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Module 3 of 9 · A2 · Production routes and system boundaries

1.Why boundaries matter

Episode A2-01 · Why boundaries matter · 2:25

A system boundary is the set of processes whose emissions count for an aggregated goods category. For aluminium (an Annex II good) it means: direct emissions plus precursors.

General rules for every route:

  • Every process directly or indirectly linked to production is in, whether a precursor is made on site or bought.
  • Buying and maintaining equipment and infrastructure is always out.

In the Commission's diagrams: production processes are white boxes, optional processes (such as carbon capture) blue, zero-emission materials pink, CBAM goods and precursors green, electricity light grey.

Sources: MA Art 1(3), 3(2), Annex I 3.1 p.18-19; G5e §2.1 p.7.