RCP Energia PDF

PRODUCT CATEGORY RULES ACCORDING TO ISO 14025
DATE 2015-02-05
PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

ELECTRICITY, STEAM AND HOT/COLD WATER GENERATION
AND DISTRIBUTION
2007:08
VERSION 3.0
VALID UNTIL: 2019-02-05

DATE 2015-02-05

ELECTRICITY, STEAM AND HOT/COLD WATER GENERATION AND DISTRIBUTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 General information ..................................................................................................................................................5
2 Definition of the product group ..................................................................................................................................6
2.1 Specification of manufacturing company .............................................................................................................7
2.2 Specification of the product .................................................................................................................................7
3 Declared unit ............................................................................................................................................................8
4 Units and quantities ..................................................................................................................................................8
5 General system boundaries ......................................................................................................................................8
5.1 Boundaries towards risk assessment ..................................................................................................................9
5.2 Core processes ...................................................................................................................................................9
5.3 Upstream processes............................................................................................................................................9
5.4 Downstream processes .....................................................................................................................................10
6 Core Module ...........................................................................................................................................................10
6.1 System boundaries ............................................................................................................................................10
6.2 Cut-off rules .......................................................................................................................................................15
6.3 Allocation rules ..................................................................................................................................................15
6.4 Data quality rules and rules for generic data .....................................................................................................17
6.5 Inventory and calculation rules ..........................................................................................................................19
7 Upstream Module ...................................................................................................................................................21
7.1 System boundaries ............................................................................................................................................21
7.2 Cut-off rules .......................................................................................................................................................22
8 Downstream Module ...............................................................................................................................................25
8.1 Use phase scenario ...........................................................................................................................................25
8.2 System Boundaries ...........................................................................................................................................25
8.3 Cut-off rules .......................................................................................................................................................26
8.7 Recycling declaration and treatment of the worn out product ............................................................................27
9 Environmental performance related information .....................................................................................................27
9.1 Use of resources ...............................................................................................................................................28
9.2 Potential environmental impacts ........................................................................................................................29
9.3 Waste production ..............................................................................................................................................29
9.4 Other environmental indicators ..........................................................................................................................30
9.5 Additional environmental information.................................................................................................................31
10 Content of the EPD® .............................................................................................................................................32
10.1 Programme related information ................................................................................................................32
10.2 Product related information .......................................................................................................................33
10.3 Environmental performance-related information .......................................................................................33
10.4 Mandatory statements ..............................................................................................................................34
®
10.5 Differences versus previous versions of the EPD ...................................................................................34
10.6 References ...............................................................................................................................................34
11 Validity of the EPD® ..............................................................................................................................................35
PAGE 2/50
DATE 2015-02-05

12 Update of the EPD® ..............................................................................................................................................35

13 Changes in this PCR document .............................................................................................................................35
14 References ............................................................................................................................................................36
Annex 1 Energywares ....................................................................................................................................................38
Annex 2: Allocation by the “Alternative Generation Method” ..........................................................................................41
Annex 3 Typical technical service life for different technologies .....................................................................................43
Annex 4 Efficiency reference values for separate production of electricity and heat ......................................................44
Annex 5 Greenhouse gas emissions due to impoundment and inundation ....................................................................46
PAGE 3/50
DATE 2015-02-05

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO PRODUCT CATEGORY RULES IN

THE INTERNATIONAL EPD® SYSTEM
®
This is a Product Category Rules (PCR) document developed in the framework of the International EPD System,
operating in accordance with ISO 14025:2006 and the following international standards:
 ISO 9001, Quality management systems
 ISO 14001, Environmental management systems
 ISO 14040, LCA - Principles and procedures
 ISO 14044, LCA - Requirements and guidelines
®
The International EPD System is a system of voluntary environmental declarations applicable to any type of goods
and services. The rules and requirements of the system are defined in the General Programme Instructions, available
at the website: www.environdec.com.
A PCR is defined in ISO 14025 as a set of specific rules, requirements and guidelines for developing Type III
environmental declarations for one or more product categories. This PCR document specifies the rules for the
underlying life cycle assessment (LCA) and sets minimum requirements on EPDs for a specific product group that are
more detailed than the standards and the General Programme Instructions.
®
In the case of building products, the International EPD System also allows the use of EN 15804 (Sustainability of
construction works - Environmental product declarations - Core rules for the product category of construction products)
and ISO 21930 (Environmental declaration of building products) as underlying standards, if relevant. The compliance
with these standards shall be defined in each PCR.
®
The principle programme elements in International EPD System are presented below. More information is available in
the General Programme Instructions and on the website:
PURPOSE ELEMENT IDENTIFICATION AND PRINCIPAL APPROACH
Complying with principles set in ISO 14025 on 1. "Book-keeping LCA approach" (attributional LCA)
modularity and comparability 2. A Polluter-Pays (PP), allocation method
3. PCR Module Initiative (PMI) in order to structure PCR in modules according to

Simplifying work to develop Product Category international classification
Rules (PCR) 4. PCR Moderator for leadership and support of the PCR work
5. Pre-certification of EPDs
Secure international participation in PCR work 5. Online PCR Forum for open and transparent stakeholder consultation
Facilitating identification and collection of LCA-

6. Selective data quality approach for specific and generic data
based information
8. Introducing Sector EPDs

Broaden market applications of EPDs
9. Introducing "Single-issue EPDs"
Expand possibilities for organisations to issue

10. Introducing "EPD process certification"
EPDs in a cost-effective way
Alignment of Product Category Rules (PCR) across intermediate and final products in the supply chain and of PCRs
developed in the framework of other ISO 14025 compliant programmes is strongly encouraged. In order to have a
unique identification of each product group, the United Nation Statistics Division - Classification Registry CPC codes
®
(http://unstats.un.org) are used in the International EPD System.
All PCR documents have a maximum period of validity after which the document shall be revisited.
PAGE 4/50
DATE 2015-02-05

1 GENERAL INFORMATION
Name: Electricity, steam and hot/cold water generation and distribution
Programme operator: The International EPD® System, www.environdec.com.

E-mail: info@environdec.com
Publication date: 2015-02-05 (Version 3.0)
Version 1.0 was published 2007-10-31. A version history is available in Section 13
Registration no: 2007:08
This PCR was prepared by: Christian Capello, Axpo, Switzerland

Lars Homlquist, Göteborg Energi, Sweden
Denis Le-Boulch, EDF, France
Rolf Frischknecht, esu services, Switzerland
Hanne Raadal, Östfoldforskning, Norway
Caroline Setterwall, ABB AB, Sweden
Mikael Ekhagen, Vattenfall AB, Sweden
Appointed PCR moderator: Mikael Ekhagen, mikael.ekhagen@vattenfall.com
Open consultation period: 2014-09-17 until 2014-11-17 (Version 3.0)

2011-09-22 until 2011-11-03 (Version 2.0)
March 2007, including meeting in Brussels on 2007-03-07 (Version 1.0)
Review panel for this PCR: The Technical Committee of the International EPD® System.
Full list of TC members available on www.environdec.com/TC
Valid within the following geographical Global

representativeness:
PCR language: English
Valid until: 2019-02-05
More information on this PCR’s website: http://environdec.com/en/PCR/Detail/?Pcr=5802
This document provides Product Category Rules (PCR) for the assessment of the environmental performance of UN
CPC 171 Electrical energy and CPC 173 Steam and hot water and the declaration of this performance by an EPD.
PAGE 5/50
DATE 2015-02-05

This PCR was developed in accordance with and complies with the General Programme Instruction of the International
®
EPD System, version 2.01 dated 2013-09-18. It is based on the requirements and guidelines given in “PCR Basic
Module, CPC Division 17: Electricity, town gas, steam and hot water”, version 2.0, dated 2013-10-24.
This PCR is also developed in line with the requirements defined in:
 ISO/TS 14067, Carbon footprint of products -- Requirements and guidelines for quantification and communication
This PCR document is publically available on www.environdec.com. The PCR document is a living document. If
relevant changes in the LCA methodology or in the technology for the product category occur, the document will be
revised and any changes will be published on the website.
Any comments to this PCR document may be given on the PCR Forum on www.environdec.com or directly to the PCR
moderator during the period of validity. The PCR Moderator should initiate a revision process before the validity time
expires to give due time for announcing and collecting comments.
EPDs shall be based on the latest version of the PCR, and refer to the version number and date of the PCR used. The
production of new PCR versions does not affect the certification period of EPDs that are already published.
2 DEFINITION OF THE PRODUCT GROUP

The product group in the scope of this PCR includes electricity, steam, hot water produced with any technology such
as:
 Combustion technologies based on fossil and renewable fuels and peat
 Nuclear technologies
 Hydropower technologies (including pumped storage)
 Wind power technologies
 Ocean technologies (wave, tide)
 Solar technologies (photovoltaic and thermal electric)
 Electrochemical processes (fuel cells)
 Ambient heat, waste heat from other processes and electricity (geothermal technologies, heat pumps and electric
boilers)
Any EPDs for other or new technologies shall follow the idea and principles of this PCR and comply with relevant parts
and the EPD producer should ask for amendments to this PCR via the PCR Forum or directly to the PCR Moderator.
For some technologies and sub-systems there are existing PCRs or PCRs that are under development which shall be
considered:
TECHNOLOGY/SUB-SYSTEM PCR
Waste incineration PCR 2008:02 Solid waste disposal services
Carbon Storage and Capture (CCS) PCR 2014:06 Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) services
Mobile applications are not included.

An EPD can be produced for one conversion plant or a defined set of conversion plants. Examples are:
 Electricity from an individual production facility, e.g. a hydropower plant,
 Typical electricity from a type of facility, e.g. a company’s portfolio of wind power plants
 An electricity mix typical for a company
 Heat from a district heating systems with several heat producing sources
PAGE 6/50
DATE 2015-02-05

In the case typical averages are presented in an EPD the selection of studied sites and processes must be proven to
be representative i.e. typical. The scope of the EPD shall be clearly stated.
2.1 SPECIFICATION OF MANUFACTURING COMPANY

The information on the manufacturing company, required in the EPD, shall be reported in accordance with the
headings in table 2.1.1 and separated into mandatory and voluntary information.
MANDATORY INFORMATION EXAMPLE OF VOLUNTARY INFORMATION
Name of the company Specific aspects regarding the production
Production site(s) Environmental policy
Description of production technology Manufacturers logotype
Responsible for the publication of the EPD and other contact

persons regarding e.g. EMS, environmental performance,
LCA calculations etc.
Information on environmental management system (EMS)
2.2 SPECIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT

The following characteristics must be given for the products:
Electricity The voltage level of delivered electricity
Steam The distribution system pressure, feed and return temperature
Hot water The distribution system feed and return temperature
Relevant Type I and Type II environmental labels awarded to the product may be stated.
Any claims made about the product must be verifiable.
Specification of modules
Core module: The technology used for energy conversion shall be presented briefly, including a technical
characterisation with reference to base load, peak load, reserve heat etc. Installation year shall be reported as well as
a technical specification including, installed capacity, input fuel (where relevant), annual generation during defined
reference period, conversion efficiency, full load hours (capacity factor or other information so that full load hours can
be calculated), and technical service life. The basis for the estimation of the technical service life shall be given. Name
of main suppliers should be given.
In the case typical averages are presented in an EPD the selection of studied sites and processes must be proven to
be representative (i.e. typical) in the EPD.
Upstream module: The main upstream flows shall be mentioned, the main fuel suppliers should be named. The fuel
suppliers’ regional location and their type of processes shall be given.
In the case typical averages are presented in an EPD the selection of studied suppliers and processes must be proven
to be representative (i.e. typical) in the EPD.
Downstream module: The design of the transmission and distribution systems shall be described shortly. Technical
service life shall be given along with an explanation for this estimation. Furthermore transmission and distribution
losses for electricity at different voltages (high, medium, low voltage) and in different regions (urban, rural) should be
given. If data at different voltages and in different regions cannot be obtained average data on losses shall be given.
Distribution losses for heat, steam and hot water shall be given based on measurements in the distributions systems
used.
PAGE 7/50
DATE 2015-02-05

3 DECLARED UNIT
1
The declared unit is defined as 1 kWh net of electricity generated and thereafter distributed and/or 1 kWh of steam or
hot water generated and thereafter distributed to the customer. The declared unit shall be stated in the EPD.
The environmental impact shall be given per declared unit during the technical service life of the energy conversion
plant based on the status of the plant in the defined reference period.
In the case of pumped storage hydropower it shall be pointed out in the EPD that the function of pumped storage is to
regulate and balance the electricity network i.e. like a short-term energy storage rather than produce electricity.
4 UNITS AND QUANTITIES

The International System of Units (SI units) shall be used. Reasonable multiples may be adopted for a better
understanding. Exceptions to the use of SI units are allowed in the case of:
 kWh for electricity, steam and hot water
 kW for power (or multiples hereof: MW, GW etc.)
A maximum of three significant digits shall be used when reporting LCA results.
5 GENERAL SYSTEM BOUNDARIES

®
The International EPD System has adopted an LCA calculations procedure which is separated into three different life
cycle stages, see Figure 1:
 Upstream processes (from cradle-to-gate);
 Core processes (from gate-to-gate)
 Downstream processes (from gate-to-grave)
®
In the EPD , the environmental performance associated with each of the three life-cycle stages above shall be
reported separately.
The lifecycle comprises several information modules according to the following paragraphs and Fig 6.1. All information
modules include waste handling according to the Polluter Pays principle (see General Programme Instructions).
For some power technologies construction and demolition of infrastructure (i.e. energy conversion plant, distribution
network etc.) contribute more than 1% of the overall environmental impact of that technology and shall therefore be
included in all EPDs covered by this PCR.
1
1 kWh net means that electricity used within the power plant is subtracted from the amount of kWh generated in that
plant.
PAGE 8/50
DATE 2015-02-05

Upstream module Core module Downstream module
Construction Construction Construction

infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure
electrical
or thermal
Natural fuel etc energy
energy Upstream Core processes Downstream Customer
resources processes Operation of energy processes
Production of fuel and auxiliary conversion plant, fuel Distribution of electricity,
substances e.g. chemicals preparation at site steam, hot/cold w ater
Decommissioning Decommissioning Decommissioning

infrastructure infrastructure infrastructure
Figure 1 Illustration of the life cycle structure and rough system boundaries. Squares with unbroken edge line indicate
processes that shall be included, dashed edge line indicate processes that may be included. Construction includes
necessary reinvestments during the technical service life and decommissioning includes dismantling and handling of
the different fractions of wastes and residues according to the polluter pays principle (see General Programme
instructions)
5.1 BOUNDARIES TOWARDS RISK ASSESSMENT

Environmental impacts due to accidents and undesired events are not part of the LCA but part of the environmental
risk assessment to be reported under Additional environmental information.
Environmental burdens in conjunction with mishaps occurring more often than once in three years are considered to
belong to normal operation and are part of the LCA (example: smaller frequent oil spills from hydropower stations to
the river due to leaky packings). Events with environmental impact that happen less frequent than once in three years
belong to the environmental risk assessment (example: the rupture of a Kaplan turbine hub leading to a sudden larger
oil emission).
5.2 CORE PROCESSES

The core module comprises gate-to-gate environmental information on the operation stage of the energy conversion
plant (system) until the delivery point to the distribution system. The handling/treatment/transportation of the core
module waste and residues is included according to the polluter pays principle.
The core module infrastructure, i.e. construction, reinvestments and decommissioning of the energy conversion plant
(system) including also other buildings, fuel preparation equipment, waste storages, roads, etc. on site shall be
included.
5.3 UPSTREAM PROCESSES

The upstream module comprises cradle-to-gate environmental information on production and transportation of fuel and
auxiliary substances such as e.g. chemicals necessary for energy conversion. The gate is defined as the fence of the
conversion plant site.
The infrastructure associated with the upstream processes comprise construction and decommissioning of and
reinvestments in fuel preparation equipment at the site of the energy conversion plant (dryer, mill, etc.) and suppliers’
facilities.
PAGE 9/50
DATE 2015-02-05

5.4 DOWNSTREAM PROCESSES

The downstream module comprises distribution of the products to the customer. The processes after the power plant
transforming process to the customer meter are included or for thermal energy from delivery point to the distribution
system of steam or hot water to the customer central unit.
The use stage of electricity, steam and hot water fulfils various functions in different contexts and is therefore excluded
from the downstream module as well as the end-of-life of the products which is always thermal energy.
6 CORE MODULE
6.1 SYSTEM BOUNDARIES
6.1.1 TECHNICAL SYSTEM

Data shall reflect the technology actually used.
Core processes comprise the processes related to energy conversion.
The technical system shall not include:
 Business travel of personnel.
 Travel to and from work by personnel.
 Research and development activities.
For additional information about system boundaries concerning waste, etc., see the General Programme Instructions
Core infrastructure shall be included in the LCA i.e. the processes related to construction, reinvestments and
dismantling (end of life) of energy conversion plant (system of energy conversion plants) and other infrastructure on
site.
In principle all environmentally significant processes of energy conversion shall be considered in the LCA. Below major
core processes and infrastructure equipment are listed without claims of completeness.
6.1.1.1. COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON FOSSIL AND RENEWABLE FUELS AND PEAT
Core processes:
 Energy conversion process of plant(s)
 Maintenance (for example lubrication but not reinvestment of components)
 Reserve power and reserve heat including test operation
 Transportation of waste and by-products
 Handling/treatment/deposition of fuel-related waste such as ash or by-products from flue gas cleaning
 Handling/treatment/deposition of other operational waste
Core infrastructure:
 Energy conversion plant building and other infrastructure including, digging, foundations, roads, etc., within the
site, and respective construction processes
 Machinery, cables, flue gas cleaning and waste water treatment equipment and other equipment and reserve
power
PAGE 10/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 CO2 absorber, air separator, compressor etc. in case of CCS

 Gasifier in the case of gasification
 Pipeline and injection station in case of CCS
 Fuel preparation equipment (e.g. mill, dryer) and fuel storage facilities at energy conversion plant site
 Power plant transformer
 Connection to the power network
 Transportation of inputs and outputs
 Facilities for handling of waste, residues and wastewater
 Reinvestments of material and components during the estimated technical service life
6.1.1.2. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES

Core processes:
 Maintenance (for example lubrication but not reinvestment of components)
 Transportation of waste
 Handling/treatment/deposition of spent nuclear fuel and other radioactive waste
 Handling/treatment/deposition of other operational waste
 Reactor building and other infrastructure including digging, foundations, roads etc within the site, and respective
construction processes
 Reactor, machinery, cables, tubes and other equipment for the conversion process and reserve power
 Facilities for handling of radioactive waste (on site and elsewhere) and facilities on site for handling of waste,
residues and wastewater
6.1.1.3.HYDROPOWER TECHNOLOGIES
Core processes:
 Energy conversion process of plant(s) including estimated need of oil, hydraulic liquids and fat as well as
potential emissions thereof to the waterways based on the technical standard of the hydropower plant during the
validity of the EPD.
 Maintenance (for example lubrication, reinvestment of components is part of the core infrastructure).
 Pump electricity in case of pumped storage
 Inspection trips
 Reserve power including test operation
PAGE 11/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 Handling/treatment/deposition of operational waste
 Energy conversion plant building and other infrastructure including, digging, foundations, roads, etc., on site
 Machinery, cables and other equipment for the conversion process and reserve power
 Dams, water reservoirs and water ways
 Pump station (in case of pumped storage)
 Emissions from inundated land (CO2, CH4, COD)
If dismantling is not probable (for example large-scale hydropower) the end of life including dismantling and restoration
of land, dams and waterways to some natural conditions may be excluded. In such case the estimated technical
service life is the time after which 100% of upgrading and reinvestment has taken place, i.e. 100 % of the machinery
and 100 % of concrete in waterways and dams have been replaced including the need for refurbishing groundwork,
digging, and transportation of filling material etc. This means that a functional plant is an output of the life cycle.
Typical technical service life time may be taken from Appendix 3
6.1.1.4. WIND POWER TECHNOLOGIES

Core processes:
 Energy conversion process of plant(s) including estimated need of oil, hydraulic liquids and fat based on the
technical standard of the wind power plant during the validity of the EPD
 Maintenance (for example lubrication but not reinvestment of components) including inspection trips.
 Transportation of operational waste
 Tower incl. cables and transformer
 Nacelle incl. rotor and blades, generator and gear box
 Foundation including groundwork
 Farm internal power network
 Wind farm transformer station
 Connection to the power network incl. off and onshore sub stations and cables
PAGE 12/50
DATE 2015-02-05

6.1.1.5. OCEAN TECHNOLOGIES (WAVE, TIDE)

Core processes:
 Energy conversion process of plant(s) including estimated need of oil, hydraulic liquids and fat as well as
potential emissions thereof to the water based on the technical standard of the ocean power plant during the
validity of the EPD.
 Maintenance (for example lubrication but not reinvestment of components) including inspection trips.
 Main body, including housing, absorber and ballast
 Moorings (lines, buoys, anchor, foundation)
 Power take off
 Internal power network
 Wave farm transformer
 Connection to the power network incl. off and onshore sub stations and cables
6.1.1.6. SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES (PHOTOVOLTAIC AND THERMAL ELECTRIC)

Core processes:
 Maintenance (for example cleaning and inspection but not reinvestment of components)
 Solar cells, solar collectors, mirrors
 Machinery (motors) and cables
 Mechanical BOS (Balance of system) such as frames, fastening devices, support racks, mounting structures etc
 Electrical BOS such as inverter, wiring, switches, batteries etc.
 Other infrastructure including, ground preparation, foundations, roads etc.
PAGE 13/50
DATE 2015-02-05

6.1.1.7. ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESSES

Fuel cells (stationary applications)
Core processes:
 Fuel preparation at energy conversion site e.g. for marine application:
- Fuel bunkering (e.g. pumping, lifting tanks, etc.).
- Fuel storage (e.g. tank used, necessary adjustments to vessel configuration compared to conventional
vessels, etc.)
 Maintenance (for example changing filters in the fuel system, lubrication)
 Test operations of reserve power and reserve heat (if relevant)
 Handling/treatment/storage of operational waste
 Energy conversion unit (stack, reformer, methanator, etc.)
 Energy conversion plant building and other infrastructure including, digging, foundations, roads etc. within the
 Enclosure of the fuel cell unit
 Facilities for handling of waste, residues or wastewater.
6.1.1.8. AMBIENT HEAT, WASTE HEAT FROM OTHER PROCESSES AND ELECTRICITY
(GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES, HEAT PUMPS AND ELECTRIC BOILERS)
Core processes:
 Maintenance (for example lubrication or refill of cooling media but not reinvestment of components)
 Energy conversion plant building and other infrastructure including, digging, foundations, roads etc. within the
PAGE 14/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 Hot water preparation equipment

6.1.2 TIME BOUNDARIES

Input and output data of the core module shall reflect one reference year or an annual average of a defined reference
period and be representative during the validity of the EPD.
6.1.3 BOUNDARIES TO NATURE

Any inputs directly from nature shall be included as well as all emissions to nature.
6.1.4 GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES

Data for the core processes shall be site-specific.
6.1.5 BOUNDARIES TO OTHER PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES

If there is an inflow of recycled material to the production system in the production/manufacturing phase, the recycling
process and the transportation from the recycling process to where the material is used shall be included. If there is an
outflow of material to recycling, the transportation of the material to the recycling process shall be included. The
material going to recycling is then an outflow from the production system (see General Programme Instructions)
6.2 CUT-OFF RULES

Core processes
LCI data for a minimum of 99 % of total inflows to the core module shall be included. Inflows not included in the LCA
shall be documented in the EPD
Core infrastructure
Regarding core infrastructure compliance with the 1%-rule should be aimed for, especially for technologies where the
infrastructure causes the main part of the environmental impact. In the case of thermal technologies based on
combustion the infrastructure has a minor impact in comparison with the operation and the fuel production and hence
construction and dismantling can be handled more roughly.
6.3 ALLOCATION RULES

Allocation between different products and co-products shall be based on physical relationships. If physical
relationships cannot be established or used, allocation can be based on other relationships, for example economical
allocation. Any other allocation procedures shall be justified.
Allocation always implies valuation and the main goals for the allocation choices made for this product group is to keep
the allocation methodology rather simple but transparent and maintain comparability between EPDs.
Results calculated with other allocation methods than the mandatory ones listed below (Section 6.3.1-6.3.2) may be
reported and discussed under the heading Additional Environmental Information in the EPD.
PAGE 15/50
DATE 2015-02-05

In case there are several products from an energy conversion plant (system) such as electricity and steam or a waste
treatment service and district heat, the LCA results of all products and services provided by this plant, to which impacts
have been allocated, shall be reported in the EPD.
6.3.1 COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (ALL TECHNOLOGIES)

Allocation of benefit and environmental burdens for combined heat and power (CHP) generation shall be made with
the Alternative Generation Method, see Annex 2. The environmental burdens of combined heat and power generation
are distributed between the two products – electricity and steam/hot water– in proportion to the fuel needed for
separate electricity and heat generation, i.e. according to the best efficiency of each of the two processes with the
same fuel. For calculation of the allocation factors see Annex 2.
The electricity used, internally, in the CHP shall also be split between the products according to the Alternative
Generation Method, which means that the net electricity generation is calculated as the gross electricity generation
minus the – to electricity allocated - portion of the internally used electricity.
Parts or components of infrastructure exclusively used for the generation of one of the products is allocated to that
product to 100 %, e.g. the generator is allocated to electricity and district heat exchanger is allocated to district heat.
Infrastructure, necessary for the generation of all products is allocated to the different products according to the
Alternative Generation Method, see Section 6.1.4.2.
6.3.2 SPECIAL TECHNOLOGY SPECIFIC ALLOCATION RULES
Electricity, steam or hot water from a waste incineration plant
This multi-output process delivers waste treatment services, steam, hot water and/or electricity. The allocation between
service and products follows the General Programme Instructions regarding waste treatment, see GPI Supporting
Annex, A.7.1. The burdens of the incineration process that destructs the waste shall be allocated to the waste
treatment service (according to the Polluter Pays allocation method) and be declared per kg waste in the EPD whereas
equipment and processes needed to make use of the produced heat as e.g. district heat, process steam or electricity
shall be allocated per kWh of these products.
Ash and by-products from flue gas cleaning
If the ash or by-products from combustion plants are deposited, the deposition process shall be allocated to the
combustion plant operator i.e. the core process. If ash or by-products are reused as for instance road filling or as raw
material in the construction sector transports to collection site shall be allocated to the core process and further
refinement and transportation to the site of use is allocated to the next user. If ash from biomass fuels is spread in the
forest all processes needed to spread the ash shall be allocated to the core process.

Handling of spent fuel and residues in the nuclear fuel processing chain
The allocation of treatment/handling of waste and residues follows the Polluter Pays allocation method described in the
General Programme Instructions in section 1.7.2 in Appendix 1.
Nuclear fuel reprocessing is a waste treatment service stabilizing spent nuclear fuel and shall be allocated to the
nuclear power plant operator. The plutonium and MOX fuel are additional assets leaving the reprocessing plant without
any burdens.
Because most of the depleted uranium is currently stocked, all requirements and emissions of the enrichment step are
attributed to the enriched uranium. Because only a small amount of the total depleted uranium produced will ever be
used, depleted uranium shall be considered as a waste and listed as such in the inventory.
PAGE 16/50
DATE 2015-02-05

6.3.2.3. HYDROPOWER TECHNOLOGIES

The construction of dams is a prerequisite for regulation of water flows in a water course. Large dams may also
represent reservoirs with multipurpose functions, such as irrigation, flood control, and water supply, in addition to
hydropower generation. In such cases, allocation of the burdens from the dam infrastructure between the different
functions (irrigation, flood control, water supply and hydropower generation) should therefore be considered. The
allocation approach shall be described and motivated in the EPD.
In a river there might be several water reservoirs and hydropower stations and it may be difficult to allocate the
emissions due to inundation to a specific station. One way of doing this allocation is to look at the whole river and take
all emissions due to inundation and spread over all kWh generated in the river. The allocation approach shall be
described and motivated in the EPD.
6.4 DATA QUALITY RULES AND RULES FOR GENERIC DATA

As a general rule, specific data shall always be used if available. Generic data may however be used if specific data is
lacking and in cases where generic data are representative for the purpose of the EPD, e.g. for bulk and raw materials
from a spot market. A description of specific data, selected generic data and other generic data is found in PCR BASIC
MODULE, CPC Division 17 ELECTRICITY, TOWN GAS, STEAM AND HOT WATER.
Data fulfilling the requirements selected generic data of processes performed in Europe may be found in the following
databases:
MATERIAL DATABASE
Steel World steel Association
Primary copper ICA (International Copper Association)
Copper products European Copper Institut (Deutsches Kupferinstitut – Life Cycle Center)
Electricity ecoinvent
Data for different power technologies combined with IEA (International Energy Agency)
statistics on electricity generation mixes for nations, regions etc.
Fuels ecoinvent
Aluminium EAA (European Aluminium Association)
Plastics PE Plastics Europe
Chemicals PE Plastics Europe, ecoinvent
Electronic components EIME (Environmental Information and Management Explorer) EcoBilan
Transports NTM or regional alternatives2
Waste management, ecoinvent
Other construction material ecoinvent
The ILCD database
In other parts of the world other databases may be more appropriate.

Note that neither the recycling process at end of life nor any credits (for incineration or avoided impacts) shall
be included in data used from databases.
For new renewable technologies special data sources may be used as selected generic data:
2 Network for Transportation and Environment, a non-profit association working for consensus regarding environmental issues in combination with transportation
(http://www.ntm.a.se/eng-index.asp).
PAGE 17/50
DATE 2015-02-05

Electrochemical processes (Fuel cells):

MATERIAL DATABASE
SOFC infrastructure Karakoussis V., Leach M., van der Vorst R., Hart D., Lane J., Pearson P., Kilner J. (2000)
Environmental emissions of SOFC and SPFC System Manufacture and Disposal. Imperial
College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London (used in Ecoinvent database v2.0
(2007))
Karakoussis V., Brandon N. P., Leach M., van der Vorst R. (2001) The environmental impact of
manufacturing planar and tubular solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources, 101 (1) 10-26
PEFC stack Martin Pehnt M. (2001) Life-cycle assessment of fuel cell stacks. International Journal of
Hydrogen Energy 26 (2001) 91-101
Other fuel cells Fuel Cell Handbook (2004) Fuel Cell Handbook, 7th Edition. Prepared by
EG&G Technical Services and Science Applications International Corporation for the National
Energy Technology Laboratory, Contract No. DE-AM26- 99FT40575. National Energy
Technology Laboratory, Morgantown (USA).
http://www.needs-project.org/
If available data sources do not supply the necessary data or if data fulfilling the quality requirements mentioned
above, other generic data may be used and documented. As a minimum requirement those other generic datasets
should comprise meta information and should have undergone external review. The environmental impact of the
processes where the other generic data are used must not exceed 10% of the overall environmental impact from the
product system.
Selected generic and other generic data used should not be older than 10 years.
Data shall be used as follows:
Core module
Specific data shall be used for amounts of inputs and outputs in following activities/issues:
 operation of energy conversion plant (system of energy conversion plants)
 amounts of fuel and other auxiliary operational inputs
 fuel preparation processes at energy conversion site e.g. drying and grinding
 maintenance activities e.g. inspection trips, lubrication
 operation (also test operation) of reserve power and reserve heat
 distances for the transportation of fuel related waste and type of vehicles
 handling/treatment/storage of fuel related waste
 amounts and type of treatment of other waste
Core infrastructure
Specific data should be used for
 material composition of energy conversion plant
 material composition of fuel preparation equipment /e.g. mill, dryer) and storages
 material composition of facilities for handling of fuel-related waste
 reinvestment rates
Selected generic data may be used for
PAGE 18/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 manufacture of construction materials and chemicals

 transportation distances
 transportation services (fuel use and emissions in conjunction with transportation)
 construction services
 dismantling services
 waste treatment processes
 national or regional mixes for electricity generation
 resource use and emissions in conjunction with electricity and fuels used during the
construction/reinvestment/dismantling processes
6.5 INVENTORY AND CALCULATION RULES

Core module
Data regarding the core process i.e. the operation of the energy conversion plant or system of energy conversion
plants can be gathered from reports to authorities and from the environmental management system or other similar
documents as well as from expert estimates (e.g. on processes that will be performed in the future such as dismantling
or reinvestment rates).
The reference flow shall be an annual average of generated kWh for one year or a period of years. It shall be
described in the EPD how the reference flow was calculated.
Core infrastructure
Regarding the core infrastructure the material composition can be gathered e.g. from the documentation from the
construction process, such as plans, invoices, project reports, environmental impact assessments, etc.
The need for reinvestments during the technical service life shall be estimated and documented.
The reference flow for infrastructure shall be an annual average of produced kWh multiplied by the expected technical
service life of the system, i.e. the expected lifetime production of the system. See informative Annex 3 on typical
technical service life for different technologies.
6.5.1 SPECIAL CALCULATION RULES
6.5.1.1. HYDROPOWER TECHNOLOGIES

Water reservoirs
Construction of hydropower reservoirs may lead to inundation of land and changed water flows. This in turn may lead
to release of organic matter and nutrients to the water, formation of greenhouse gases and a contribution to oxygen-
depletion, which differs from the original situation (before building the dam).
Greenhouse gases (GHG):
According to the GHG Measurement Guidelines for Fresh Water Reservoirs provided by The UNESCO/IHA
Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Freshwater Reservoirs Research Project net GHG emissions from man-made
freshwater reservoirs are defined as the GHG impact from creation of these reservoirs. As net GHG emissions cannot
be measured directly, their value has to be estimated by assessing gross GHG emissions in the whole affected area,
comparing the values for pre- and post-impoundment conditions. The study period of emissions should be calculated
as 100 years.
In the context of preparing an EPD it is however not reasonable to ask for measurements if not already available and
for the time being no databases with standard data have been found. Awaiting further research and standard data the
method found in Appendix 5 may be used to make a very rough estimate of the net GHG emissions during 100 years
due to impoundment.
PAGE 19/50
DATE 2015-02-05

According to the UNESCO/IHA GHG emissions have been observed to return to natural levels in less than ten years
after impoundment in boreal and temperate regions. CO2, CH4 and N2O are released from reservoirs but in boreal and
temperate zones the N2O emissions are assumed to be low. In well-oxygenated waters CH4 emissions are low but
probably not zero (but lower the lower the temperature).
COD:
The carbon released from inundated land forms among other CO2 with oxygen from the water, contributing to
eutrophication. For every g of carbon (C) 2.67 g of oxygen (O) is used to form CO2. The oxygen consumption is
expressed as 2.67 g COD per g C. This COD shall be included in the LCA calculations.
ACO2*( mC / mCO2) * 2,67 = ACOD
Where
ACO2 Amount of CO2 formed due to inundation of land
ACOD Amount of COD formed due to inundation of land
mC molar weight of carbon (C) (12 g/mole)
mCO2 molar weight of CO2 (44 g/mole)
Phosphorus:
Phosphorus is the limiting nutrient in freshwater systems. Inundation of land leads to release of phosphorus to the
water allowing for increased biological growth during the first years after inundation. Impoundment however leads to
decreased water velocities, which in turn implies a higher degree of sedimentation of among other phosphorous. The
net release of phosphorous to the water during 100 years should be included in the LCA calculations. Any method
used shall be presented to the verifier.
Pumped storage hydropower

For the electricity used in the process, there are two alternatives: the company buys the electricity from the electricity
mix on the actual market or from a specific supplier. While in the first case the national electricity mix shall be adopted,
in the second case a specific electricity mix could be used if available. Electricity production impacts should be
accounted for in this priority:
 Renewable Energy Certificates (RECS) or Guarantee of origin from supplier
 Electricity supplier’s residual energy mix
 Electricity mix on the actual market (preferably residual mix, otherwise national mix
The electricity mix used shall be documented.
PAGE 20/50
DATE 2015-02-05

7 UPSTREAM MODULE

Processes included
Fuel production (fuel used in the energy conversion plant in question)
 Extraction of natural energy resources
 Processing of fuel
 Preparation of fuel
 Fuel storage process
 Transportation: extraction/cultivation → refinery → conversion plant
Production of auxiliary inputs to the energy conversion plant(s) operation:

 Extraction of natural resources for auxiliary inputs (fuels and electricity used by suppliers, materials, chemicals)
 Production of fuels and electricity used by suppliers producing auxiliary inputs
 Storage of auxiliary inputs at energy conversion site
 Transportation: extraction → processing → energy conversion plant
Upstream infrastructure
 Suppliers’ factory buildings
 Suppliers’ machines
7.1.2 BOUNDARIES IN TIME

Data for production of fuel used in the energy conversion plant shall be valid for the reference period defined for the
core module and during the validity of the EPD. Deviations shall be justified.
Data for production of auxiliary material and chemicals should be valid for the reference period defined for the core
module.
7.1.3 BOUNDARIES TOWARDS NATURE

All resources from nature and emissions to nature should be included in the calculations.
7.1.4 BOUNDARIES TOWARDS GEOGRAPHY

For larger inputs to the energy conversion plant such as fuel specific data from the actual fuel producer should be
used.
Generic data used should reflect the geographical region where the fuels, electricity, auxiliary material, and chemicals
are produced.
PAGE 21/50
DATE 2015-02-05

7.1.5 BOUNDARIES TOWARDS OTHER TECHNICAL SYSTEMS AND TECHNICAL

BOUNDARIES
For fuel used by the energy conversion plant the technology actually used should be the basis for calculation.
For fuels and electricity used by suppliers and production of input auxiliary materials and chemicals the production
technology used in the geographic region where the electricity, fuel, material or chemical is purchased should be the
basis for calculations.
7.2 CUT-OFF RULES

Compliance with the 1%-rule should be aimed for.

Allocation always implies valuation and the main goals for the allocation choices made for this product category is to
keep the allocation methodology rather simple but transparent and maintain comparability between EPDs.
Results calculated with other allocation methods than the mandatory ones listed below (Section 7.3.1-7.3.2) may be
reported and discussed under Additional environmental information.
7.3.1 COMBINED HEAT AND POWER (ALL TECHNOLOGIES)

See Section 6.3.1 regarding allocation rules for combined heat and power. The allocation factors calculated for the
core module shall be used to allocate the environmental burden of the upstream processes to the different products.
7.3.2 TECHNOLOGY-SPECIFIC ALLOCATION RULES
Fuels which are waste or by-products from other processes
In the case it is difficult to decide if a fuel used in the energy conversion plant is a waste or a by-product from another
party and the case is not described in this PCR the verifier should be very careful in checking the selected allocation
®
method according to the general principles in the General Programme Instructions of the International EPD System
and according to the examples mentioned in the following paragraphs.
Blast furnace gas used for energy conversion
Blast furnace gas has a quite low calorific value and consists mainly of carbon monoxide and it must be flared if not
sold. It accounts for a minor part of the industry’s revenues and the industry’s process is not affected whether it is used
for energy conversion or not and hence it should be considered a waste. Accordingly the user gets the gas without
environmental burdens and the emissions from combustion are allocated to the gas destruction service
Energy rich gases used for energy conversion
Energy rich gas from industries is considered as a product of these industries and a portion of the industries’
environmental burdens shall be allocated to this gas based on an energy analysis of the industry’s processes.
Production of solid and gaseous biomass fuels and bioliquids
Solid and gaseous biomass and bioliquids originate from agricultural crops and residues (e.g. maize, wheat, straw,
animal manure), from forestry (e.g. logs, stumps, branches) and wood-processing industry (e.g. bark, off-cuts, planing
shavings, saw dust) and from organic waste (e.g. municipal waste, post-consumer recovered wood, refuse-derived
fuels, sewage sludge).
Biomass fuel cultivation e.g. short rotation forestry or cereals cultivation aimed at electricity/steam/hot water production
is included from sowing or plantation till harvest and transportation.
PAGE 22/50
DATE 2015-02-05

If biomass fuel is made from primary forest products, such as logs, all the processes in conjunction with forestry shall
be included.
If biomass fuel is made from purchased co-substrates (e.g. glycerine), all the processes in conjunction with co-
substrate production shall be included.
If solid or gaseous biomass fuel and bioliquids are acquired from residues from agriculture or forestry or from food,
feed or wood-processing industry or from organic waste the upstream burdens to be included derive from its collection,
processing and transportation i.e. burdens from cultivation, felling, livestock keeping etc. are not included neither
emissions due to carbon stock change. Emissions from combustion are allocated to the energy conversion process.
Co-products with an economical value may arise or gainful services may be performed in the processing of organic
material to produce usable solid, gaseous or liquid fuels, examples are:
 Animal feed
 Heat for district heating
 Fertilizer
 Electricity
 Organic waste treatment services
Since physical allocation is hard to establish, the environmental burdens shall be allocated to those co-products based
on economic value in line with the following approaches in order of prioritization:
1. The suppliers revenues (€) from the different products and co-products
2. The share (%) of the suppliers overall revenues from products and co-products that the supplier receives for
the biomass fuel or bioliquid in question.
3. The market prices for the products and co-products in question.

Prices might change and the EPD will be updated at least every third year with up-to-date prices.

Uranium mining
If uranium comes from a mine extracting also other metal products, e.g. copper, economical allocation shall be used.
7.3.2.3. AMBIENT HEAT, WASTE HEAT FROM OTHER PROCESSES AND ELECTRICITY
(GEOTHERMAL TECHNOLOGIES, HEAT PUMPS AND ELECTRIC BOILERS)
Industrial waste steam/hot water used for energy conversion
Industrial waste steam/hot water that would have been emitted to a recipient (if it were not used in an energy
conversion process) is considered to be free of environmental burden i.e. only transportation from the industry shall be
allocated to the energy conversion system using the steam/hot water. The environmental performance of the industry
is in this case not affected whether the energy in the wastewater is used or not. This is in accordance with the General
Programme Instructions regarding waste treatment; see Section 1.7.2 in Appendix 1.
Sometimes the industry changes its process in order to make the waste steam/hot water usable for energy conversion.
In that case a portion of the industries environmental burden shall be allocated to the energy conversion system based
on an energy analysis of the industry’s processes.

Production of fuel for the energy conversion plant
Specific data should be used for amounts of inputs and outputs in following activities
 production of main fuels
PAGE 23/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 distances for the transportation within the fuel production chain and to the energy conversion plant and type of
vehicles
Selected generic data may be used for
 production of fuels bought on the spot market
 resource use and emissions in conjunction with electricity used in suppliers’ processes
 resource use and emissions in conjunction with production of auxiliary materials and chemicals used in suppliers’
processes
 resource use and emissions in conjunction with treatment of operational waste from suppliers’ processes
 suppliers’ infrastructure
Production of electricity and fuels used by suppliers and production of input auxiliary material and chemicals
for the energy conversion plant
Specific data should be used for large input flows to the core module. Deviations shall be justified. Generic data may
be used for production and transportation of input chemicals and auxiliaries as well as for transportation of operational
waste from the energy conversion plant and the following waste treatment, destruction, or deposition services.
Upstream infrastructure
Generic data may be used.
7.5.1 GENERAL
Information should be collected from the main fuel subcontractors and data should be valid for the reference period
defined for the core module.
If a subcontractor buys generation specific electricity from a specific electricity source and can prove this (with RECS,
Guarantees of Origin or other means) the environmental data for that source shall be used in the calculations.
The reference flow calculated for the core module shall be used, see section 8.5.
7.5.2 COMBUSTION TECHNOLOGIES BASED ON FOSSIL AND RENEWABLE FUELS AND

PEAT
7.5.2.1. BIO-DERIVED FUELS AND GREENHOUSE GASES

The question of CO2 or climate neutrality of bio-derived fuels is debated. Apart from emissions from machines in
conjunction with gathering, harvesting, processing and from drying, milling and transportation etc. there are several
issues such as
 The time gap between combustion emission and uptake in growing biomass leading to a climate impact through
an increased radiative forcing
 The release of CO2 due to degradation of the underground of biomass such as roots
 The release of carbon bound in the soil caused by water drainage or mechanical or other ground disturbances
before or during felling, cultivation, harvesting etc. forming CO2 or CH4.
 The release of CH4 from the fermentation process, pre-treatment of biomass and post-composting
PAGE 24/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 Release of N2O due to fertilizing

 Release of N2O from the soil due to ground preparation
It is difficult to address the time gap with current LCA methodologies but all biogenic emissions of CO 2 shall be
reported among the indicators, see section11.4. It shall however not be included in GWP100 provided the fuel is
acquired from
 residues from agriculture or forestry or from food, feed or wood-processing industry or from organic waste
 continuous plantations or cultivated areas or from thinning of continuously forested areas
In continuous plantations and cultivated areas or continuously forested areas the release of CO2 from underground
vegetation and soil as a result of felling or harvesting may be neglected if continuity can be proved, since the CO 2 is
assumed to be sequestered again in the next generation of vegetation grown on the area.
However in the case of land use change, e.g. from high carbon stock land (forest) to lower carbon stock land, the land
use change values for different countries according to PAS 2050:2011* Annex C shall be used for now. There is a lot
of research going on in this area and maybe other references will be more relevant later on. All countries are not listed
in PAS 2050:2011 and hence a reasonable approximation shall be done based on latitude, temperature region etc.
* PAS 2050:2011. Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and services
Release of N2O due to fertilizing shall be included, calculated as a share of input nitrogen based on the most recent
recommendations of the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Guidelines for National
Greenhouse Gas Inventories). Release of N2O from the soil due to land use may be neglected since this is a smaller
fraction of the overall N2O emission.
7.5.2.2. CARBON CAPTURE AND SEQUESTRATION OR REPLACEMENT

If CO2 is captured and sequestered or sold to be used as a replacement of CO2 produced with other methods the
stored or replaced amount shall be subtracted from the GWP100. The amount shall be reported among the indicators.
8 DOWNSTREAM MODULE
8.1 USE PHASE SCENARIO

The use stage of electricity, steam and hot water fulfils various functions in different contexts and is therefore excluded
from the downstream module as well as the end-of-life of the products which is always thermal energy.

Downstream processes
For distribution (of generated electricity, steam and hot water) the following items shall be included in the LCA
calculations:
 Average transmission/distribution losses associated with the transmission and distribution of electricity to a
customer, defined with respect to connection voltage.
 For heat, steam and hot water, average distribution losses in the distribution system used.
The following items should be included in the LCA calculations
 Operation and maintenance of the distribution systems including transportation and specific emissions of e.g. oil,
Zn, Cd, SF6.
PAGE 25/50
DATE 2015-02-05

Downstream infrastructure
Infrastructure of the distribution system, construction, reinvestments and dismantling (end of life) should be included in
the LCA.
 Power lines and power poles
 Cables
 Switch yards and transformer stations
 Ground work
8.2.2 GEOGRAPHICAL BOUNDARIES

For distribution of heat and steam, data shall reflect the distribution system actually used. For electricity, data should
reflect the region where most of the electricity is sold.
8.2.3 TIME BOUNDARIES

The losses in the distribution system included in the calculations shall be valid for the reference period defined for the
core module.
8.2.4 BOUNDARIES TO NATURE

All resources from nature and emissions to nature shall be included in the calculations.
8.2.5 BOUNDARIES TO OTHER PRODUCT LIFE CYCLES

Inputs and outputs to and from the distribution system operation and maintenance activities from and to other technical
systems should be described.
8.3 CUT-OFF RULES

Compliance with the 1%-rule should be aimed for.

No special allocation rules in the downstream module.

See section 7.4
Data shall be used as follows:
Specific data shall be used for
 distribution losses in steam and hot water distribution systems
Specific data should be used for

 typical transmission and distribution losses in the power networks used for delivery of electricity to different
customers, defined with respect to connection voltages.
Generic data may be used for
PAGE 26/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 average national transmission and distribution losses in the power networks representative for the delivery of
electricity to a customer, defined with respect to connection voltage
 operation and maintenance of the distribution systems
 transportation
Generic data may be used for
 material composition of distribution system
 reinvestment rates normally applied
 manufacture of construction materials and chemicals
 transportation distances
 construction services
 dismantling services
 waste treatment processes
 resource use and emissions in conjunction with electricity used during the construction/reinvestment/dismantling
processes

Numbers on distribution losses should be based on measurements.
The technical service life of the infrastructure shall be defined. The reference flow for infrastructure shall be calculated,
as the technical service lifetime multiplied by the amount of kWh distributed in the system during an annual average of
a reference period.
Input data may be collected from databases or other sources.
The need for reinvestments during the technical service life should be estimated and included in the LCA.
8.7 RECYCLING DECLARATION AND TREATMENT OF THE WORN OUT

PRODUCT
Not relevant for the product category UN CPC 171 and 173.
9 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE RELATED INFORMATION

The LCA results shall be reported separately for the following life cycle stages (according to figure 6.1):
 Upstream Module
 Core Processes
 Core Infrastructure Construction and Decommissioning
PAGE 27/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 Downstream Module
Up- and downstream infrastructure/decommissioning stage may be reported separately.
In the case there are hydropower emissions from impoundment and inundation these shall be reported separately.
In case there are GHG emissions from air freights in the life cycle, these shall be reported separately.
In case there are several products from an energy conversion plant or system, like for example electricity and steam or
a waste treatment service and district heat, the LCA results of all products and services, to which impacts has been
allocated, shall be reported in the EPD allowing the reader to calculate the total impact of the whole plant or system.
9.1 USE OF RESOURCES

In this category the use of natural resources shall be reported. In addition input of recycled material from the
technosphere should be reported.
Furthermore the electricity consumed in the energy conversion plant (system) shall be given as kWh electricity per
declared unit and it shall be pointed out that environmental impact in conjunction with this electricity consumption is
included. It is the difference between gross and net generation in the case of electricity producing plants.
A complete report of resource use shall be provided in the LCA, while it is acceptable to present only selected,
dominating resources in the EPD.
The sum of all input flows not reported separately and not followed from the cradle (i.e. from technosphere) shall be
given.
Input parameters, extracted resources:
 Non-renewable resources
- Material resources
- Energy resources (used for energy conversion purposes)
 Renewable resources
 Secondary resources
 Recovered energy flows (such thermal) expressed in MJ
 Water use divided in:
- Total amount of water use
- Direct amount of water used by the core process
* Water use should be specified as consumptive water use (i.e. water flowing through turbines shall not be
accounted for).
The following requirements on the resource declaration also apply:
 all parameters for resource consumption shall be expressed in mass, with the exception of renewable energy
resources used for the generation of hydroelectric, wind electricity and solar energy, which shall be expressed in
MJ;
 all parameters shall not be aggregated but reported separately. Resources which contribute for less than 5 % in
each category shall be included in the resources list as “other”;
 nuclear power shall be reported among the non-renewable energy resources as kg of natural uranium and
primary energy demand in (MJ)
PAGE 28/50
DATE 2015-02-05

9.2 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

The potential environmental impact per declared unit for the following environmental impact categories shall be
reported in the EPD, divided into core, upstream and downstream module:
 Emission of greenhouse gases (expressed as the sum of global warming potential, GWP, 100 years), in carbon
dioxide (CO2) equivalents. Emission of biogenic CO2 shall be included in GWP but reported separately.
* With respect to biomass power stations, both emissions to the atmosphere and removals from the atmosphere
shall be accounted for the assessment of the overall GHG emissions.
 Emission of acidifying gases (expressed as the sum of acidification potential, AP) in sulphur dioxide (SO 2)
equivalents.
 Emissions of gases that contribute to the creation of ground level ozone (expressed as the sum of ozone-
creating potential, POCP), in C2H4 (ethylene) equivalents.
 Emission of substances to water contributing to oxygen depletion (expressed as the sum of eutrophication
3-
potential, EP), in phosphate (PO4 ) equivalents.
The recommended characterisation factors to use are available on the website, www.environdec.com. The methods
used shall be included in the references.
9.3 WASTE PRODUCTION

Core module
Waste generated in the core processes shall be reported as inventory data in the categories below although these
waste flows have been followed to the grave.
The quantity of fuel-related waste, which is generated by the energy conversion facility and waste directly related to the
fuel used, shall be specified under separate sub-headings, such as ash and radioactive waste.
Fuel-related waste – non-radioactive specified in weight units (g)
To landfill
 Ash
 Gypsum
 Other
To recycling or reuse
 Ash, it shall be clearly stated how the ash is recycled or reused, returned to the forest or used to build road
embankments or other.
 Gypsum
 Other
Hazardous fuel-related waste – radioactive defined according to the relevant international, European and national
legislation (EURATOM, IAEA, etc.). The legal definition of the different categories of nuclear waste shall be given.
From nuclear power plant
 Spent nuclear fuel reported as total weight specified in weight units (g) of spent fuel assemblies unloaded from
the reactor during the reference period
 Uranium in spent nuclear fuel (expressed as initial uranium content in the fuel assemblies unloaded (g uranium
atoms (U))
To final repository
 High-level radioactive waste (spent fuel or parts of spent fuel, demolition waste, etc. including any containers,
according to legislation and nuclear core components) specified in m3
PAGE 29/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 Medium and low-level radioactive waste (conditioned operational waste, demolition waste, etc., including binding
matrix (cement, bitumen or other) and containers, according to legislation) specified in m3
Hazardous waste - non-radioactive specified in weight units (g)
 To landfill
 To incineration
 To reuse
 To recycling
Other waste specified in weight units (g)
 To landfill
 To incineration
 To reuse
 To recycling
Upstream and downstream modules

Waste generated in the up- or downstream processes and where the treatment is not known shall be reported as
inventory data in the categories below (reported separately for up- and downstream processes). When LCI-data from
databases is used, the waste is followed to the grave in most cases and generated amounts are not recorded. When
specific data has been retrieved from a subcontractor however, it might be that no information has been given
regarding treatment of its wastes.
Hazardous waste – radioactive
To final repository
 Volume of final repository necessary to deposit radioactive waste emanating from nuclear electricity used in up-
and downstream processes
 Low-level radioactive waste without further treatment (such as mining/milling wastes
Hazardous waste – non-radioactive
 Depleted uranium, UF6 (in case of nuclear power)
 Other hazardous waste (treatment unknown)
Other waste – fuel-related
 Ash
 Etc.
Other waste – non fuel-related
 Inert waste (rock, sand, etc.)
 Other non-hazardous waste (treatment unknown)
9.4 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

The following indicators per declared unit shall be reported in the EPD, divided into core, upstream and downstream
module
 LCI emission data supporting the environmental impact categories (main contributions)
 LCI emissions of radioactive isotopes in kBq, at a minimum C-14, Rn-222 and Kr-85
PAGE 30/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 LCI emissions of particle matter (PM) preferably in separate categories of particle size (at a minimum a
qualitative description of particle size)
 LCI emissions of toxic substances
 LCI emissions of oil to water and ground
9.5 ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION
9.5.1 ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION BASED ON LCA

Under this heading LCA-based information may be provided for example results calculated with other allocation
methods than required by the mandatory rules.
9.5.2 ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION NOT BASED ON LCA

Under this heading information that is not part of the LCA but identified as an important environmental aspect of the
product or information asked for by customers and other stakeholders, shall be declared. Any literature reference or
methodology used to acquire and describe additional environmental information shall be openly accessible and made
available to the verifier.
For the product category UN CPC 171 the following issues shall be addressed.
 Radiology: in the case of nuclear power, during normal operation in the reference year/period in the main life
cycle stages fuel production, operation of energy conversion plant, and management of fuel residues expressed
as dose in mSv.
 Risk related issues
- Radiology and human toxicological risks
- Environmental risks
○ Mishaps with environmental impact, that happen less frequent than once in three years should be
identified and the impacts quantified
○ Potential undesired events with high or very high impact but low or minute probability (e.g. nuclear
reactor meltdown, dam bursts, etc.) shall be identified and described qualitatively.
 Electro Magnetic Fields
- Description of the producer’s measures to keep fields low and some information on limits and
recommendations by different bodies.
 Noise
 Land use
- Land use and land use change expressed in square meters of specified land category according to Corine
Land Cover Classes, level one at a minimum (5 classes)
(http://terrestrial.eionet.europa.eu/CLC2000/classes) before and after exploitation where before is the area
in the situation before the start of the activities within the lifecycle and after is the area in the time period
corresponding to the validity of the EPD. Focus is on the core module meaning that all core module land
use shall be classified but also land exploited by fuel suppliers (mining, forestry or agriculture) shall be
quantified and classified. Other significant land use in up- and downstream processes should be included.
- Number of years that the areas are occupied expressed as the area occupied per year of operation
- Description of activities on the occupied areas
 Impacts on biodiversity
- Direct regional impacts concerning nature conservation issues like biodiversity and visual impact connected
to land use
PAGE 31/50
DATE 2015-02-05

For the product category UN CPC 171 and 173 the following issues should be addressed
 Radiology
- In case of power technologies other than nuclear power, radiology should be addressed qualitatively, at a
minimum, where relevant (for example coal extraction).
 Acidification due to use of forest residues
- Should be addressed qualitatively where relevant
For the product category UN CPC 171 and 173 the following issues may be addressed
 Land use
- Qualitative description of potential impacts on indigenous people and their traditional activities as hunting,
reindeer breeding, etc.
- Esthetical issues
 Radiology
- Proliferation precautions may be addressed.
10 CONTENT OF THE EPD®

In order to increase the trustworthiness of the sector the EPD should be as transparent as possible (of course without
revealing confidential information).
®
As a general rule the EPD content:
 must be verifiable;
 must not include rating, judgements or direct comparison with other products.
® ®
EPD s can be published on several languages, but if the EPD document is not available in English, the organisation
®
shall provide a summary in English including the main content of the EPD to be available on www.environdec.com.
®
The EPD cover page (if existent) shall as a minimum include relevant information about the product, such as name
®
and an image, the EPD logotype and date of publication and validity
10.1 PROGRAMME RELATED INFORMATION

®
The programme-related part of the EPD shall include:
®
 Reference to the International EPD System as the programme operator
®
 EPD logotype
 Reference PCR document(s) and CPC codes
®
 EPD registration number as provided by the Secretariat
 Date of publication and validity. If relevant, the revision schedule may be indicated.
 Declaration of the year(s) covered by the data used for the LCA calculation
®
 Geographical scope of application of the EPD
®
 Information about the year or reference period of the underlying data to the EPD
 Reference to the website – www.environdec.com – and other relevant websites for more information
For sector EPDs specific indication shall be given upfront stating that the document covers average values for an
entire or partial product category (specifying the percentage of representativeness) and, hence, the declared unit is not
available for purchase on the market.
PAGE 32/50
DATE 2015-02-05

10.2 PRODUCT RELATED INFORMATION
10.2.1 SPECIFICATION OF THE PRODUCTION COMPANY

See section 2.1 in this document.
10.2.2 SPECIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT

10.2.3 DECLARED UNIT

See section 3 in this document.
10.2.4 COMPARISONS OF EPDS WITHIN THIS PRODUCT CATEGORY

Energy can be supplied through different energy carriers like heat/steam or electricity, but the amount of kWh needed
will differ with different energy carriers due to different energy quality and conversion/distribution efficiencies. The user
of the EPD information shall be made aware of these differences to be able to compare EPDs within this product
category.
10.3 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE-RELATED INFORMATION
10.3.1 ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE DECLARATION - MINIMUM SET OF

PARAMETERS FROM THE LCA STUDY, REPORTED PER FUNCTIONAL UNIT
Results for core module, upstream module and downstream module (at least) shall be reported. Assumed distribution
losses shall be given and described. If environmental impact has been allocated to several products from the same
production system all these products shall be reported. Information shall be given so that the user can calculate the
non-allocated impact from the whole production system.
It shall be described in the EPD how the reference flow has been calculated.
Relevant calculation and allocation rules should be disclosed for transparency reasons.
10.3.2 USE OF RESOURCES

See Section 10.1 in this document.
10.3.3 POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS

10.3.4 WASTE PRODUCTION

See Section 10.3.
10.3.5 OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL INDICATORS

10.3.6 CUT-OFF AND DATA QUALITY

The degree of fulfilment of the 1%-rule regarding cut-off shall be described and any deviations justified in the EPD.
PAGE 33/50
DATE 2015-02-05

The degree of fulfilment of the 10%-rule regarding the use of generic data shall be described and any deviations
justified in the EPD.
10.3.7 ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL INFORMATION

10.4 MANDATORY STATEMENTS

The following information is mandatory to include in the EPD:
 any omission of life cycle stages not making the EPD cover the full life cycle, with a justification of the omission,
 means of obtaining explanatory materials, for example references to chosen methodologies,
 a statement that “EPDs within the same product category but from different programmes may not be
comparable”.
The EPD shall also give the following information about the verification process:
Product Category Rules (PCR) review was conducted by:

The Technical Committee of the International EPD® System. Chair: Massimo Marino
Contact via info@environdec.com.
Independent verification of the declaration and data, according to ISO 14025:2006:

□ EPD process certification □ EPD verification
Third party verifier:

Name and contact information
Accredited or approved by:

Name of the accreditation body. For individual verifiers: “The International EPD® System”
10.5 DIFFERENCES VERSUS PREVIOUS VERSIONS OF THE EPD®

®
The main causes for changes in environmental performance in comparison with previous EPD versions shall be
described.
10.6 REFERENCES
®
The EPD shall, if relevant, refer to:
 The underlying LCA
 The name, CPC code and version number of the PCR used
®
 Other documents that verify and complement the EPD
®
 The General Programme instructions of the International EPD System
 Methods used for impact assessment
Other references may be given for example to the producing company, important suppliers, etc.
PAGE 34/50
DATE 2015-02-05

11 VALIDITY OF THE EPD®

®
The validity of the EPD is set at three years after which the declaration must necessarily be revised and reissued.
During the validity period surveillance follow up shall be agreed with the verifier in order to evaluate if the content are
still consistent with the current situation. It is not necessary to perform a full LCA, only the monitoring of main
parameters is requested. The surveillance verification could be organised as documental check aimed to the
evaluation of the main environmental aspects relevant for the LCA calculation.
The EPD shall be updated if one of the environmental indicators has worsened for more than 10 % compared with the
data currently published
12 UPDATE OF THE EPD®

When updating an EPD the processes related to core module energy conversion shall be updated but results
regarding core infrastructure should not be updated (for instance with more modern data for construction material
manufacturing). In case there is some new infrastructure to be included this shall be done using up to date input data
on material manufacturing, electricity production etc. If the reinvestment rate needs to be adjusted this might be done
based on already performed calculations, just changing the rate. If some mistakes need to be corrected this should be
done in line with just mentioned principles.
The following examples illustrate how this rule shall be adapted:
 If you collect actual data for the construction of a wind power plant during the time it is built from suppliers and
entrepreneurs and use this data in your EPD, these data will still be valid three, six or twenty years later.
 If the database and/or software are updated in a way that the old data can’t be kept in the same format as earlier,
or one cannot distinguish between updates due to database corrections and process improvements, core
infrastructure data may be updated to increase usability of data models and minimise manual calculations.
13 CHANGES IN THIS PCR DOCUMENT
VERSION 1.0, 2007-10-31

 Original version.
VERSION 2.0, 2011-12-05

 Major revision according to the General Programme Instructions version 1.0.
 Extended validity
 New template used
VERSION 2.01, 2011-12-05

 Minor editorial changes
VERSION 2.02, 2013-07-17

 Minor editorial changes and use of the latest PCR template.
PAGE 35/50
DATE 2015-02-05

VERSION 3.0, 2015-02-05

 Renewed validity
 Compliance with version 2.01 of the General Programme Instructions
- Updated General introduction
- Updated General information
- Updated environmental indicators
- etc.
 Updated Special Technology specific Allocation rules for Hydro power, enabling allocation to other products and
services.
 Updated requirements for updating of core infrastructure data in relation to a renewed EPD.
 Geographical scope
 Specification of GWP calculations
 Editorial changes
14 REFERENCES
 ecoinvent, www.ecoinvent.org
 European Aluminium Association, www.alueurope.eu
 European Copper Institute, www.copperalliance.eu
 Fuel Cell Handbook (2004) Fuel Cell Handbook, 7th Edition. Prepared by EG&G Technical Services and Science
Applications International Corporation for the National Energy Technology Laboratory, Contract No. DE-AM26-
99FT40575. National Energy Technology Laboratory, Morgantown (USA).
 General Programme Instruction of the International EPD® System, version 2.01
 ILCD handbook, http://eplca.jrc.ec.europa.eu/
 International Copper Association, copperalliance.org
 International Energy Agency, www.iea.org
 ISO 13600, Technical energy systems -- Basic concepts
 ISO/TS 14067, Carbon footprint of products -- Requirements and guidelines for quantification and communication
 Karakoussis V., Leach M., van der Vorst R., Hart D., Lane J., Pearson P., Kilner J. (2000) Environmental emissions
of SOFC and SPFC System Manufacture and Disposal. Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine,
London (used in Ecoinvent database v2.0 (2007))
 Karakoussis V., Brandon N. P., Leach M., van der Vorst R. (2001) The environmental impact of manufacturing
planar and tubular solid oxide fuel cells. Journal of Power Sources, 101 (1) 10-26
 Martin Pehnt M. (2001) Life-cycle assessment of fuel cell stacks. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy 26
(2001) 91-101
 Network for Transport and Environment (NTM), www.transportmeasures.org
 Oak Ridge National Laboratory ORNL, An inventory of data, for reconstruction ‘Natural stead state’ carbon storage
in terrestrial ecosystems, http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/carbon1.html
 Official Journal of the European Union, L 32, 06 February 2007
PAGE 36/50
DATE 2015-02-05

 PAS 2050:2011. Specification for the assessment of the life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of goods and
services, Annex C (normative) Default land use change values for selected countries
http://shop.bsigroup.com/upload/Shop/Download/PAS/PAS2050.pdf
 PCR Basic Module, CPC Division 17: Electricity, town gas, steam and hot water”, version 2.0
 Plastics Europe, www.plasticseurope.org
 World Steel Association , www.worldsteel.org
PAGE 37/50
DATE 2015-02-05

ANNEX 1 ENERGYWARES
The following list of energyware has been taken from Annex A of ISO 13600, Technical energy systems – Basic
concepts (1997)
Definition of energyware: Tradable commodity used mainly to produce mechanical work or heat, or to operate chemical
or physical processes, and listed in annex A (of ISO 13600)
Comments on the selected energyware

Solid fuels
Energy coal All coal extracted from the ground except metallurgical coal and filter
carbon
Energy peat Energy peat is distinguished from peat used for soil improvement or
other purposes.
Commercial fire-wood Wood chips and pulverised woods are sub-items of commercial
firewood used as energywares.
Other biomass Other biomass is harvested “energy forests”, straw, reeds, dried cow
dung, bush and seed pods etc. grown and collected for the purpose of
being marketed as fuel.
Fuel briquettes and pellets Burnable substances of fossil or biological origin, in the form of
powder, grains or chips, which are compacted into blocks to produce a
fuel which is easy to handle.
Charcoal Charcoal is the solid residue of the destructive distillation and pyrolysis
of wood and is traded old in many countries. Filter charcoal is
excluded.
Coke Coke is a solid fuel obtained from coal by heating in the absence of air.
Table A1a: Solid fuels. Description of different energywares, according to ISO 13600
PAGE 38/50
DATE 2015-02-05


Liquid fuels
Crude oil Crude oil, unextracted, is not an energyware. Once extracted it

becomes an energyware.
Petroleum products Petroleum products can be classified as different types of energyware.

Motor gasoline
Aviation gasoline
Aviation kerosene
Other kerosene’s
Diesel fuel
Heating gas oil
Fuel oils 2-5
LPG (Liquefied Petroleum
Gas)
Any of several liquid mixtures of the volatile hydrocarbons butane and

propane. LPGs are found in the gaseous state at atmospheric pressure
o
and, and become liquefied at 15 C under low pressures of 0.17 MPa
to 0.75 MPa.
Semi-finished products Semi- finished products (liquid hydrocarbons) are included in the list
whether they are used for the manufacturing of fuels or as
petrochemical feedstock.
Petroleum coke is not energyware, even if a substantial amount is

used as fuel.
Motor alcohols Motor alcohols are ethanol and methanol with additives and mixtures
of compounds or groups of organic oxygenated compounds (ethers
and alcohols) with petroleum fuels.
NGL (Natural Gas Liquids) Natural gas liquids are those portions of natural gas, which are
recovered as liquids in separators, field facilities or gas processing
plants.
Fuels obtained from vegetable or Vegetable and animal oils are oils extracted from various oleaginous
animal oils plants and from animals.
Table A1b: Liquid fuels. Description of different energywares, according to ISO 13600
PAGE 39/50
DATE 2015-02-05


Gaseous fuels
Natural gas fuels
Natural gas Methane or higher Cn gas mixtures.
LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Natural gas stored, transported and handled in liquid form at low
temperatures.
Converted gaseous fuels

Coal-derived gas
Furnace gas Manufactured from metallurgical coal.
Gasified biomass
Refinery gas Separated from natural gas.
Town gas (city gas) Gas manufactured for public supply.
Biogas (biomass) Composed principally of a mixture of methane and carbon dioxide
produced by anaerobic digestion of biomass; methane separated out
of this mixture is called “biomethane”. Manure and liquid manure gas,
marsh gas, dump gas, etc. are produced and more or less regulated
and exploited.
Hydrogen gas In gaseous or liquid form from fossil or renewable sources.
Fissile material Uranium, thorium and plutonium.
Grid electricity Electrical energy is an energyware when it is produced in power plants

and distributed over a public or similar network.
Commercial heat, district heat Hot liquid or steam used in commercial heat distribution systems
produced either from other energywares, reclaimable resources
including waste heat, or from natural resources such as solar radiation
and geothermal heat.
Table A1c: Gaseous Fuels. Description of different energywares, according to ISO 13600
PAGE 40/50
DATE 2015-02-05

ANNEX 2: ALLOCATION BY THE “ALTERNATIVE

GENERATION METHOD”
This Appendix provides a description of the allocation method for the distribution of the environmental impact
associated with the generation of electricity and heat in a combined heat and power plant. The facility parameters to be
used for this allocation are also specified.
1.1 Description of the “Alternative Generation Method”

The Finnish District Heating Association originally developed this allocation method as a proposal for a new and
uniform reporting method for European combined heat and power plant generation statistics. The method is still being
discussed within Euroheat, Eurostat and Eurelectric. At present there is no uniform standard for the selection of facility
parameters.
The method is available in different versions, with varying degrees of complexity of the calculation process. The
simplest version is used in this application.
The allocation method is based on the fact that benefits gained from improved fuel utilisation as well as the
environmental impacts connected to combined heat and power generation, are distributed between the two products –
electricity and heat – in the same proportion as the fuel needed for separate electricity and heat generation processes.
The relationship of distribution is expressed as percentage of the fuel needed for each alternative process with respect
to the total quantity needed.
The principle behind the allocation method is illustrated below:
Example.
Existing combined heat and power generation plant for which the allocation is to be made:
Electricity generation, net 30 units
Heat generation, net 60 units
Alternative generation facilities:

Heat generation h = 90% (no flue gas condensation)
Electricity generation e = 40%
Fuel used by alternative electricity generation 30/0.4 = 75

Fuel used by alternative heat generation 60/0.9 = 67
Total fuel used by alternative generation 142
Allocate to electricity: 75/142 => 53%

Allocate to heat: 67/142 => 47%
Allocate total emissions and divide by the kWh produced of electricity and heat respectively to get specific emissions.
The choice of parameters for the alternative generation facilities has a direct impact on how the environmental impact
is distributed. Various alternative approaches exist for the selection of facility data for alternative generation. The
following principle shall apply to allocations upon which Environmental Product Declarations are to be based:
 Facility data for the best possible facility performance
 For the same type of technology and fuel as the facility studied.
PAGE 41/50
DATE 2015-02-05

In the case of co-combustion of several fuels in a facility, it is up to the author of the Life Cycle Assessment to select
facility data and to provide justification for the allocation calculations.
1.2 Basis for Allocation – Facility Parameters for Alternative Facilities

Harmonised efficiency reference values for separate production of electricity and heat are found in Annex 4. As a basic
rule the average values 2006-2011 shall be used.
PAGE 42/50
DATE 2015-02-05

ANNEX 3 TYPICAL TECHNICAL SERVICE LIFE FOR

DIFFERENT TECHNOLOGIES
Technology Typical technical
service life
(years)
Combustion technologies 40
Ignition motor technologies 30
Nuclear technologies 40-60
Hydropower technologies Machinery (turbine, generator, etc) 60

Pumping system in case of pumped 50
storage
Power station building 100
Dams and waterways 100
Wind power technologies 20
Ocean technologies 20
Solar technologies 30
Electrochemical technologies Fuel cells 20
Ambient heat, waste heat from other Geothermal technologies 40
processes and electricity
Heat pumps 20
Electric boilers 30
PAGE 43/50
DATE 2015-02-05

ANNEX 4 EFFICIENCY REFERENCE VALUES FOR

SEPARATE PRODUCTION OF ELECTRICITY AND HEAT
PAGE 44/50
DATE 2015-02-05

PAGE 45/50
DATE 2015-02-05

ANNEX 5 GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS DUE TO

IMPOUNDMENT AND INUNDATION
Key processes influencing emission of GHGs to the atmosphere include the following according to UNESCO/IHA:
 Processes supplying organic carbon to the reservoir or its sediment
- Inputs of organic matter via groundwater, streams, transfer channels, tunnels and rivers (controlled by the
discharge rate and the concentrations of organic matter in the catchment
- Net primary productivity of aquatic organisms growing in or on the water or in the drawdown zone around
the reservoir, depending on the supply of nutrients and light
- Entrainment of terrestrial organic matter in living plants, litter and soils during impoundment
- Erosion of soil in the reservoir shore zone (adding organic matter to the reservoir and water bodies)
 Processes producing conditions conducive to the production of GHG compounds:
- Decomposition of flooded organic matter and the various types of organic matter entering the system,
depending on the organisms present, temperature, dissolved oxygen and nutrients
- Photo-oxidation of dissolved organic carbon
- Aerobic oxidation of CH4
- Nitrification and de-nitrification
 Processes influencing the distribution of GHG compounds in the reservoir:
- Mixing and transport processes that can lead to the movement of CO 2 and CH4 to the surface
- Withdrawal via spillways and outlets
- CH4 oxidation in the water or sediments, depending on the physical stratification, dissolved oxygen,
inhibition by light, nutrient levels and temperature
- Primary production in the euphotic zone (is the lighted and usually well-mixed portion that extends from the
lake surface down to where the light level is 1% of that at the surface) in the reservoir water column, which
consumes CO2 and depends mainly on light and nutrient availability
 Pathways for the GHG compounds to move between the reservoir and the downstream river, and the
atmosphere
- Ebullition (bubbling)
- Diffusive gas exchange between the atmosphere and the reservoir or downstream river
- Degassing immediately after water passes through turbines and in spillways
- Transport via aquatic plant stems

A very simplified method to quantify GHG emissions added through impoundment implies
 measuring of land area inundated due to the construction of the reservoir,
 an estimation of the carbon content of the inundated soil

 an estimation of the degree of degradation of the carbon in the inundated land during 100 years
 an estimation of the share of CO2 formation through capture of O2 in the water by the degraded carbon and
an estimation of the share of CH4.formation respectively
 emissions of N2O are neglected
PAGE 46/50
DATE 2015-02-05

The following formulas may be used:
ECH4 = SCH4 * Cdegr * Ddegr * Ainund * mCH4/mC [ g ]

ECO2 = (100% – SCH4) * Cdegr * Ddegr * Ainund * mCO2/mC [ g ]
EGHG = ECH4 * CharacterizationfactorCH4 + ECO2 [g CO2 equivalents]
Where
ECH4 Emission of CH4 during 100 years
ECO2 Emission of CO2 during 100 years
EGHG Emission of greenhouse gases during 100 years
SCH4 the share in % of the carbon degraded in inundated land that is assumed to form CH 4., depending on
carbon content and water depth, see Table B
2
Cdegr the carbon content (g/m ) of inundated land, See map in Figure A of hypothetical potential ecosystem
distribution in Europe for present climates in the absence of anthropogenic disturbance and Table A A
summary of suggested average carbon storage in preanthropogenic ('prehistoric') ecosystems. Since
vegetation normally is removed before inundation the carbon in soil and litter/debris should be used
(source Oak Ridge National Laboratory ORNL, http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/carbon1.html)
Ddegr the degree of carbon degradation assumed during 100 years, depending on latitude see Table B.
2
Ainund the area (m ) of land inundated at the retention water level
mCH4 molar weight CH4 (16 g/mole)
mC molar weight of carbon (C) (12 g/mole)
mCO2 molar weight of CO2 (44 g/mole)
PAGE 47/50
DATE 2015-02-05

Figure A See http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/eur5_p.gif, also for other parts of the world
PAGE 48/50
DATE 2015-02-05

Ecosystem type Vegetation Soil Litter/Debris Total

2 2 2 2
g carbon/m g carbon/m g carbon/m g carbon/m
13a) Mediterranean Forest 10 000 8 000 800 18 800
14. Cool Temperate Forest 16 000 14 000 2 500 32 500
15. Southern Taiga 14 000 13 500 1 500 29 000
16. Main Taiga 8 200 21 900 1 500 31 600
17. Open Boreal Woodland 5 000 12 900 1 500 19 400
19b) Lowland Tundra 1 000 21 000 0 22 000
24a) Moist Steppe 1 000 25 000 0 26 000
24b) Dry Steppe 600 7 000 0 7 600
26. Forest-Tundra 1 100 16 600 2 000 19 700
Table A A summary of suggested average carbon storage in preanthropogenic ('prehistoric') ecosystems in
Europe. Note that modern-day ecosystems are often depleted in carbon relative to this reconstructed state,
due to agriculture and wood-cutting. An error range of approximately +/- 30% is suggested on each value.
See http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/carbon3.html also for other parts of the world.
Table B anticipated features of decomposition of carbon at different latitudes

2
http://www.rheoconsult.com/Exp/Rio2005.pdf (All ecosystem types in table A are of the type >25 g carbon/m )
References:
 Oak ridge national laboratory ORNL http://www.esd.ornl.gov/projects/qen/carbon1.html
Greenhouse gas emissions from hydroelectric reservoirs: A global perspective, Björn Svensson, SwedPower AB, P.O.
Box 527, SE-162 16 Stockholm, Sweden, pp. 25-37, In: dos Santos, M.A. & Rosa, L.P. (Eds.) Global warming and
hydroelectric reservoirs. Proceedings of International Seminar on Greenhouse Fluxes from Hydro Reservoirs &
Workshop on Modeling Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Reservoir at Watershed Level. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, 8-12
August 2005. COPPE/UFRJ, Eletrobrás 2005. 197 pp., http://www.rheoconsult.com/Exp/Rio2005.pdf
PAGE 49/50
DATE 2015-02-05

®
© 2015 THE INTERNATIONAL EPD SYSTEM
COVER IMAGE © ISTOCKPHOTO.COM / ACIOLO
PAGE 50/50

RCP Energia PDF

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

RCP Energia PDF

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

PRODUCT CATEGORY RULES ACCORDING TO ISO 14025

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

VALID UNTIL: 2019-02-05

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

12 Update of the EPD® ..............................................................................................................................................35

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO PRODUCT CATEGORY RULES IN

PURPOSE ELEMENT IDENTIFICATION AND PRINCIPAL APPROACH

3. PCR Module Initiative (PMI) in order to structure PCR in modules according to

Facilitating identification and collection of LCA-

8. Introducing Sector EPDs

Expand possibilities for organisations to issue

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

Programme operator: The International EPD® System, www.environdec.com.

Publication date: 2015-02-05 (Version 3.0)

Version 1.0 was published 2007-10-31. A version history is available in Section 13

Registration no: 2007:08

This PCR was prepared by: Christian Capello, Axpo, Switzerland

Appointed PCR moderator: Mikael Ekhagen, mikael.ekhagen@vattenfall.com

Open consultation period: 2014-09-17 until 2014-11-17 (Version 3.0)

Valid within the following geographical Global

PCR language: English

Valid until: 2019-02-05

More information on this PCR’s website: http://environdec.com/en/PCR/Detail/?Pcr=5802

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

2 DEFINITION OF THE PRODUCT GROUP

Waste incineration PCR 2008:02 Solid waste disposal services

Mobile applications are not included.

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

2.1 SPECIFICATION OF MANUFACTURING COMPANY

Name of the company Specific aspects regarding the production

Production site(s) Environmental policy

Description of production technology Manufacturers logotype

Responsible for the publication of the EPD and other contact

Information on environmental management system (EMS)

2.2 SPECIFICATION OF THE PRODUCT

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

4 UNITS AND QUANTITIES

5 GENERAL SYSTEM BOUNDARIES

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

Upstream module Core module Downstream module

Construction Construction Construction

Decommissioning Decommissioning Decommissioning

5.1 BOUNDARIES TOWARDS RISK ASSESSMENT

5.2 CORE PROCESSES

5.3 UPSTREAM PROCESSES

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

5.4 DOWNSTREAM PROCESSES

6.1 SYSTEM BOUNDARIES

6.1.1 TECHNICAL SYSTEM

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

 CO2 absorber, air separator, compressor etc. in case of CCS

6.1.1.2. NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGIES

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

6.1.1.4. WIND POWER TECHNOLOGIES

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

6.1.1.5. OCEAN TECHNOLOGIES (WAVE, TIDE)

6.1.1.6. SOLAR TECHNOLOGIES (PHOTOVOLTAIC AND THERMAL ELECTRIC)

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173

 Transportation of inputs and outputs

6.1.1.7. ELECTROCHEMICAL PROCESSES

PRODUCT GROUP CLASSIFICATION: UN CPC 171 AND 173