A dataset of characterization factors for biodiversity impact assessment in OpenLCA and LCA4Experts

The accelerating loss of biodiversity and ecosystem degradation are among the most pressing global challenges confronting humanity today (WEF, 2024). Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become an essential tool for evaluating the sustainability of production systems (Crenna et al., 2019). Various models and methodologies have been developed to quantify biodiversity-related impacts within global supply chains. However, despite these advancements, biodiversity integration in LCA remains limited. While numerous academic case studies have contributed to the development of biodiversity impact assessment in LCA, no universally accepted methodology has been established. The main challenges hindering widespread adoption include limited data availability, restricted spatial resolution and high complexity in application (Lindner et al., 2019).

This study presents a practical approach to overcoming key barriers faced by LCA practitioners when evaluating biodiversity impacts in global supply chains. By offering ready-to-use characterization factors, this work facilitates the integration of biodiversity assessments into LCA models, enhancing their applicability and consistency.