Acidification potential
Acidification potential refers to the amount that different compounds contribute to acid rain. This includes sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOx), nitrogen monoxide (NO), nitrogen dioxide (N2O), as well as a variety of other substances.
Acidification potential is one of the core environmental impact indicators 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 considered one of the mandatory 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 (for example CO2 being 1:1 CO2 eq and Methane being 36.8 CO2 eq) Acidification potential is usually estimated in the same way but as a characterisation of SO2-equivalence. For example:
- 1 kg ammonia = 1.88 kg SO2 eq.
- 1 kg nitrogen dioxide = 0.7 kg SO2 eq.
- 1 kg sulphur dioxide = 1 kg SO2 eq.
References; AP, accumulated excedence, EN 15804. Version: August 2021. Seppälä et al. 2006, Posch et al. 2008
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Eutrophication potential EP.
- Green Guide to Specification.
- Life cycle assessment.
- Material procurement.
- Product carbon footprint PCF.
- Product Category Rules.
- Product Environmental Footprint PEF
- Product Category Rules.
- Product Environmental Footprint PEF
- Responsible sourcing of construction products.
- Sustainable development.
- Sustainable materials for construction.
- Types of water.
- Water consumption.
- Water resources.
- Water.
- Whole life costs.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.