> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.greenzero.eu/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Resource Use, Fossils (PEF)

> Fossil resource use impact category in the PEF methodology

<Warning>Only calculated for **Product Environmental Footprint (PEF)** studies.</Warning>

## Definition

Resource Use, Fossils accounts for the depletion of fossil energy carriers such as oil, gas, and coal. It is measured in **MJ** (megajoules).

## Environmental Mechanism

Extraction and consumption of fossil fuels reduce non-renewable resources and often drive other impacts like climate change.

## Calculation in GREENZERO Journey

1. Sum all fossil energy use throughout the life cycle.
2. Apply ILCD fossil depletion factors (MJ).
3. Add contributions for total resource use.

<Info>
  **About ReCiPe 2016**

  ReCiPe 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.

  ReCiPe 2016 includes a similar fossil depletion metric but it is not part of Journey's default
  eight categories.
</Info>

## Environmental Cost Conversion

Currently no CE Delft cost factor exists for this impact; results remain in MJ.

## Example Calculation

```
Impact = 10 MJ
```

## Interpretation

Higher values indicate greater fossil resource consumption. Energy-intensive processes are typical hotspots.

## Reduction Strategies

* Improve energy efficiency
* Switch to renewable energy sources

## Data Quality Considerations

* Assumptions about energy supply chains influence results

## Related Impact Categories

* Climate Change