The eco-factor formula that was slightly adjusted during the last update is still valid and was therefore retained
A reduction target of 80% has been set for CO2 and other greenhouse gases. This falls in the upper range of the Swiss reduction target and within the range of the reduction required to achieve the 2°C target.
To assess energy, the federal government's long-term target (2,000 W per capita) is interpolated to the usual time frame set out in the legislation, which is 2035.
With regard to air pollutants, additional eco-factors are provided for PAHs and radioactive isotopes.
In this version, PAHs, dioxins and furans, and benzene are all assessed for their carcinogenic potential.
With regard to heavy metal emissions (both to air and to soil), the long-term maintenance of soil fertility is used once again as the goal.
As for water pollutants, additional eco-factors for oil emissions to the sea are provided based on an international agreement to protect the North Sea. Furthermore, eco-factors for the emissions of radioactive isotopes and persistent organic pollutants in watercourses are included for the first time.
In some parts of the world, freshwater is a scarce resource. The regionalized ecofactors introduced in the last update are now indicated for all countries and as average values for continents. The eco-factor for water of unknown origin is now determined on the basis of scarcity in OECD and BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, India and China). In addition, water scarcity can be individually determined using Google EarthTM Layers for each water catchment area.
It is now recommended that the eco-factor for freshwater be applied to consumptive water use (and not water extraction).
In Switzerland, resource efficiency has become a relevant area of environmental policy. For that reason, a new eco-factor for mineral primary resources (minerals and metals) was introduced. The ratio of annual production to available reserves is used as the basis for the characterization.
New eco-factors were introduced for land use in various biomes. Characterization is based on the impacts of land uses upon plant and animal biodiversity.
New eco-factors are provided for noise pollution caused by road, rail and air traffic.
