FAQS

No, the algorithm uses weighting systems also based on the recommendations of the European Commission.

You can find more information about the method in this article. 

ENVIROSCORE does not group between categories. Although the methodology of calculating the 16 impacts (Product Environmental Footprint) differs slightly between categories: e.g. dairy products, meat, fish of marine origin, etc.

Yes, it is the same for all food and drink product categories. The aim is to be able to compare within the same product category, but also between two different categories.

No. The PEF statement is the values of the 16 environmental impact categories assessed with the ILCD method. The ENVIROSCORE would be used to be able to communicate the relative impact of the product to the consumer.

The ENVIROSCORE algorithm is based on normalisation factors calculated for European shopping patterns and is therefore applicable and harmonised across the EU.

European averages have been used to establish the ENVIROSCORE values, as it is applicable across Europe. However, in the future calculation by each company it is recommended to use the variables (R1, R2 and R3) specific to their product, and if this is not possible for their country. The last and least favourable scenario would be to use European average values.

The methodology is based on the Environmental Product Footprint developed by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for the Environment. It is a very detailed methodology that is being very well accepted internationally and countries such as Australia and the United States are also considering applying it in their territory.

However, as ENVIROSCORE is an algorithm that provides the relative impact of a product with respect to European consumption patterns, we cannot currently guarantee its applicability outside Europe. Work is underway to establish new reference frameworks to enable this transition to other territories.

No, we do not currently have any calculation guidelines.

It can be calculated internally as long as the 16 environmental impacts are certified with the Product Environmental Footprint methodology. According to the current ENVIROSCORE trademark, this data is checked and the corresponding ENVIROSCORE category is resolved.

At AZTI we use Simapro software to calculate the footprint. We have also developed different ad-hoc tools in order to facilitate the  calculation of the Environmental Product Footprint.

For the impact analysis we used the ILCD reference system  validated by the Joint Research Center. 

The databases we have used for the development of ENVIROSCORE are Ecoinvent and Agrifoodprint. However, we currently promote the use of the databases accepted by the European Commission  for the calculation of the footprint.

Data are collected per company or companies that make up the production cycle of a product. There is also the possibility of using databases or estimated data for some types of data, especially for data that a priori we know are not very significant in the reported environmental impact. But it is optimal to collect as much data as possible from primary sources.

AZTI is currently actively collecting data from all the agents involved. We are generating specific questionnaires for the chain we are studying and checking all the data obtained.

In the case of obtaining distribution data, the final labelling depends on the company’s strategy. If a company wants to differentiate a product as a local product, a specific distribution can be determined and a (probably lower) ENVIROSCORE can be assigned to that local product. If the company does not want to make this differentiation, a weighted average of the distribution impact would be assigned to the product, i.e. if 20 % is marketed locally and 80 % is transported outside Europe by truck, the relative impact would be assigned to both transports.

We do not work with specific tools. We are currently actively collecting data and are considering the idea of developing a future tool that directly collects the necessary production data at each stage. We are also looking at the possibility of integrating ENVIROSCORE with other existing systems.

Labelling is directly related to food and beverage products but a pilot will be carried out in this sector to analyse its applicability.

No, this type of certification is complementary to ENVIROSCORE. The scope of both certifications is different. The certifications you mention are usually related to only one link in the product chain. ENVIROSCORE is an environmental impact reporting system that considers all stages of the value chain (fishing, farming, processing/preparation, distribution, consumption and end of life).

Not at the moment, because in the Product Environmental Footprint methodology, which is the basis of ENVIROSCORE, it is being considered as an additional impact and not for all food product categories. If a robust and standardised methodology for all products were to exist in the future, then the method could be adapted without any problems.

Although they measure completely different aspects of the product, in cases where products have very different scores, the consumer may be confused.

The aim of the ENVIROSCORE is to be able to communicate in a simple way the 16 environmental impacts to the consumer and that the company also has the opportunity to show its commitment to sustainability.

Both the Nutriscore and Enviroscore are voluntary and it is up to the company to implement them according to its priorities and strategies. Both are perfectly compatible with other mandatory labelling schemes as long as they are backed up by a strong awareness campaign. In fact, consumers are increasingly demanding more information, as purchasing processes are becoming more and more conscious, and even more so with the recent health and supply crises.