Eco-efficiency analysis

BASF micro surfacing eco-efficiency analysis

BASF's eco-efficiency analysis is a strategic tool, based on the ISO 14040 standard for lifecycle analysis, which quantifies the sustainability of products or processes. It is a comprehensive comparison of two or more products analyzed from the end use perspective.

BASF and Vance Brothers, a North American asphalt manufacturer, recently conducted an eco-efficiency analysis demonstrating the ecological and economical benefits of micro surfacing techniques to protect engineered road pavements and extend their service life. The study was conducted in accordance with BASF's eco-efficiency analysis methodology, which has been third-party validated by TÜV Rheinland^® and NSF International, The Public Health and Safety Company™.

The eco-efficiency analysis compares micro surfacing to mill and fill hot mix asphalt (HMA) technology to better understand the environmental burden and life cycle costs associated with asphalt pavement preservation techniques.

BASF's eco-efficiency analysis evaluates the environmental impact of the production, use, and disposal of a product or process in the areas of energy and resource consumption, emissions, toxicity and risk potential, and land use. It also evaluates the life cycle costs associated with the product or process by calculating the costs related to, at a minimum, materials, labor, manufacturing, waste disposal, and energy.

The results of the eco-efficiency analysis show that micro-surfacing demonstrates clear environmental advantages in all six major impact areas, and has the lowest life cycle cost when compared to mill and fill (HMA). This combination makes the micro-surfacing alternative the most eco-efficient.

BASF's eco-efficiency analysis tool was developed jointly with an external consultant in 1996. So far, more than 400 eco-efficiency studies have been completed globally for customers, suppliers and regulatory agencies. The methodology was validated by TÜV, an independent company that certifies the safety and quality of new and existing products, systems and services.

Eco-efficiency analysis assesses the costs and environmental impact of products over their complete life cycle, beginning with the extraction of raw materials through the disposal or recycling of the product ("cradle to grave"). An "ecological fingerprint" provides a picture of the environmental impacts of the products analyzed in key categories.