What data does an EPD provide?
An EPD includes information not only about the carbon footprint, but also about the following environmental factors
Resources
Energy
- Renewable primary energy resources used as energy carrier (PERE)
- Renewable primary energy resources used as raw material (PERM)
- Total use of renewable primary energy resources (PERT)
- Non-renewable primary energy resources used as energy carrier (NPERE)
- Non-renewable primary energy resources used as raw material (NPERM)
- Total use of non-renewable primary energy resources (PENRT)
Raw Materials & Fuels
- Use of secondary material (SM)
- Use of renewable secondary fuels (RSF)
- Use of non-renewable secondary fuels (NRSF)
- Net use of fresh water (FW)
Environmental impacts
Environmental footprint
- Global Warming Potential (GWP): The total amount of CO₂ and other greenhouse gases emitted during the production and use of the product.
- Acidification Potential (AP): Acidic gases such as sulphur dioxide react with water in the atmosphere to form "acid rain", which can damage ecosystems.
- Eutrophication Potential (EP): The presence of excess nitrates and/or phosphates in water can damage ecosystems over time.
- Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP): Gases that destroy the stratospheric ozone layer.
- Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP): Nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds can generate ozone and other air pollutants at low altitudes, leading to the formation of smog.
Land use
- Abiotic Resource Depletion: This refers to the use of rare, non-renewable resources, including scarce chemical elements (ADPE – Abiotic Depletion Potential for Elements) and fossil fuels (ADPF – Abiotic Depletion Potential for Fossil fuels).
Recycling & Waste
Waste Disposal
- Hazardous waste to Landfill
- Non-hazardous waste disposal
- Radioactive waste disposal
Recovery / Recycling
- Components for reuse
- Materials for recycling
- Materials for energy recovery
- Exported electrical energy
- Exported thermal energy
