Swiss Eco-Factors 2013 according to the Ecological Scarcity Method

The ecological scarcity method has made it possible since 1990 to assess the impact of pollutant emissions and resource extraction activities on the environment as part of a life cycle assessment. The key metrics of this method are eco-factors, which measure the environmental impact of pollutant emissions or resource extraction activities in eco-points (UBP) per unit of quantity. The main body of this publication, which is based on the most recent update in 2013, describes the basics of this universally applicable method and how Swiss eco-factors are derived. These reflect both the actual emission situation and the national or international emissions targets pursued by Switzerland. The first part answers 35 frequently asked questions about the general use of life cycle assessments and this specific eco-point method.