Start website main content

  • Embeds

EMbeDS has secured access to ESU-services Ltd. 

Publication date: 24.09.2019
Back to Sant'Anna Magazine

ESU-services Ltd. was in 1998 and its staff members have LCA experience since 1994. The name ESU derives from the German Energie-Stoffe-Umwelt -- covering the main areas of expertise. Core objectives are consulting, coaching, training and research in the fields of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), carbon footprints, water footprint in the sectors energy, civil engineering, basic minerals, chemicals, packaging, telecommunication, agriculture, food and lifestyles.

ESU-services offers several Life Cycle Inventory databases, which can be added to commonly used Life Cycle Assessment software such as SimaPro, developed by PrèConsultant. ESU-services Ltd. is specialized in elaborating high quality life cycle inventories with a fully transparent documentation. 

The ESU World food LCA database covers more than 2000 transparent life cycle inventories (LCI) related to agriculture, food processing and consumption activities. The data are fully documented in the electronic EcoSpold v1 format. The following features distinguish this database from others:
• Complete and consistent balancing of all food products relevant to the Swiss market
• The whole chain from field to household is covered for many products
• Most data include information on food waste and water use
• All data include also flow specific uncertainty information for Monte-Carlo simulations.
The documentation of unit processes includes an assessment of uncertainties. As far as possible data include information on food waste and water use. The database, covers among others, the following areas of interest:
•    Agricultural production services: application of fertilizers, machinery hours
•    Vegetable production: spinach, salad, tomatoes, lettuce, potatoes, onions, asparagus, etc.
•    Fruits: apples, strawberries, cherries, grapes, oranges, bananas, vine, melons
•    Animal products: pork, veal, beef, lamb, poultry, eggs
•    Fish: codfish, herring, mackerel, salmon
•    Dairy products: butter, milk, milk powder, yoghurt, cheese
•    Meat alternatives: tofu, falafel, quorn, soy vegetarian mince, etc.
•    Staple food: noodles, pasta, bread, wheat flour
•    Drinks: apple & orange juice, mineral water, tap water, beer, wine, milk, coffee, tea, soy milk
•    Sweets: chocolate, ice cream, cakes
•    Meals: roast, lasagne, soups, canteen meals, recipes
•    Household appliances: cooking stoves and ovens, microwaves, refrigerators, carbonisation devices, coffee machine
•    Food consumption: packages, transports, cooking, consumption patterns
•    Pet food: cat food