Product Environmental Footprint PEF
A Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) study of a product that complies with a framework for the calculation and representation of results that has been developed by the European commission.
A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is also an LCA but it differs in that it focusses on measuring, managing and communicating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions or the global warming issues that relate to particular goods or services.
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is more holistic and requires 16 different impact categories to be calculated and reported. The intention of this approach is to harmonise the many different existing LCA standards into a PEF framework that standardises and facilitates better comparison between products. Despite sometimes being used to compare products Environmental Product Declarations (EPD's) they were not designed for this, as they often use different units of measurement. EPD's are essentially individual statements on the environmental impact of a product rather than comparing like for like.
The Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodological framework developed by the European Commission’s science and knowledge service, relies on the principles of product categories, which group products of a similar nature or function. These in turn, generate Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCR) which support the overall methodology and provide more product-specific guidance, potentially seen as more rigid based, to facilitate comparisons in the performance of different products. EPD's also make reference to Product Category Rules (PCR's) but these are less prescriptive than those within PEF frameworks which are continually being developed as new products are assessed.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- BREEAM Responsible sourcing of materials.
- Carbon footprint.
- Embodied energy.
- Embodied energy in construction
- Green Guide to Specification.
- Life cycle assessment.
- Material procurement.
- Product carbon footprint (PCF).
- Product Category Rules.
- Responsible sourcing of construction products.
- Sustainability.
- Sustainable development.
- Sustainable materials for construction
- Whole life costs
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.