The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) shows the CO₂ balance of an element throughout its entire life cycle. The evaluation supports the assessment of the environmental impact of constructions and provides key figures for sustainability certifications, tenders and customer enquiries.

  • Open a position in the input of element.
  • Switch to the "View" tab.
  • Enable the "CO₂ value" option.
  • The CO₂ value is displayed in the position sketch area.
  • Click the displayed CO₂ value.
  • The "Product Carbon Footprint" window opens.

Meaning of the life cycle modules

The CO₂ balance is divided into different life cycle phases in accordance with EN 15804.

Module Description
A1-A3 Raw material extraction and product manufacturing.
A4 Transport of the product to the construction site.
A5 Installation and assembly of the product.
C1 Deconstruction or dismantling of the product.
C2 Transport for disposal or recycling.
C3 Waste processing and preparation for recycling or disposal.
C4 Final disposal of the product.
D Potential credits from reuse, recycling or energy recovery outside the assessed life cycle. This value is often negative.

Meaning of the GWP categories

The Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) is based on various Global Warming Potential (GWP) categories.

Indicator Description
GWP-total Total greenhouse gas potential of the product. This value is the sum of GWP-fossil, GWP-biogenic and GWP-luluc.
GWP-fossil Greenhouse gas potential resulting from fossil carbon sources, such as oil, natural gas or coal.
GWP-biogenic Greenhouse gas potential resulting from biogenic carbon sources, such as timber or biomass. This value may be negative if carbon is stored within the product.
GWP-luluc Greenhouse gas potential resulting from land use and land-use change (Land Use and Land Use Change), for example through deforestation or afforestation.