PEF Modelling in OpenLCA with primary data

Question

I am trying to do EPD and PEF modelling for a product system for comparison using a combination of primary and secondary data. However, data availability is quite limited on EF 3.1 for the product I am studying. I will be using Ecoinvent data for background processes for EPD study.

Are there any suggestions on how to perform PEF modelling in OpenLCA with absence of data in EF 3.1? 

Would it be ok to use Ecoinvent data for background processes with EF3.1 method to model PEF on OpenLCA for comparison against EPD study? 

Answer 1

Hi, interesting point but your question 

Are there any suggestions on how to perform PEF modelling in OpenLCA with absence of data in EF 3.1? 

- this is not an openLCA question but a question related to PEF, where recently the requirements for data usage have been softened somewhat, permitting use of non-PEF data to some degree. 

Answer 2

Hi,

PEF studies are exclusively with EF-data. However, there is a small exemption:
"Use an ILCD entry level (EL) compliant proxy. A maximum of 10% of the total environmental impact may be derived from ILCD-EL compliant datasets (calculated cumulatively from lowest to largest contribution to the total EF profile)." - Suggestions for updating the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method Zampori L, Pant R EUR 29682 EN 2019. Further details are often provided in the respective PEFCRs, e.g. Apparel "Primary data shall be provided for at least 95% of the Bill Of Materials (BOM) by weight".