The EPS Default LCIA Method: A Method Based on External Costs

Abstract

The EPS system (EPS stands for Environmental Priority Strategies in product design) and its default LCIA method were introduced. The EPS system is mainly aimed to be a tool for a company's internal product development process, but may also have external external use like in environmental declarations. The EPS system is based on external environmental costs, and covers the following 5 impact categories; human health, production capacity of ecosystems, abiotic stock resource, bio-diversity and cultural and recreation values. This paper gives the scope and concept of the EPS system. An example how to calculate the damage cost for an emission is demonstrated and default values for damage costs for emissions and use of resources are given.