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
Homes England supports Greencore Homes
42 new build affordable sustainable homes in Oxfordshire.
Zero carbon social housing: unlocking brownfield potential
Seven ZEDpod strategies for brownfield housing success.
CIOB report; a blueprint for SDGs and the built environment
Pairing the Sustainable Development Goals with projects.
Types, tests, standards and fires relating to external cladding
Brief descriptions with an extensive list of fires for review.
Latest Build UK Building Safety Regime explainer published
Key elements in one short, now updated document.
UKGBC launch the UK Climate Resilience Roadmap
First guidance of its kind on direct climate impacts for the built environment and how it can adapt.
CLC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Strategy 2025
Launched by the Minister for Industry to look at fatalities on site, improving mental health and other issues.
One of the most impressive Victorian architects. Book review.
Common Assessment Standard now with building safety
New CAS update now includes mandatory building safety questions.
RTPI leader to become new CIOB Chief Executive Officer
Dr Victoria Hills MRTPI, FICE to take over after Caroline Gumble’s departure.
Social and affordable housing, a long term plan for delivery
The “Delivering a Decade of Renewal for Social and Affordable Housing” strategy sets out future path.
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
The proposed publicly owned and backed subsidiary of Homes England, to facilitate new homes.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.