What data does an EPD provide?

An EPD includes information not only about the carbon footprint, but also about the following environmental factors

Grafik mit einem Überblick über alle Umweltfaktoren, die in einer EPD abgebildet werden

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