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PEF uses the shorter term Ozone depletion for this category. The unit remains kg CFC-11 eq so the results are directly comparable.

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Definition

Ozone Depletion Potential (ODP) measures the ability of a substance to destroy stratospheric ozone relative to the reference substance CFC-11 (trichlorofluoromethane). It is expressed in kilograms of CFC-11 equivalent (kg CFC-11 eq.) using ReCiPe 2016 characterization factors.

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Environmental Mechanism

The stratospheric ozone layer protects Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), halons, and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) release chlorine or bromine atoms when they reach the stratosphere. These atoms catalyze reactions that destroy ozone molecules, leading to:
  • Increased UV radiation reaching Earth’s surface
  • Higher incidence of skin cancer and cataracts in humans
  • Immune system suppression
  • Damage to terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems
  • Reduced agricultural productivity
  • Accelerated degradation of materials

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Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

GREENZERO Journey calculates ODP by:
  1. Identifying all ozone-depleting substance emissions throughout a product’s lifecycle
  2. Converting each emission to its CFC-11 equivalent using characterization factors from ReCiPe 2016
  3. Summing all CFC-11 equivalents to determine the total ODP
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 ODP impact is converted to environmental cost using the CE Delft cost factor: CE Delft Cost Factor for ODP: €29.1 per kg CFC-11 eq. This factor represents the societal cost of damage from ozone depletion, including:
  • Healthcare costs for skin cancer and cataracts
  • Lost productivity due to illness
  • Agricultural yield losses
  • Damage to marine ecosystems and fisheries
  • Material replacement costs due to UV damage

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Example Calculation

For a product with an ODP of 0.0001 kg CFC-11 eq. per piece: 
Environmental Cost = ODP × CE Delft Factor
Environmental Cost = 0.0001 kg CFC-11 eq. × €29.1/kg CFC-11 eq.
Environmental Cost = €0.00291 per piece

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Interpretation

Due to the Montreal Protocol and subsequent international agreements, emissions of major ozone-depleting substances have been significantly reduced. However, some products and processes still contribute to ODP. Key contributors to ODP in product lifecycles typically include:
  • Refrigeration and air conditioning (older systems)
  • Foam blowing agents
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Certain solvents and cleaning agents
  • Agricultural fumigants
  • Some pharmaceutical manufacturing processes

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Reduction Strategies

Common strategies to reduce ODP include:
  • Phase-out of ozone-depleting substances
  • Replacement with ozone-friendly alternatives
  • Proper recovery and disposal of ODS-containing equipment
  • Leak detection and prevention in refrigeration systems
  • Process modifications to eliminate ODS use
  • Compliance with Montreal Protocol regulations

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Data Quality Considerations

When interpreting ODP results, consider:
  • Age of data (emissions have decreased significantly over time)
  • Geographic variations in regulations
  • Uncertainty in emission factors
  • Long atmospheric lifetimes of many ODS
  • Potential trade-offs with other impact categories
ODP sometimes correlates with other impact categories, particularly:
  • Global Warming Potential (many ODS are also potent greenhouse gases)
  • Human Toxicity Potential
  • Photochemical Ozone Creation Potential
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