Abiotic depletion potential
Contents |
[edit] Definition
Abiotic depletion refers to the removal of abiotic resources from the earth, or the depletion of non-living natural resources. For materials it is generally measured as abiotic depletion potential (ADP).
[edit] EN 15804:2012+A2:2019/AC:2021
ADP (both fossil and non fossil) are used as environmental impact indicators of EN 15804:2012+A2:2019/AC:2021 which is used as guidance in the generation of the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology used to create Product Environmental Footprints (PEF). It is also considered to be one of the environmental performance indicators for the calculation, assessment and generation of environmental product declarations (EPDs).
In general it is separated out into two categories, one for non fossil based resources (minerals and metals) and a second for fossil resources. In both cases, it is recommended that assessment of ADP as an environmental impact indicator should be used with care as the uncertainties of the results are high and there is limited experience of its use as an indicator
[edit] Abiotic depletion potential (ADP) for minerals and metals (non-fossil resources)
In the same way that the global warming potential (GWP) of different pollutants are converted to ratios CO2 equivalent figures, ADP values are usually calculated to and equivalent of Antimony or Sb eq. Antimony (Sb) is a chemical element atomic number 51, a gray metalloid, found in nature mainly as the sulfide mineral stibnite. It is about one-fifth as abundant as arsenic, contributing on the average about one gram to every ton of Earth’s crust.
Examples
1 kg antimony = 1 kg Sb eq.
1 kg aluminium = 1.09 * 10^-9 Sb eq.
1 kg silver = 1.18 kg Sb eq.
(ref, ADP minerals & metals, EN 15804. Version: August 2021, Guinée et al. 2002, van Oers et al. 2002, CML 2001 baseline (Version: January 2016)
[edit] Abiotic depletion potential (ADP) for fossil resources
Here the weight of material is converted to its potential energy in unit in megajoules (MJ) equivalent to one million joules.
Examples
1 kg coal hard = 27.91 MJ
1 kg coal soft, lignite = 13.96 MJ
(Refs, ADP fossil resources, EN 15804. Version: August 2021, Guinée et al. 2002, van Oers et al. 2002, CML 2001 baseline (Version: January 2016)
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.