The PEF is an assessment method, used for conducting LCA’s. The PEF-method comes with a certain set of calculation rules and standardised prescriptions. In this article, we dive together with our LCA-expert Nata Dovgalenok into the application of the PEF-method when conducting LCA’s.
How would you describe what the PEF is and how it relates to an LCA?
“PEF is essentially an LCA methodology, parallel to other existing methods, such as EN15804 or the Dutch Bepalingsmethode of the Milieudatabase, for example. It is an assessment method - a set of rules by which you calculate the environmental impact of a product or service.
So when I conduct a PEF-compliant LCA study, I will follow the guidelines for the modelling and also select the PEF method for characterisation of inputs and outputs in the LCA-software.
Let’s zoom in more closely on the PEF
“PEF stands for Product Environmental Footprint and it is a European standard,
created by the European Commission with the goal to standardise the LCA procedure to make more environmental assessment results reproducible, comparable, and verifiable. The PEF method builds on existing approaches and international standards.
PEF describes the characterisation factors, factors used to translate material and energy inputs and outputs into environmental impact. The PEF guidelines document provides all the main details on how to build your LCA model.
The PEF dictates certain rules that you are supposed to follow, like standard distances to waste treatment facilities or allocation rules; what impact is allocated to which
lifecycle? Or how to deal with co-products? A lot of default values are described in the methodology as well, such as the loss rates per type of product during distribution. For example, for food, specifically for dairy, PEF counts a 7% loss rate.
It is good to mention that the PEF is also in line with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. The end-product of the calculation is still an LCA, just the way it is done is through the PEF method.”
When to use the PEF-method?
“In some sectors, specific assessment methods are the standard way to go. In the Dutch construction sector, this is for example the NMD Bepalingsmethode. So for products in this sector, we will always apply this method.
When the product is in another sector, and the product is placed on the European market, we often apply the PEF. For example, PEF is usually used for electronic products LCAs. For electronics specifically, there is also a European norm that is called EN 15693. which is a product category rule norm that is harmonized with PEF.
For some sectors, there is not a specific product category rules document yet, so then we rely on the general rules as stated in the PEF guideline.
Half of the PEF guideline consists of instructions for how to create PEFCRs.
PEFCRs are product-category rules; rules that describe the calculation rules for a specific product category. There are not many PEFCRs already in existence, they are still emerging, however, the proper way to conduct a PEF-compliant LCA study is to follow a specific PEFCR, so hopefully, more of these are created soon.
So the sector determines the chosen assessment method?
“Yes, because some sectors determine the requirements for the LCA. One of the reasons why we would use the NMD bepalingsmethode, is if a company is applying for a tender. And then they require an MKI, Environmental Cost Indicator, which you can calculate by using the Bepalingsmethode.
And when other companies in your sector are using a specific LCA assessment method, it is advisable that you use the same one. So that the results of the assessment are comparable.
So if you see that in your industry, other companies publish PEF-compliant LCA’s, you might want to do so as well. “
Could you give some examples of LCA’s that you made, using the PEF?
“One of the first LCA’s I conducted using the PEF method, was for packaging of a skincare product. We were asked to help the client find the most sustainable option for their packaging by quantifying the environmental impact of different options: recycled PET packaging vs glass packaging vs virgin PET packaging.
And for all the projects I do for the electronics sector I use the PEF; for LCA’s for hardware (game controllers, printer cartridges, etc.).
The PEF is gaining traction and becoming the standard for a lot of LCAs, which is nice to see, since that was the goal of the European Commission when creating the PEF.
For me, it is more of an exception now when I use another method, when it is better aligned with a specific product like a food product meant for the US market or a construction product. In cases like that, I opt for another suitable method. But in most other cases, the PEF is the way to go.“
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