Become a Member

Apply now! Expert Group "PCF Methodology & Verification"

Become part of the PCF Methodology & Verification Expert Group and help shape the methodological and trust foundation for credible, comparable, and scalable Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) in Catena-X.

We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Catena-X Expert Group “PCF Methodology & Verification”.

We invite both new candidates and currently active members who wish to continue their role to apply.

 

What is the purpose of the Expert Group?

The Expert Group develops and maintains the methodological and trust foundation for Product Carbon Footprints in Catena-X.

A key focus is the distinction between two application fields: retrospective PCFs for Scope 3.1 corporate reporting and prospective PCFs for RFQ, sourcing, and product development. While both build on common calculation principles, they require differentiated rules for reference periods, uncertainty, evidence, validation, and permitted use.

 

What are the key goals?

  • Strengthen the PCF methodology: Keep the PCF Rulebook scientifically sound, specific to the automotive value chain, and applicable for companies of all sizes, including regular updates of Catena-X Secondary Data.
  • Enable Scope 3.1 readiness: Define the conditions under which retrospective PCFs can support auditable Scope 3.1 reporting under the GHG Protocol and update the PCF Verification and PCF Program Certification Framework accordingly.
  • Advance prospective PCFs: Establish practical rules for future-oriented PCFs in RFQ and sourcing processes, including assumptions, scenarios, and uncertainties.
  • Address evolving standards: Assess revisions of ISO 14067 and the GHG Protocol and translate relevant changes into the PCF Rulebook, verification requirements, and the PCF Exchange Data Model.
  • Strengthen external alignment: Align Catena-X with relevant initiatives such as WBCSD PACT, TfS, worldsteel, aluminium associations, and SBTi.

 

What will you do as a member?

Members of the Expert Group will:

  • Develop a two-application methodology framework for retrospective and prospective PCFs, covering purpose, reference periods, system boundaries, data sources, uncertainty, update triggers, evidence, verification approaches, and limitations of use.
  • Perform a gap analysis of revisions to ISO 14067 and the GHG Protocol against the PCF Rulebook V4.1 and the PCF Verification and PCF Program Certification Framework V2.0.
  • Define Scope 3.1 reporting and auditor-readiness requirements together with corporate carbon-accounting experts and assurance providers.
  • Develop guidance for prospective PCFs in RFQ processes, including worked examples and feedback from practical application.
  • Validate and further develop the PCF Verification and PCF Program Certification Framework through real use cases involving suppliers, OEMs, solution providers, and assurance bodies.
  • Revise and maintain the PCF Rulebook and prepare its next update.

 

Why should you participate?

  • Shape industry standards: Actively contribute to the development of PCF methodology and verification approaches.
  • Bring practical experience into standardization: Share and receive first-hand feedback on standards and their applications.
  • Address evolving requirements together: Contribute expertise to keep pace with changing standards, reporting requirements, and regulations.
  • Strengthen the Catena-X ecosystem: Collaborate with technical and subject matter experts across the automotive value chain.
  • Advance cross-industry alignment: Help develop approaches that improve feasibility, regulatory alignment, and automation across sectors.

 

Who should apply?

The Expert Group as a whole aims to bring together complementary expertise in:

  • PCF methodology according to ISO 14067, the regulatory landscape for PCFs, and related business processes
  • GHG accounting according to the GHG Protocol Corporate Standards family, the regulatory landscape for corporate GHG reporting, and related business processes
  • PCF verification and/or Scope 3 verification in an auditing role
  • IT expertise in developing PCF data models and experience with Catena-X
  • PCF methodologies and data models from other sectors

 

What commitment is expected?

Applicants should be able to contribute a minimum of 10 hours per month, including bi-weekly or weekly meetings and preparatory work in task groups.

Regular participation and active contribution are expected. English is the working language of the Expert Group.

Further information and detailed requirements can be found in the Expert Group Profile.

 

How can you apply?

All registered members received an email from info@catena-x.net on November 2, 2026, regarding the call for applications, including a link to the application form.

If you are a member of the association and have not received this email, please contact the primary contact person in your organisation. If you can’t reach this person, in urgent cases, please write an email to info@catena-x.net.

Please submit your application by November 20, 2026, 5 p.m. CET.

 

We look forward to your application.