How Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Unlocked New Markets for TGM Global

~800kg

CO₂-eq reduced per GIS unit across its lifecycle

ISO 14040/44 & 14067

compliant — cradle-to-grave assessment

New markets unlocked

through verified sustainability claims

A forward-thinking switchgear distributor, a greener product

TGM developed a new line of Gas-Insulated Switchgear (GIS) using a low-carbon C₄F₇N/CO₂ insulating gas mixture, a significant step forward from conventional alternatives. To support their sustainability claims, build customer confidence and stand out in the market, they needed to understand the full climate impact of their product across its entire lifecycle.

Replacing one of the most potent greenhouse gases in the industry

Traditional GIS rely on Sulfur Hexafluoride (SF₆) – a greenhouse gas (GHG) with an extremely high Global Warming Potential (GWP) that persists in the atmosphere for over 1,000 years. Replacing it with a lower-GWP alternative was a major leap forward that could significantly reduce the product’s lifecycle emissions and environmental impact, but TGM needed rigorous data to back their claims.

To quantify the emissions reduction, anticipate future regulatory pressures and guide strategic decisions, TGM engaged GGC to conduct a detailed Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).

A rigorous, cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment (LCA)

GGC conducted a comprehensive cradle-to-grave LCA in accordance with ISO 14040/44 and ISO 14067, following internationally recognised best practices for transparency and methodological robustness.

The study revealed a surprising insight: most emissions occur during the product’s use phase, driven by electricity consumption and minor gas leaks. This highlighted the areas where operational improvements and design choices could deliver the most impact.

What the LCA revealed and why it matters

The LCA revealed that replacing SF₆ with the C₄F₇N/CO₂ gas mixture reduced emissions across the entire lifecycle by approximately 800kg CO₂-eq per unit.

To put this in perspective — that’s roughly equivalent to five months of electricity use for a four-room HDB home in Singapore.

And the impact only grows over time. As Singapore’s electricity grid shifts to cleaner energy sources and emits less GHG per unit of power, the overall carbon footprint of the GIS will continue to decline. Forward-looking design today translates directly into long-term environmental and strategic value.

From data to competitive advantage

Credible sustainability claims

Strengthened brand credibility and regulatory readiness with ISO-compliant, independently verified data.

Smarter design decisions

Identified key operational and design priorities to further optimise GHG reductions across the product lifecycle.

New markets unlocked

Expanded access to sustainability-sensitive tenders and clients, helping TGM break into markets actively working to decarbonise.

Sustainability leadership

Demonstrated forward-thinking leadership by anticipating industry trends and long-term environmental impacts before competitors.

How LCA helped reduce climate impact and unlock new market opportunities for gas-insulated switchgear distributor