Low-Emitting Materials Usage is a critical KPI that measures the proportion of sustainable materials in production processes. This metric influences business outcomes such as environmental compliance, cost efficiency, and brand reputation. Companies that prioritize low-emitting materials often see improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer loyalty. Tracking this KPI enables organizations to align with regulatory standards and consumer expectations. By focusing on this metric, businesses can also drive innovation in product development and supply chain management. Ultimately, it supports strategic alignment with sustainability goals and enhances financial health.
What is Low-Emitting Materials Usage?
The use of materials that emit low levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), improving indoor air quality.
What is the standard formula?
(Value of Low-Emitting Materials Used / Total Value of Materials Used) * 100
This KPI is associated with the following categories and industries in our KPI database:
High values of Low-Emitting Materials Usage indicate a strong commitment to sustainability and reduced environmental impact. Conversely, low values may suggest reliance on traditional materials, which can lead to regulatory risks and negative public perception. Ideal targets typically exceed 50% usage of low-emitting materials in production processes.
Many organizations underestimate the complexities of integrating low-emitting materials into their supply chains.
Enhancing Low-Emitting Materials Usage requires a multi-faceted approach that engages various stakeholders across the organization.
A leading consumer goods company faced increasing pressure to improve its sustainability profile. With a Low-Emitting Materials Usage rate of only 30%, the organization recognized the need for a strategic overhaul. The executive team launched an initiative called "Green Materials Revolution," aimed at increasing the usage of sustainable materials across all product lines. This initiative involved extensive supplier engagement, research into alternative materials, and employee training programs.
Within 18 months, the company successfully raised its usage rate to 65%. This shift not only improved its environmental footprint but also enhanced brand loyalty among eco-conscious consumers. The initiative resulted in a 15% reduction in production costs due to more efficient sourcing practices and waste reduction.
The positive impact on the company's reputation was evident, as it received accolades from industry organizations and increased media coverage highlighting its commitment to sustainability. Additionally, the improved Low-Emitting Materials Usage rate led to better alignment with regulatory standards, reducing compliance risks.
As a result, the company positioned itself as a market leader in sustainability, attracting new customers and retaining existing ones. The success of the "Green Materials Revolution" initiative demonstrated the value of integrating low-emitting materials into core business strategies, ultimately driving significant business outcomes.
Every successful executive knows you can't improve what you don't measure.
With 20,780 KPIs and 11,819 benchmarks, PPT Depot is the most comprehensive KPI database available. We empower you to measure, manage, and optimize every function, process, and team across your organization.
KPI Depot (formerly the Flevy KPI Library) is a comprehensive, fully searchable database of over 20,000+ Key Performance Indicators. Each KPI is documented with 12 practical attributes that take you from definition to real-world application (definition, business insights, measurement approach, formula, trend analysis, diagnostics, tips, visualization ideas, risk warnings, tools & tech, integration points, and change impact).
KPI categories span every major corporate function and more than 100+ industries, giving executives, analysts, and consultants an instant, plug-and-play reference for building scorecards, dashboards, and data-driven strategies. In August 2025, we have also begun to compile an extensive benchmarks database.
Our team is constantly expanding our KPI database and benchmarks database.
Got a question? Email us at support@kpidepot.com.
What are low-emitting materials?
Low-emitting materials are substances that release minimal volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other harmful emissions during their lifecycle. These materials contribute to better indoor air quality and reduced environmental impact.
How can companies measure Low-Emitting Materials Usage?
Organizations can measure this KPI by calculating the percentage of low-emitting materials used in their products relative to total materials. This quantitative analysis helps track progress and identify areas for improvement.
Why is Low-Emitting Materials Usage important?
This KPI is crucial for meeting regulatory requirements and responding to consumer demand for sustainable products. It also enhances brand reputation and can lead to cost savings through improved operational efficiency.
What challenges do companies face when adopting low-emitting materials?
Challenges include supplier limitations, higher initial costs, and potential quality issues. Organizations must carefully evaluate their supply chains and invest in training to overcome these barriers.
How can low-emitting materials impact financial health?
By reducing waste and improving efficiency, low-emitting materials can lower production costs and enhance profitability. Additionally, they can mitigate risks associated with regulatory compliance and reputational damage.
Are there specific industries that benefit more from low-emitting materials?
Industries such as construction, automotive, and consumer goods can significantly benefit from low-emitting materials. These sectors often face stringent regulations and consumer scrutiny regarding environmental impact.
Each KPI in our knowledge base includes 12 attributes.
The typical business insights we expect to gain through the tracking of this KPI
An outline of the approach or process followed to measure this KPI
The standard formula organizations use to calculate this KPI
Insights into how the KPI tends to evolve over time and what trends could indicate positive or negative performance shifts
Questions to ask to better understand your current position is for the KPI and how it can improve
Practical, actionable tips for improving the KPI, which might involve operational changes, strategic shifts, or tactical actions
Recommended charts or graphs that best represent the trends and patterns around the KPI for more effective reporting and decision-making
Potential risks or warnings signs that could indicate underlying issues that require immediate attention
Suggested tools, technologies, and software that can help in tracking and analyzing the KPI more effectively
How the KPI can be integrated with other business systems and processes for holistic strategic performance management
Explanation of how changes in the KPI can impact other KPIs and what kind of changes can be expected