A framework for an accessible environmental footprint database to simply life cycle assessments

The new report outlines a potential framework for the Environmental Footprint database. The database should provide background datasets for life cycle assessment studies.

Life cycle assessment is a scientific method to analyse the environmental performance of products in a quantifiable way. The environmental footprint (EF) methods is a European standard, which provides detailed instructions on how to calculate the environmental impacts of for example products. Available, high-quality background datasets accelerate these calculations and make the results reliable. 

Building on these foundations, this final study outlines the proposed framework for the development and management of a publicly available Environmental Footprint database. It includes the general concept including roles and responsibilities of the different actors, the IT architecture and the IT tools needed to facilitate the creation, verification and updating of the datasets.

 In this framework, the European Commission aims to simplify the access to data as the EF methods are increasingly used in policy instruments. An example is the proposed green claims directive which aims to prevent greenwashing. 

To this end, the European Commission will continue  to work on the implementation of the database together with the Member States and experts.

More information

Study on a potential framework for the environmental footprint database