values from a group of products purchased in a
shop.
Providing Product Data by SEI-System
Product Identity Data
[0098] SEI provides, if PED-data is not available, product
identification data in context of purchase for example in
electronic form from a cash register. PECD may use this for
communication with PED.
IPGI/IPD-Data
[0099] SEI may provide IPGI/IPD-data from PED system.
Alternative/Compensated Products (AGP)
[0100] In a preferred embodiment the SEI system provides
information of alternative products before purchase and/or a
possibility to compensate the emissions of the products in context
of a purchase. These may be preprogrammed automated operations
requested by PECD.
Cash Register Machine Associated SEI-Systems
[0101] The computer providing SEI-information is preferably a cash
register or cash register associated computer system calculating
sum daily allowance %-values associated with the products sold.
Preferably to a total daily allowance value of the products and
long term allowance values with their specific time periods of long
term allowance products. Additionally the preferred SEI-systems
include means for transferring information to personal calculators.
The transfer methods include printing of values as numbers,
printing of coded values preferably when coded as bar code values,
or coded in small electronic devices such as RFID-devices,
electronic transfer of values preferably through blue tooth or
other wireless methods, electrical transfer involving transfer
together with other payment related information such as transfer to
a customer with credit card or bank card or bonus card information.
When a print of values is used the personal device such as PECD or
service computer at shop preferably includes a scanning device for
collecting the printed information.
[0102] It is further realized that shopping may occur remotely
through Internet or as regular mail order and the emission data and
related information may be send by email or like, or by phone or
text message. The PECD device may optionally include means of
reading mobile data, and/or emails /or text messages coded to give
product data.
Communication
[0103] SEI recieves information requensts from PECD (20, FIG. 1)
and deliver PED data and/or product identity information (31).
PED-information may be obtained from the PIP and confirmed to be
obtained (80 and 81) and/or from PED (60 and 61). Verification
information may be delivered from SEI to PETI and confirmed to be
obtained (41 and 40) for individual shopping processes.
Product Connected Identification and PED-Data
[0104] It is further more realized and preferred that the PED-data
may be connected to the product interface including bar code and/or
other machine readable (can be scanned) data such as quantitative
product/environmental mark and/or Daily Allowance mark and/or data
specifying the product group or individual product and/or RFID-data
obtainable for consumer for manual handling and transferring to
PECD. Alternatively in a preferred embodiment the data is
transferred automatically from product package interface to the
PECD-device when PECD includes system for scanning and interpreting
machine-readable data such as bar code and/or other defined
markings and/or system for reading RFID data. Multiple methods for
reading bar code data and RFID data by mobile devices have been
published.
[0105] It is further realized that bar code and/or RFID data (used
regularly for logistics of shops/production) can be read by PECD
device, e.g. mobile phone equipped with a camera for reading bar
codes as described by scientist of VTT, Finland (PCT published
12/2005). The data can be further be used for identification of the
specific product and then the identity for search of corresponding
PED-data from PED database.
Producer of Individual Product(s) (PIP)
[0106] IPD of Own Products (Own IPD)
[0107] The producer of individual products will provide (at least
for beginning) voluntarily emission information of their products
for PED databases and/or for SEI systems. The advanced products may
have a benefit in the markets.
IPD of AGPs
[0108] The producer may further provide alternative or emission
compensated products and information about these for PED databases
and/or SEI systems.
Optional SEI and PETI Services
[0109] The producer may also offer SEI services in context of
direct sales of products. The producer may also include Product
information to the product. In a preferred embodiment the producer
offers the PETI service or a connection to the PETI service in
connection with purchase such as Internet shopping allowing
simultaneous compensation of emissions if required by the
customer.
Communication
[0110] PIP communicates especially with the PED (70 and 71) and
provides information about its products including alternative
and/or emission compensated products by SEI (80 and 81) and by
potential product connected information. Furthermore PIP may
transfer information directly to the PECD for example in context of
internet sales. PIP may also connect to PETI or APLCP or SCP for
precompensating emissions of a product. In a preferred form of
transaction the shop or internet shop of PIP includes connection to
PETI for a compensation operation simultanous with the
purchase.
Authority or Private Large Compensation Provider (APLCP)
[0111] APLCP sells reduction of GHG-emission production preferably
through a PETI interface. APLCP-organization includes e.g. World
Bank, Emission Trading system of EU and large US or Japanese
brokers of emissions.
Accounting and Compensation
[0112] The APLCP-organizations may have specific accounts by which
the ordered emission rights or carbon dioxide equivalents are
transferred on request to PETI system. The PETI system provides
monetary compensation by suitable means preferably by online
operation.
Service Compensation Provider (SCP)
[0113] SCP sells units of reduced GHG-emission in the atmosphere,
or reduction of its production preferably through a PETI interface.
SCPs are typically service providers in contrast to large broker
organizations performing operations directly with CO.sub.2 and/or
other GHGs.
Accounting and Compensation
[0114] The SCP-organizations may have specific accounts by which
the ordered emission rights or carbon dioxide equivalents are
transferred on request to PETI system. The PETI system provides
monetary compensation by suitable means preferably by online
operation.
Systems, Devices and Key Parts Thereof
[0115] The present invention is directed to a systems and devices
according to the present invention, more preferably when the said
system or device includes means for storing information of personal
green house gas proportions bought from trade of green house gas
emission permits. The present invention is further directed to a
calculator according to the present invention, when said calculator
includes means for buying personal green house gas proportions from
trade of green house gas emission permits.
[0116] The present invention is further directed to a transaction
process of buying private consumer goods by a regular consumer when
the seller requests a specific amount of greenhouse gas emissions
permits, and the specific amount of permits are taken (subtracted)
from a personal account of the consumer. In a preferred embodiment
the subtraction is performed either as voluntarily process or in
another process as authority regulated controlled process. At least
in the latter case there is a need for a data security process in
form of encryptation or other means.
[0117] In a preferred embodiment the account is the daily allowance
for the person and possible permits bought by trade of permits.
Preferably the transaction process further includes process for
recording of information of the transaction for possible control of
the process. In a preferred embodiment the transaction process is
performed using the PECD according to the present invention
Quantitative Product Mark (QPM)
[0118] The present invention is in a preferred embodiment directed
to novel quantitative product marks (QPMs). The QPMs are generally
useful for transfer of quantitative information to consumers. The
QPMs are especially preferred to be used in context with integrated
personal emission control systems such as the integrated system
IPECS according to the invention and parts of it.
OPM Connected to IPECS
[0119] In a preferred embodiment QMP is used as a part of IPECS.
Preferably the QPM mark is normalised to Individual Product Group
Information (IPGI) so that it would give approximate emission
level, for example 80%, 60%, 40% or 20% of average upper limits of
a specific product type. The consumer can then calculate/obtain the
emission level corresponding to the product type [0120] 1) manually
calculating from PED data [0121] 2) or semiautomatically by
selecting the product group and QPM-level from PECD-device, and
getting data from automated calculation operation [0122] 3) or by
getting the data in connection of product information from SEI
system or by another product interface including bar code and/or
RFID-data obtained from shop or directly from product package to
the PECD-device.
[0123] It is further realized that the PED-data is useful for
defining values of the QPM-type environmental marks including
quantitative environmental marks preferably sun/cloud marks and
Daily Allowance marks. It is further realized that other
environmental and/or ethical such as labour data may be stored like
PED-data for GHG-emissions and use for QPM-presentations and
interactions with corresponding integrated data systems.
[0124] The present invention describes product marks demonstrating
either positive or negative properties of the product. Moreover the
present product marks show the property quantitatively. The
quantitative aspect is important for problems, which are
effectively not solved by setting a single standard level, and
giving information that a product is either good or bad in this
respect. The quantitative property allows the consumer to compare
effects of products and make a decision based on the observations.
It will also encourage producers to compete in delivering more
indirect benefits for the customers. For example with regard to
environmental factors giving quantitative information would direct
consumption and product development towards more environmentally
friendly products.
[0125] To deliver the maximal amount of information, the mark
should be simple and easy to observe, remember and understand all
around the world. The demonstrative property of the product should
be based on most common and most robust observation psychology
based forms and shapes. The negative or positive effect should be
observable even by persons less well educated or interested in the
problem for which the mark is designed.
The Quantitative Effect Associated with the Mark
[0126] In a preferred embodiment the quantitative effect of the
mark may be presented by increasing the size, relative size or
number of the symbol or symbols indicating a negative and/or
positive effect associated with the product. Preferred symbols in
this category are cloud and sun symbols.
[0127] In another preferred embodiment the quantitative effect is
indicated by a change of a geometric shape of the mark or part of
the mark. Preferred change of the mark includes change of curvature
of a bend line and optionally straight line. In a preferred
embodiment this type of sign is analogous to human face and the
line represent the mouth of the sign. Another geometric line
representation is an angle mimicking a speedometer of a car.
[0128] In a preferred embodiment the sign contains a structure or
elements indicating both the positive and negative effect of the
product. In a preferred embodiment the positive effect is presented
by a single positive sign indicating that a product is practically
devoid of problems, and the negative effect is presented with a
quantitatively increasing amount of negative signs. In another
preferred embodiment the presentation of negative signs includes a
hint of the positive sign and may be proportionately increased when
problem associated with the product is decreased.
[0129] The quantitative effect may be presented exactly analogously
adjusting the change in the mark exactly relative to the value of
the property of the product indicated. The value of the property of
the product shows the rating of the product.
[0130] The quantitative effect may be presented as categories or
intervals. The scale can be selected in various ways optimised to
encourage producers to lower the problematic property associated
with the product. The product mark rates the product to a certain
category. For example five symbols representing maximal problem or
current average problem associated with a product type, four
symbols representing 80% of the level of problem, 3 symbols
representing 60% of the level of the problem, 2 symbols
representing 40% of the problem and one symbol representing 20% of
the problem, additionally positive sign can be used representing 0%
problem level associated with a product. Preferably the symbols
presenting the problem are cloud symbols, preferably representing
the Climate mark indicating green house gas emission, preferably
positive sing in this context is the sun symbol. Alternatively
these intervals for Climate mark are represented by both sun and
cloud symbols, for example, by two cloud symbols for maximal
problem, one cloud for 80% of problem, one cloud or sun partially
covered by one cloud for 60% of the problem, one sun symbol for 40%
of the problem, two sun symbols for 20% of the problems and
optionally three sun marks for 0% of the problem.
[0131] With a face symbol, where about half a circled line upwards
represents the smiling mouth of a face symbol, represents a
positive situation without the problem or an acceptably low level
of problem, a half curved line, i.e. curved less than half a circle
and more than a straight line represents 20% of the problem,
presenting a smaller smile, a straight line indicating a neutral
face, presenting a level of 40% of the problems and a slightly
curved line downwards presents 60% of the problems associated with
the product, the face appearing unhappy with mouth ends pointing
down, and a line of half a circle turned downwards representing 80%
of the problem and a face looking very unhappy.
[0132] In case of either an exact analogous or an interval
presentation of the quantitative effect, the exact value indicated,
may be additionally presented numerically preferably as a percent
value or a proportion of the value 1.0, most preferably as a
number.
Traditional Diagrams and Marks Quantifying the Effect and Combined
Use
[0133] The present invention is further directed to other more
traditional quantitative means for indicating the quantitative
aspects of the mark. The traditional methods for indicating a
quantitative aspect of a mark includes the use of diagrams
indicating the quantitative level of problem associated with the
problem. The diagrams may indicate the level of the problems by
bars, diagrams, or circles with sectors indicating the level of
problem (pie diagrams). In a preferred embodiment such traditional
means of conveying quantitative information are presented with a
symbol indicating the problem as described by the present
invention. Preferred symbols to be used with the traditional
diagrams include a symbol or symbols of a Cloud mark, a Cloud-sun
mark and a Sun mark and the Face mark.
Mark Level and Value
[0134] The relative amount of the problem is here called mark
level, which indicates the level reached by the product in marks
showing the quantity of the problem as categories and/or intervals.
The mark value is the numeric value of the problem, preferably
indicated at least with two presenting numbers, or the mark value
is presented by the demonstrative or traditional quantitative
presentation of the problem or combination of the numeric and
quantitative presentation.
Simplified Presentation on Plastic or other Mouldable Surfaces
[0135] The shape-based presentation is preferred in an embodiment
because colours may not always be available for cost effective
marking of all products. The shape may be presented on a plastic
surface as a whole surface shape, as a shape surface higher than
the plastic surface or as a shape below a surrounding plastic
surface. The shape may also be presented as a line shape presenting
the shape. On a plastic surface the line may be higher or lower in
relation to the surface surrounding the mark. The whole surface
shape may also indicate a dark or a black mark and the line shape
as a white or light colour shape.
[0136] Preferred universal markings demonstrating positive and
negative indirect effects of products:
Cloud Mark/Cloud-Sun Mark
Demonstrative Effects
[0137] On a psychological level most human beings do not like rain,
due to possible unpleasant cold and wet feelings associated with
it. A simple symbol for this is a cloud, especially a dark cloud
associated with unpleasant, stormy and/or dark weather.
Cloud Mark as Environmental Climate Mark
[0138] The Cloud mark is preferred as an environmental mark. Most
preferably the cloud mark is used as an indicator of green house
gas emissions and threat of climate change. The name of the mark is
preferably the "Climate Mark" and it could also referred to as the
"Cloud Mark". Clouds are produced by consumption of fossil fuel in
factories or for example by traffic are known to consumers. In the
case the of green house effect/phenomenon great changes of weather
conditions including storms are to be expected at least in certain
regions of the world, increasing the demonstrative power of the
mark. Thus clouds, especially dark clouds or black clouds, present
an effective demonstrative symbol especially for the green house
gas emission problem. The indirect benefit of selecting a product
with as little emissions as possible indicated by the mark would be
clear and understandable for a consumer. For additional
demonstration of the effect the mark may include a schematic
picture of a factory with a chimney delivering the emission to the
sky.
Sun Mark
[0139] The Sun as a mark for positive, the opposite of the cloud,
is an understandable symbol based on everyday change of weather
from cloudy to sunny. Most persons would prefer seeing the sun
instead of a dark or a black cloud. Clouds of industrial emission
may also shadow the sun in every day experience of consumers.
Therefore the sun has a demonstrative effect opposite to that of
the green house effect.
The Marking System Including Both Sun and Clouds or a Cloud
[0140] The sun mark may be combined with the cloud mark. In a
preferred embodiment the sun without the clouds can be used for
indicating situation when there is no problem and maximum amount of
benefit associated with the product. The preferred combination
includes several clouds and a sun located on the left or the right
behind a cloud. The sign indicating a low level of problem, and
thus a high level of indirect benefit for the customer associated
with the product includes only one cloud behind which part of the
sun can be seen. The signs indicating increasing amount of the
problem contain increasing amount of cloud shapes. In another
combination the size of the cloud covering the sun is increased,
and in another combination a larger part of the sun shape is
covered by a cloud mark indicating an increased problem.
Quantitative Effect Shown by the Mark
[0141] The positive effect may be shown quantitatively by
proportionally reducing the size of the cloud, or the number of
clouds, when two or more clouds are used, or size and number of
clouds. In a preferred embodiment the demonstrative effect is
produced by changing the colour of the cloud from back to white,
through a grey scale. A white cloud would indicate no problem or a
low level of problems and a black would indicate a high level of
problems associated with the product. The change of size or number
of clouds and the colour from black to white can be combined to
increase the effect of the mark.
Additional Daily Allowance Mark
[0142] When green house gases and/or other environmental problems
are measured the exact amount of harmful environmental effect,
preferably amount of green house gasses is associated with
production or use of a specified product, may be presented as
"daily allowance of greenhouse emission" or here briefly daily
allowance.
[0143] For material or products consumed on a daily basis the daily
allowance is preferably calculated as a relation of emission
produced for a single product in relation to a globally sustainable
emission level per person per day calculated as relative value,
preferably as percent (%). Current estimates by UN recommend a 60%
reduction of green house gas emissions. The sustainable daily
emissions would then be 0.40 multiplied by total global emissions
per the total number of world population per day.
[0144] The daily allowance for a product that is useful for a
longer time than a day, the "long term daily allowance" is
preferably be calculated dividing the daily allowance of single
long term product by the number of days the product is useful on
average. The long-term daily allowance mark information should
contain the period of time over which is counted. The period of
long-term daily allowance may be presented as days or as days,
months and years, when preferably a month is calculated as 30 days
and year is calculated as 360 days.
[0145] In a preferred embodiment the Daily Allowance Mark is used
together with another environmental mark, most preferably with the
Cloud mark.
[0146] In another embodiment the daily emissions of a product are
calculated as grams/kilograms per product of emissions after
emissions are calculated as average green house gas, preferably as
carbon dioxide, based on the scientifically evaluated effect of the
various greenhouse gasses. The weight based daily emissions are
more concrete, but would require time-based evaluation by
customer.
The Face Mark
The Face Mark Used as a Labour Condition Related Mark
[0147] There is a growing concern about employment conditions in
developing countries. Problems are related to working conditions
such as human rights, safe working conditions, long working hours
and salary levels, which may be very low. The global economy is
developing in process where work moves to countries were human and
worker's right are less well developed.
[0148] The Face mark is preferably used for indicating quality of
labour conditions. The factors of working conditions and salary
levels may be combined for example giving 50% weight of the
relative working condition level and 50% for the salary levels in
comparison to the well controlled European or US markets. As living
costs may be lower in developing country the salary level factor
may be adjusted to local level when product is sold in the
developing country. In case the mark is adjusted to a local market,
the sign preferably includes the country or market to which the
mark is adjusted.
Production Methods for Producing Products which Qualify for
Labelling with the Product Mark
Production Methods for Products Qualifying for a Good Environmental
Mark
[0149] The present invention is directed to production methods for
products qualifying for a good environmental mark. The methods
reduce the environmental problem associated with the product and
will thus allow a better environmental mark. In a preferred
embodiment the mark is a Cloud mark, a Sun-cloud mark or a Sun mark
and the emission reduced are greenhouse gas emissions such as
carbon dioxide emissions.
Use of Evaluation Methods According to the Present Invention
[0150] A key method to improve the rating of the mark is to
evaluate the problems in the whole production process of a product
as described in the preferred methods for evaluating for specific
level or value of the specific mark.
Reduction of Emissions in Production of Specific Products to be
Marked According to the Invention
[0151] Preferred method of reducing the emissions is based on the
evaluation according to the invention. The emissions are preferably
reduced first at stages where this can be done most cost
effectively. Preferred methods include selecting raw material which
involve less fossil fuel emissions, changing fossil fuel raw
material to a non-fossil fuel material, reducing emissions for
transportation of raw material or middle product in the production,
reducing emissions of the production and reducing emissions of
transport to market.
A Compensation Method for Improving the Rating of a Product for
Environment Mark
[0152] Methods have been developed for trading with emissions,
especially emissions to the atmosphere. Most developed systems deal
with green house gas emissions especially carbon dioxide. The
trading of emissions allows compensation of emission affecting the
rating of a specific product.
[0153] A preferred method of compensating the emissions is based on
the evaluation according to the invention. The emissions are
preferably compensated first at stages where this can be done most
cost effectively. Preferred methods include compensating emissions
on the raw material level, on transportation levels or on the
production level.
Preferred Carbon Dioxide Compensated Products
Carbon Dioxide Compensated Fossil Fuels
[0154] In a specific embodiment the present invention is directed
to improving the rating of products, which produce carbon dioxide.
The present invention is especially directed to fossil fuel
products compensated for the carbon dioxide, which will be produced
when the fuel is used. In a preferred embodiment the fossil fuel is
gasoline or diesel fuel used by automobiles. Traffic is one of the
major causes of green house gas emissions but cost of compensation
compared with the cost of the fuels for consumers are not so high.
Using a European gasoline prize the cost effect of compensation is
only a few percent of the gasoline prices for consumers even for
total compensation of carbon dioxide emissions.
[0155] This compensation is only a minor fraction of taxes on
European gasoline, most of which are environmentally motivated, but
not used for improving environmental conditions. The green house
effect is the major motivation for the taxes, if emissions are
compensated there should be a reason for tax deduction. The cost
for compensation of one 20% level of the Cloud mark is only one
fifth of that. In a preferred embodiment the present invention is
directed to Compensated fuel meaning total green house gas
compensated or carbon dioxide compensated gasoline. The present
invention is further directed to selling Compensated gasoline as a
method to reduce green house gas emissions. In a preferred
embodiment the present invention is directed to selling Compensated
gasoline marked with a product mark indicating the compensation of
carbon dioxide or in other embodiment the total green house gas
emissions. In more preferred embodiment the Compensated fuel is
sold using a product mark indicating partial or total compensation
of green house gas emissions, in another embodiment the mark
contains a possibility to indicate regular emissions of the fuel,
compensated emissions or total compensation of emissions. In a more
preferred embodiment the fossil fuel, more preferably gasoline is
sold using a demonstrative and quantitative mark according to the
present invention. Most preferably the fossil fuel is sold using a
preferred environment mark according to the present invention.
[0156] Preferred process and methods for evaluating qualification
in mark level or value The invention is further directed to the
preferred process and methods for evaluating the qualification of
products for the labelling with the product mark according to the
invention.
Organization Structure for Evaluating
Independent Scientific Evaluation Organization
[0157] Preferably the evaluation for a specific product mark is
evaluated by independent and scientifically qualified organization.
The organization must be independent from commercial and political
ambitions, so that the producers and consumers can trust the
evaluations are fair.
[0158] The scientific quality of the mark is ensured by including
board of internationally recognized scientists specialized to the
specific problem. The evaluators of environment mark about green
house gas emissions should include specialists about green house
gas emissions, production technologies, transport and raw
materials.
Open Process
[0159] In a preferred embodiment the numbers of the evaluations
process or part of the number of the evaluation process are
available for the general public. This may be needed to be limited
to business secret type information of the producers, on the other
hand when only values of the problem, in the environmental mark
embodiment the numeric values of emissions, are included without
process information, not much secrets are revealed. Most preferably
at least all the mathematic formulas used in counting of the
ratings (values and/levels) in the quantitative environmental marks
are available to the general public and industry allowing
discussion about the method and potential development of the
process.
Non-Profit Organization
[0160] In a preferred embodiment the organization for the
evaluation of a mark is a non-profit organization. The non-profit
status may include a possibility to collect reasonable funds for
ensuring the continuation of the operations and even advertising
the mark. Preferably the evaluation organization reveals it funding
and economics to the general public and industries so that the
independent nature of the organization can be ensured.
[0161] Preferably the non-profit organization should be associated
with international authorities in the problem indicated by the
mark. In a preferred embodiment the organization evaluating the
green house gas mark is associated with UN-efforts to control green
house gas emissions.
Method for Obtaining Additional Indirect Benefit by Licensing This
Method to Preferred Organization Structure
[0162] The invention is further directed to a business method to
obtain indirect benefit by licensing the methods to the non-profit
organization without requiring profit. The indirect profit of the
method would come to the inventor by inventing other problem
relieving, preferably environmental friendly, technologies which
would benefit in the market where consumer uses a mark or marks
according to the invention.
EXAMPLES
Example 1
[0163] Examples feasibility of reducing emissions related to use of
a product, when the use yield green house gas emissions. Cost of
compensating all emissions of gasoline use.
[0164] At current price of carbon dioxide ton is about 10 Euros,
prices according to reports. The price of gasoline in Finland is
about 1.1 Euro, which is the regular price in Europe. In USA a
gallon of gasoline costs about 1 Euro.
[0165] Calculation of production carbon dioxide From one kg of
gasoline estimated as octane:
C.sub.8H.sub.18+12,5 O.sub.2.fwdarw.8 CO.sub.2+9 H.sub.2O
[0166] One mole octane yield eight mole of carbon dioxide, so
considering the molar weights about 114 grams of octane yields 352
g of carbon dioxide.
[0167] The density of gasoline is about 0.71 g/ml, thus 114 g of
gasoline has volume of 160,1 ml, thus 1, 0 liters of gasoline would
yield 2200 grams of carbon dioxide. With the price of 0.010 Euro
per kg the price of compensating the emission would be 2,2 cents
which is 2% of the price of the product. Cost of reducing the use
based emissions by 40% would cost about 0.9 cents, by 60% about 1,3
cents and by 80% would cost about 1.8 cents, and complete reduction
2,2 cents. The products indicated by specific use based Climate
marks would not cost substantially more than the regular product
but show substantial benefit of the product in reducing the problem
of the green house effect. The producers may choose to improve
their product directly to a certain level and offer better options
for consumers.
[0168] In USA the price per gasoline is about one fifth or fourth
of European prices and the costs of reduction would be 4-5 times
higher but still the complete level of compensating the emission
would cost only about 10% of the price of the product and marks
indicating partial reduction would be useful showing clear benefit
with quite reasonable prices.
[0169] More than half of he European price consists of various
taxes, part of which are environmentally based but are not directed
to reducing the major environmental problem.
Example 2
Electronic Transaction, Use of a PECD Device
[0170] A PECD is included in an electronic payment system
comprising a specific account for greenhouse gas equivalents,
analogous to an account for money equivalents is used for a
transaction in connection with a purchase of a product. A
GHG-transaction process includes 1) contacting the selling device
in PETI system 2) transfer of information about the amount of
greenhouse gas equivalents needed to be compensated from PECD to
PETI, 3) adding the amount of equivalents to a compensation account
in PETI, 4) transfer of verification data of the compensation by
PETI to PECD, 5) at PETI adding the information for billing
information of PECD customer for sending bill for the equivalents,
or sending request for electronic monetary payment by standard
electronic payment process 6) at PECD reducing the amount of
compensated units from the account for compensation or from
Cumulative Balance Account at PECD. The process at PETI further
involves buying a corresponding amount of emission rights or like
from compensation producers (APLCP and/SCP), and involves possible
electronic monetary payment by PECD or other form of payment by a
customer. The process may include an optional pre-step of inquiring
the price of compensated amount by PECD and answer by PETI. A
preferred payment system is a cell phone operated WAP-system.
Example 3
[0171] Example of a Emission balance calculation by Calculator part
of PECD: a consumer buys two products, with Daily Allowance % (DA%)
values of 5% and 9% with use time one day and one product with
using time of two weeks and value of 28%, and one product with
using time of one month and value of 90%. In case mode of dividing
larger the amounts daily basis: the Emission Balance will be
100-5-9-2-3=81% and the Emission balance of following 13 days will
be reduced by 5% and on days 14-30 by 3%. Alternatively consumer
may choose mode of compensating automatically or manually selected
larger or multi day DA % values such as e.g. the 9% and 28%
emission by transfer these to CBA (cumulative balance account) or
to PETI system. In such case the on line Emission Balance will be
86%. In yet another alternative mode the consumer takes all the DA
% values to the account and Emission Balance will be
100-5-9-28-90=-68%. The negative balance may be chosen manually or
automatically to be transferred to CBA for possible balancing from
next/following days remaining DA % values or transferred to PETI
system for compensation.
* * * * *