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This category is assessed only for Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) studies.

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Definition

Ecotoxicity, Freshwater measures toxic effects of chemicals on aquatic ecosystems. The unit is CTUe (comparative toxic units for ecosystems).

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Environmental Mechanism

Toxic substances such as pesticides and heavy metals can harm fish, algae, and other freshwater organisms, disrupting food chains.

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Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

  1. Inventory releases of ecotoxic substances to water and soil.
  2. Apply ILCD factors to obtain CTUe values.
  3. Sum across all stages for the total impact.
About ReCiPe 2016ReCiPe 2016 is a life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) method that provides characterization factors for converting inventory data into environmental impact indicators. It is not a methodology itself, but rather a comprehensive database of impact assessment factors developed by Dutch research institutes.The method provides characterization factors that translate emissions and resource use into standardized impact units (e.g., kg CO₂ eq. for climate change, kg SO₂ eq. for acidification). GREENZERO Journey follows ISO 14040/44 methodological standards while using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors for impact calculations.This category is not included in the ReCiPe 2016 set used in Journey by default.

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Environmental Cost Conversion

There is currently no CE Delft cost factor for freshwater ecotoxicity.

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Example Calculation

Impact = 5 CTUe

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Interpretation

Higher values indicate greater potential harm to freshwater ecosystems from toxic releases.

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Reduction Strategies

  • Substitute hazardous chemicals
  • Implement wastewater treatment and containment

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Data Quality Considerations

  • Impact depends strongly on local ecosystem sensitivity
  • Water Use