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Learning materials

Everything you need to know on the EF methods

On this page, you will find all the available learning materials on the Environmental Footprint methods. All of the trainings, webinars and events organised by the Commission on the EF methods can be found here (recordings and slides). 

The learning materials listed on this page refer to the 2021 Environmental Footprint Recommendation. 

Training NameTopicDate
Product Environmental Footprint for NewbiesIntroduction to the methods8/10/2021
Product Environmental Footprint – What it is and Benefits for SMEsIntroduction to the methods10/12/2020
Impact methods, data collection and data requirementsData12/11/2020
What is an EF-compliant data set?Data04/06/2019
How to apply the Data Needs Matrix?Data04/12/2019
How to develop EF 3.1-compliant datasets?Data20/11/2023
The Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) and its practical applicationCircular Footprint Formula10/11/2020
The Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) in detailCircular Footprint Formula08/10/2019
Digital event on Environmental Footprint methodsCapacity building for companies28/04/2022
Évènement à Paris – EF capacity building in FrenchCapacity building for companies08/10/2019
Evento en Barcelona – EF Capacity building in SpanishCapacity building for companies28/02/2023
Evento a Bologna – EF capacity building in ItalianCapacity building for companies16/03/2023
Capacity Building & Information on EFCapacity building for companies27/07/2023
EF Zakresie budowania potencjału - Event in PolishCapacity building for companies27/07/2023

Product Environmental Footprint for Newbies (8/10/2021)

The purpose of this webinar is to introduce the general concept of the PEF method without technical knowledge on Life Cycle Assessment or on the Environmental Footprint methods. The webinar will address questions such as what is PEF, who can apply it and on which products, what are the results of a PEF study and how they can be used.

Product Environmental Footprint – What it is and Benefits for SMEs (10/12/2020)

Within the Environmental Footprint (EF) work, the Commission organised a webinar for SMEs. The webinar provides an introduction to the PEF method replying to questions such as what a PEF study is, how such a study can be undertaken or which are the benefits to SMEs. This is a technical training at introductory level that can be followed-up by the information and trainings available on this webpage. 

Impact methods, data collection and data requirements (12.11.2020)

This training focusses on the impact methods and the data collection and data requirements in PEF and OEF methods. It explains the impact methods to be used in PEF/OEF as well as how the data collection should be carried out and the requirements that they should fulfil.

What is an EF-compliant data set? (04/06/2019)

In this webinar you will learn what EF-compliant data sets are, where to find these and what the user rights are at the date of the webinar. You will be introduced to the general rules for EF compliant data (+ format) and where to find further guidance. In addition, it will provide details about the EF Reference packages released as well as requirements for the review process and the use of Look@LCI. 

How to apply the Data Needs Matrix? (04.12.2019)

In this webinar you will learn how the Data Needs Matrix (DNM) works. The DNM is used to identify the data needs when performing an EF study. You will get an overview of the primary/secondary data needs and the data quality requirements depending of where the applicant of the EF study is situated in the supply chain.

How to develop EF 3.1-compliant datasets on supplier products (20/11/2023)

In this webinar you will learn what EF-compliant data sets are (for EF 3.1), modelling compliance, metadata compliance, data quality. The webinar also covers how to collect data including the difference between primary and secondary data, the primary data requirements, data sources and frequent errors. The slides also provide links to more information on EF 3.1 datasets. 

The Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) and its practical application (10.11.2020)

This webinar is based on the previous one called ‘The CFF in detail’ (see below) and will focus on the practical application of the Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) works. This formula is used to model at one side the recycled content of products and on the other side the end-of-life of materials, through landfill, incineration and recycling. You will dig in the practicalities in the application of the formula, get examples of application and tips on how to apply the formula into the model.

The Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) in detail (08/10/2019)

In this webinar you will learn how the Circular Footprint Formula (CFF) works. This formula is used to model at one side the recycled content of products and on the other side the end-of-life of materials, through landfill, incineration and recycling. You will get an overview of the different modelling parameters involved, the importance of choosing the right point of substitution and how to apply the formula into your model. 

Digital event on Environmental Footprint methods (28.04.2022)

This event aims at providing capacity building and information, focussing on the technical aspects of the PEF/OEF methods. It will help to strengthen the skills, competencies, and abilities of stakeholders in applying the PEF/OEF methods, understand the results and use them in the decision-making processes. Case studies and feedback from companies that use PEF/OEF methods are part of the agenda.

This training builds up on basic PEF webinars and trainings available on this webpage.

Recording 1 (PEF/OEF methods)

Recording 2 (Case studies + Round table)

Évènement à Paris – EF capacity building in French (23.06.2022)

Cet évènement vise à la découverte et l’approfondissement de vos connaissances sur les méthodes de mesure de l’empreinte environnementale PEF et OEF. Au programme: Introduction et présentation des méthodes PEF et OEF, témoignages d’entreprises pour partager leurs retours d’expérience et présentation de solutions pour aider la mise en place de ces méthodes. 

Evento en Barcelona – EF capacity building in Spanish (28.02.2023)

El objetivo de este evento es descubrir y profundizar en el conocimiento de los métodos de medición de la huella medioambiental PEF y OEF. En el programa: Introducción y presentación de los métodos PEF y OEF, testimonios de empresas para compartir sus opiniones y mesa redonda con empresas. 

Evento a Bologna – EF capacity building in Italian (16.03.2023)

Nel corso dell’evento presenteremo insieme a esperti del settore le principali caratteristiche di PEF/OEF, i vantaggi per le aziende e le PMI in particolare, e il modo in cui si integrano nelle politiche europee sulla sostenibilità ascolteremo inoltre l’esperienza di chi ha già applicato i metodi nel contesto produttivo di riferimento.

Capacity Building and Information on Environmental Footprint (EN) (27.07.2023)

This event aimed to empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), local authorities, NGOSs, and associations with a comprehensive understanding of the PEF and OEF methods. Lazare Bocabeille (Sustainable Finance Consultant at CBRE) explains the rationale behind the EF Capacity Building project going over the origin of the EF methods and their significance. Malgorzata Golebiewska (EF Team leader at European Commission) covers the future prospects of the EF methods. Irene Cropanise (Environmental consultant and project manager at Studio Fieschi et soci.) covers the foundational concepts of PEF and OEF methodologies and how to initiate these methodologies within SMEs. Sergio Bucci (CEO at Cantina Vignaioli Scansano) present a practical application of the methods in an SME.

Zakresie budowania potencjału i informacje na temat metody określania śladu środowiskowego (27.07.2023)

Dowiedz się więcej o metodach PEF i OEF. Lazare Bocabeille (konsultant ds. zrównoważonego finansowania w CBRE) wyjaśnia historię metod EF i ich znaczenie. Małgorzata Gołębiewska (lider zespołu EF w Komisji Europejskiej) mówi o przyszłości metod. Irene Cropanise (konsultant środowiskowy i kierownik projektu w Studio Fieschi et soci.) wyjaśnia, jak stosować metody w MŚP. Sergio Bucci (CEO w Cantina Vignaioli Scansano) opowiada o doświadczeniach swojej firmy z PEF.