Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) is a methodology and set of rules developed under the European Union’s PEF initiative for calculating the environmental impacts of products. PEF is part of the Single Market for Green Products Initiative, which aims to bring measurement-based standardization to products marketed as environmentally friendly. The goal is to enable consumers to confidently and easily choose products with better environmental performance.
Just like in EPD studies, PEF assessments are based on the LCA methodology. Environmental impacts are calculated using PEF Category Rules (PEFCRs), which guide the modeling and assumptions, including which LCA datasets to use. These results are then reported according to the relevant PEFCR and verified by an independent expert. PEFCR documents also include benchmark environmental impact values for the relevant product category in the European market, making it possible to compare your product’s performance against the market average. At the end of a PEF study, you’ll understand how your product performs environmentally in comparison to EU market standards.
PEF Study Process
First, we inform you about the overall process and identify the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules (PEFCRs) applicable to the products you wish to assess. Then, we conduct a site visit to collect accurate data for the LCA study and perform comprehensive modeling to calculate the environmental impacts of your product. Based on these calculations, we prepare your PEF report in accordance with the relevant PEFCR document and submit it to an independent verifier. Once the verification process is complete, your comparative PEF results are ready to be published.
01 We begin with a project kick-off meeting to understand your production process and define the necessary data.
02 Using our tailored data collection form, we model your production process and begin the LCA study.
03 Based on the modeling results, we prepare your PEF report and accompanying results in accordance with the relevant PEFCR.
04 We submit the finalized PEF report to an independent verifier.
05 After verification approval, we assist in publishing your PEF results—completing the process by making them available on your website or desired platform.
