Eco-indicator 99

The Eco-indicator 99 is a life cycle impact assessment method developed by the PRé Consultants. The method calculates the eco-indicator score of a product in three main stages of it life cycle, i.e.:-

  • Production (Production of raw material, processing and manufacturing of these materials)
  • Use (Transportation, energy and consumables during the life span of a product)
  • End-of-Life (Disposal and recycling)

PRé has predefined a list of standard eco-indicators as numbers that express the total environmental load of a product or process. There are more than 200 standard eco-indicators for most of the commonly used materials and processes. These standards eco-indicators are quantified in milipoint per unit (kg/ MJ/ volume etc.) and manufacturer or designer could measure the amount of materials or energy consumed in the product and process to calculate and quantify them into the standard eco-indicator units easily. The total eco-indicator score could be used as an indicator to compare and improve the environment aspects of a product. Enterprises could apply this methodology as a replacement for full LCA to make simple self-assessment.

5 Steps for Applying Eco-indicator 99

  1. Define the Scopes and Objectives
  2. Identify the Product Life Cycle
  3. Quantify Materials and Processes
  4. Calculate the Eco-indicator Score
  5. Interpret the Results

PRé explains the methodology in their publication Eco-indicator 99, Manual for Designers They also offer the Eco-it Software for the Eco-indicator calculation.

You may also download the excel workbook below for a simple Eco-indicator Calculator.

Eco-indicator Calculator