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In the PEF method this category is called Climate change. It measures the same greenhouse gas emissions and also uses the unit kg CO₂ eq. The difference is only in terminology and does not affect calculations.

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Definition

Global Warming Potential (GWP) measures the amount of heat trapped in the atmosphere by a greenhouse gas relative to carbon dioxide (CO₂). It is expressed in kilograms of CO₂ equivalent (kg CO₂ eq.) using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors.

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Environmental Mechanism

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as carbon dioxide (CO₂), methane (CH₄), and nitrous oxide (N₂O) trap heat in the Earth’s atmosphere, leading to global warming and climate change. Each GHG has a different capacity to trap heat and remains in the atmosphere for different periods. The main environmental effects of increased GWP include:
  • Rising global temperatures
  • Sea level rise
  • Increased frequency and severity of extreme weather events
  • Changes in precipitation patterns
  • Ocean acidification
  • Biodiversity loss
  • Agricultural impacts

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Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

GREENZERO Journey calculates GWP by:
  1. Identifying all greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product throughout its lifecycle
  2. Converting each gas to its CO₂ equivalent using characterization factors from ReCiPe 2016
  3. Summing all CO₂ equivalents to determine the total GWP
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.

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Environmental Cost Conversion

The GWP impact is converted to environmental cost using the CE Delft cost factor: CE Delft Cost Factor for GWP: €0.13 per kg CO₂ eq. This factor represents the societal cost of damage from climate change, including:
  • Economic damage from sea level rise
  • Agricultural losses
  • Human health impacts
  • Extreme weather events
  • Biodiversity loss

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Example Calculation

For a product with a GWP of 10 kg CO₂ eq. per piece: 
Environmental Cost = GWP × CE Delft Factor
Environmental Cost = 10 kg CO₂ eq. × €0.13/kg CO₂ eq.
Environmental Cost = €1.30 per piece

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Interpretation

GWP is often the most recognized environmental impact category and frequently dominates the total environmental cost of products. Key contributors to GWP in product lifecycles typically include:
  • Energy consumption (especially from fossil fuels)
  • Transportation emissions
  • Agricultural processes (particularly for food products)
  • Chemical manufacturing processes
  • Waste management emissions

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Reduction Strategies

Common strategies to reduce GWP include:
  • Energy efficiency improvements
  • Renewable energy sourcing
  • Material reduction or substitution
  • Process optimization
  • Transportation mode shifts
  • Carbon offsetting (as a last resort)

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Data Quality Considerations

When interpreting GWP results, consider:
  • Data age and geographic relevance
  • System boundary definitions
  • Allocation methods used
  • Uncertainty in emission factors
GWP often correlates with other impact categories, particularly:
  • Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
  • Acidification Potential
  • Fossil Resource Depletion

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References

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