Often termed “carbon footprint”. Expressed in Kg of carbon dioxide equivalent. The sum of the warming potential of all gases emitted (including CO2, methane and water vapour) which influence the energy balance of the atmosphere leading to increased average temperatures.
Use of fossil fuels in mega-joules. The impact category has limited application on its own because it does not differentiate between energy sources (e.g. oil or coal). Nor does it represent “embodied energy”. However, it is an important driver of other environmental impacts including global warming, acidification, eutrophication and resource depletion.
Use of energy derived from renewable raw materials in mega-joules (MJ).
Potential for acidification of soil and damage to plant health resulting from emissions to air, water and land of acidifying compounds such as sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx). Expressed in Moles of H+ equivalent (Moles of H + eq).
Nutrient enrichment of waters by release of phosphorous or nitrogen compounds (such as fertilisers) and organic matter (e.g. in effluents). This causes excess growth of plant matter and depletion of oxygen levels in the water. Expressed in Kg of phosphate equivalent (Kg P eq).
Nutrient enrichment of waters by release of phosphorous or nitrogen compounds (such as fertilisers) and organic matter (e.g. in effluents). This causes excess growth of plant matter and depletion of oxygen levels in the water. Expressed in Kg of phosphate equivalent (Kg P eq).
Often referred to as “photochemical smog”. Increased levels of ozone at ground level arise through the reaction of volatile organic compounds, for example ethene, with oxygen compounds or oxides of nitrogen in air and under the influence of sunlight. The problem afflicts modern cities and impacts human health and reduces vegetative production. Expressed in Kg of ethene equivalent (Kg NMVOC).
Measures depletion of non-renewable mineral resources. Compiled from the ratios of annual production to size of remaining reserves for all minerals consumed. Expressed in relation to the ratio for the mineral Antimony (SB).