Photochemical ozone creation potential
The Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential (POCP) scale quantifies the relative abilities of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to produce ground level ozone.
Ozone can be formed when chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOX ) and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC), also known as Hydrocarbons are caused either near the ground or in the atmosphere by heat and sunlight.
POCP is an environmental impact indicator of EN 15804:2012+A2:2019/AC:2021, which is used as guidance in the generation of the lifecycle assessment (LCA) methodology used to create product environmental footprints (PEF). It is also one of the environmental performance indicators for the calculation, assessment and generation of environmental product declarations (EPDs).
In the same way that the global warming potential (GWP) of different pollutants are converted to ratios CO2 equivalent figures, POCP values are usually calculated to a non-methane volatile organic compounds (NMVOCs) equivalent figure, using atmospheric boundary layer models containing detailed representations of atmospheric VOC degradation chemistry.
Examples, unspecified emissions to air, unspecified location:
- 1 kg nitrogen oxides = 1 kg NMVOC eq.
- 1 kg carbon monoxide (fossil) = 0.0456 kg NMVOC eq.
- 1 kg acetic acid = 0.164 kg NMVOC eq.
(refs, LOTOS-EUROS as applied in ReCiPe, EN 15804. Version: August 2021, Van Zelm et al. 2008, ReCiPe 2008)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
A forward thinking, inclusive global community of members.
From engineered product life-spans, to their extension.
Circular economy in the built environment
A brief description from 2021. Where are we now?
Mental Health Awareness Week with ABS
Architects Benevolent Society programme of activity.
CLC publishes domestic retrofit competency framework
Roadmap of Skills for net zero.
May 13-19: Moving more for our mental health.
Understanding is key to conservation.
Open industry engagement survey seeks responses
Institutions and the importance of engagement.
National Retrofit Hub unveils new guide
Digital Building Logbooks and Retrofit: An Introduction.
Enhancing construction site reporting efficiency
Through digitisation and the digital revolution.
Noise in the built environment
BSRIA guide TG 20/2021.
17,000 people suffer conditions as a result of exposure to excessive noise at work.
Turning down the noise: Auditory health
A pervasive risk with far-reaching consequences.
Getting the most out of heat pumps and heating
How heat pumps work and how they work best.
Cost-of-living crisis and home improvement plans
Starting on the right footing and top tips for projects.
Electrotechnical excellence, now open for entries.