Aligning Biodiversity Measures for Business Sub-group 3B
Metrics and midpoint characterisation factors
Webinar
11 July 2019
❑ Introduction of participants and reminder of the objectives and context of the Aligning Biodiversity Measures for Business initiative
❑ Reminder of the objectives and terms of reference of the sub-group and of the webinar
❑ Review of the SG3B working paper and preparation of the position paper
▪ Common framework (definition, time integration)
▪ Differences between metrics
▪ Brief discussion on bridges between metrics (and rest of the discussion left for the 2nd webinar)
▪ Links between midpoint-based approaches and site-level approaches
❑ Other discussion questions
❑ Choice of dates for the next two webinars
Agenda
Reminder of the objectives and context of the
Aligning Biodiversity Measures for Business initiative
Reminder of the objectives of the sub-group and of
the webinar
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❑ What is this session about?
Mentimeter
1. Explore the differences between metrics and midpoint calculations across different measurement approaches and the reasons for the current divergence.
2. Propose bridges between metrics (e.g. conversion factors or translation of characterisation factors in different metrics) and propose common midpoint characterisation factors.
3. Identify how to disaggregate footprinting metrics and aggregate site level metrics, creating complementarity between the two.
4. Other expectations
Objectives of the sub-group
PAGE 7
Potential outcome of the sub-groups 3A and 3B: a (partial) harmonisation of inputs and midpoints facilitating conversions between metrics
Inputs (activity, pressure-
related data…) Midpoints Impacts
Initiative 1
Initiative 2 Initiative 3
Initiative 1
Initiative 2 Initiative 3
Corporate data input sub- group #3A
Midpoint sub-group
#3B
1. Analysis of differences between metrics and midpoint calculations and reason for divergence
2. Mapping of the language of the LCA community with language used to describe a more direct measurement of biodiversity. This mapping will comprise language used by LCA practitioners, EIA
practitioners, biodiversity specialists and natural capital accounting and assessment (Natural Capital Protocol)
3. Exploration of linkages between the different metrics and the different mid-point characterisation factors
▪ This includes determining how site based and portfolio approaches can link and complement each other.
4. Other required outcomes?
Expected outputs of the sub-group
Linkage of the sub-group with sub-group 31 on
corporate data inputs
1. Clarify the collaboration process.
2. Review the SG3B working paper and provide feedback to transform it into a SG3B position paper (input to the Brazil workshop).
3. Plan the next webinar.
Objectives of the webinar
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❑ Questions? ➔ add them to the parking lot
Mentimeter
Review of the SG3B working paper and preparation
of the position paper
REVIEW - Introduction
❑ aligning_biodiversity_measures_SG3B-metrics- midpoints_V03_20190708.docx
❑ Sent by Julie Dimitrijevic on 8 th July
❑ Objective: have comments and edit proposals in track changes by SG3B members in July and August to build into a position paper open for suggestions for all ABMB members in September.
SG3B working paper
PAGE 15
Impacts on biodiversity, and associated pressures, covered due to the endpoint characterisation factors available for each metric
Endpoint characterisation factors and associated capacity to assess the impact of pressures Metric
[initiatives using the metric]
Available endpoint characterisa- tion factors
Land / sea use change
Direct
exploitation
Invasive alien species
Pollution Climate
change
Other
MSA [GBS, BIM, BF, LIFE
Index]
GLOBIO’s pressure- impact
relationships
Land use, Fragmentatio n,
Encroachme nt,
Hydrological disturbance, Wetland conversion
Not covered directly
Not covered
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition, Nutrient emissions, Land use change in catchment
Climate change
PDF [BFFI, PBF]
ReCiPe or LC Impact’s characterisati on factors
Land
occupation, Land
transformatio n, (regional) Water
scarcity
Not covered
Not covered
Terrestrial ecotoxicity, Terrestrial acidification, Marine ecotoxicity, Marine eutrophication, Freshwater eutrophication, Freshwater ecotoxicity
Climate change
PAGE 16
Impacts on biodiversity, and associated pressures, covered due to the endpoint characterisation factors available for each metric
Endpoint characterisation factors and associated capacity to assess the impact of pressures Metric
[initiatives using the metric]
Available endpoint characterisat ion factors
Land / sea use change
Direct
exploitation
Invasive alien species
Pollution Climate change
Other
Risk of
extinction unit [STAR]
No
characterisat ion factor but assessment of the level of pressures through the IUCN Red List
Residential &
Commercial Development,
Agriculture &
Aquaculture, Energy Production & Mining, Transportation &
Service Corridors, Human Intrusions &
Disturbance, Natural System Modifications
Biological Resource Use
Invasive &
Problematic Species,
Pathogens &
Genes
Pollution Climate Change
Geological Events
Natural capital monetary value (e.g.
EUR) [EP&L]
No
characterisat ion factor
[BIE,…] No
characterisat ion factor
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❑ What is meant by "midpoint" in this subgroup?
Mentimeter
REVIEW - Common framework (definition, time
integration)
❑ Endpoint: an endpoint is the final element that is being
assessed, corresponding to ecosystem quality (e.g. quantified with local species loss integrated over time, in species.year) , resource scarcity or human health (e.g. quantified in disability adjusted life years).
❑ Midpoint: a midpoint is an intermediary step in calculation of impacts allowing to link input data to impact results (endpoint), that is not specifically focused on what is being assessed (e.g.
the assessment of the global mean temperature increase due to greenhouse gas emissions is a midpoint towards
biodiversity erosion due to climate change). For example, if the endpoint is the loss in biodiversity linked to eutrophication at some point, then a midpoint could be the N concentration in a specific environment.
Definitions
PAGE 20
Example of path between inputs (in blue), midpoints
(in green) and endpoints (in red) (ASN Bank, 2016)
PAGE 21
Models and databases providing biodiversity-related midpoint and endpoint characterisation factors (non- exhaustive)
From data inputs to midpoints (midpoint CF)
From midpoints to endpoints (endpoint CF)
Life cycle assessment databases such as ecoinvent
Environmentally extended input-output models such as
EXIOBASE
UN Environment lifecycle initiative
CML (outdated) GLOBIO
ReCiPe LC Impact
IUCN mean % decline over 10 years
USEtox
❑ Cf. SG3A:
▪ Indicator: “A quantitative or qualitative factor or variable that provides a simple and reliable means to measure achievement, to reflect changes connected to an intervention, or to help assess the performance of a development actor”
▪ Measure: an assessment of the amount, extent or condition, usually expressed in physical terms. Can be either qualitative or quantitative.
▪ Metric: “A system or standard of measurement”. A combination of measures or modelled elements. The Mean Species Abundance (MSA) and the Potentially Disappeared Fraction (PDF) are for instance metrics expressed as a
percentage.
▪ Unit: a standard measure that is used to express amounts. For instance MSA.m
2or PDF.yr.m
2are units.
PAGE 22
Definitions
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❑ What is time integration about?
Mentimeter
❑ Some impacts persist over time
PAGE 24
Illustration of the question of time-integration (CDC
Biodiversité, 2019) with the example of MSA
1. Integrate impacts over time ➔ PDF.yr
2. Distinguish between impacts over the period considered
(could be called dynamic) and the stock of past impacts (could be called static)
3. Ignore persistent effect
❑ Proposal: SG3B recognizes the importance to take into account the persistence of impacts over time and the need for each measurement approach to clarify how it currently deals with the issue
PAGE 25
How to deal with effects persistent over time?
PAGE 26
Overview of current practices regarding time integration among measurement approaches
Time integration approach Measurement approaches
Time integration embedded in the unit used (e.g.
PDF.m
2.yr)
BFFI, PBF
Distinction of dynamic (integrated over the assessment period) and
static impacts
GBS
No time integration AI, BF, BIE, BIM, EP&L, LIFE Index,
STAR
REVIEW - Differences between metrics
PAGE 28
Aggregation method used by each metric
Metric [initiatives using the metric]
Aggregation method Reasoning behind the aggregation Mean species
abundance (MSA) [GBS, BIM, BF, LIFE Index]
Arithmetic mean of abundances (same weight for all species)
Equal weights are a good default and explicit weighting is also possible.
Another aspect is that all species contribute to ecological functions.
Potentially disappeared
fraction (PDF) [BFFI, PBF]
Number of species (same weight for all species)
Similar to MSA.
Risk of extinction unit [STAR]
Sum of the risks of extinction of species weighted by their threat status
Threat status of species has been evaluated in a scientifically consistent, multi-stakeholder, global process and the presence of threatened species in a site or habitat is an indication that the ecosystem is under pressure.
Natural capital monetary value (, e.g. EUR) [EP&L]
Sum of the economic value of ecosystem services (i.e.
more weight to more valuable services)
Economic valuation gives the expression of the worth of the benefits people gain from the environment.
Using this assessment allows to better understand and address impacts and prioritize actions.
[BIE,…] No single quantitative metric.
Aggregation approach is still to be determined
State / pressure / response indicators are required to meet sites’ needs and such indicators are difficult to aggregate quantitatively, so a qualitative aggregation is used.
PAGE 29
State of biodiversity covered by each metric
Metric [initiatives using the metric]
State of biodiversity covered
Reasons why some state of biodiversity are not covered
Capacity to assess biodiversity state based on ecological surveys (direct measurements)
Mean species abundance (MSA) [GBS, BIM, BF, LIFE Index]
Terrestrial and aquatic (freshwater)
No endpoint
characterisation
factors for marine biodiversity
Possible in theory
Potentially disappeared
fraction (PDF) [BFFI, PBF]
Terrestrial, aquatic (freshwater) and marine
?
Risk of extinction unit [STAR]
Terrestrial, aquatic (freshwater) and marine?
Possible
Natural capital monetary value (e.g. EUR) [EP&L]
Terrestrial only?
? Likely to be challenging given that values of biodiversity are known not to be well represented currently into natural capital assessments
[BIE,…] Terrestrial, aquatic (freshwater) and marine?
Possible
❑ The following types of biodiversity are suggested in line with the PBL’s presentation at the March workshop:
▪ Ecological integrity: health of the overall ecosystem (abundance combined to species richness), including ordinary biodiversity
▪ Extinction risk: state of key biodiversity features (and not of the overall ecosystem), including endangered and charismatic species
▪ Ecosystem services (addition to the PBL’s presentation)
❑ The following are not kept:
▪ Population abundances - considered it to be equivalent to ecological integrity
▪ Coverage of unique hot-spots – considered it a prioritization issue and not a different type of biodiversity
PAGE 30
Limitations of each metric –biodiversity type
PAGE 31
Limitations of each metric (to be completed after the 11 July webinar)
Metric [initiatives using the metric]
Type of
biodiversity covered
Other limitations (on top of those listed in the previous tables)
Mean species abundance (MSA) [GBS, BIM, BF, LIFE Index]
Ecological integrity To be completed
Potentially disappeared
fraction (PDF) [BFFI, PBF]
Ecological integrity To be completed
Risk of extinction unit [STAR]
Extinction risk To be completed Natural capital
monetary value (e.g. EUR) [EP&L]
Ecosystem services
To be completed
[BIE, …] Ecological integrity
& extinction risk
To be completed
REVIEW - Brief discussion on bridges between
metrics
Two main options to build bridges between metrics
PAGE 33
Impacts
9 MSA.m2
? PDF.m2.yr
Difficulties to translate
directly impacts?
9 MSA.m2
8.9 PDF.m2.yr (local effect)
Use midpoints
instead
10 m2 of natural forest converted to intensive agriculture
? unit of extinction risk (STAR)
Midpoints
Preliminary list of data and midpoints typically necessary to assess pressures. Items in bold orange are data which could be required from companies (cf. SG3A)
PAGE 34
Pressure Midpoints Data typically necessary to assess the pressures
Land / sea use change
Agricultural yields and quantities produced
Water withdrawal and consumption
Land use changes (LUC) Hydrological disturbances
Direct
exploitation To be discussed To be discussed Invasive
alien species To be discussed To be discussed
Pollution Emissions of pesticides, N & P
Pesticide concentrations N & P concentrations
Climate change
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
Global Warming Potential (GWP)
Global mean temperature
increase (GMTI)
❑ Proposal: SG3B agrees to promote the choice and use of common midpoints between measurement approaches, to facilitate indirect conversions
between metrics.
❑ More on bridges in the 2 nd webinar.
PAGE 35
Bridges between metrics
REVIEW - Links between midpoint-based
approaches and site-level approaches
❑ Some corporate level footprints could be disaggregated at site level
❑ And some site level approaches could be aggregated at the corporate level
❑ They could meet thus in the middle. However, metrics are different and conversion is not possible between quantitative and qualitative metrics
PAGE 37
Links between midpoint-based approaches and site-
level approaches - Disaggregation / aggregation
❑ SG3A explores promising linkages between site level and corporate footprint approaches focused on data collection
PAGE 38
Links between midpoint-based approaches and site- level approaches – Data input linkages
LUC (common classification) Endangered
species, PA, criticial habitats
❑ Site level approaches and corporate footprints usually:
▪ Meet different business applications (cf. SG1)
▪ Cover different types of biodiversity
❑ They are complementary, without the need for conversion
PAGE 39
Links between midpoint-based approaches and site-
level approaches – Complementarity
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❑ Do you agree with the proposed positions of SG3B on the following topics?
❑ Do you think the analyses in the working paper so far are satisfactory?
Mentimeter
Other discussion questions
❑ Transparency: to include data sources, gaps, limitations.
❑ Fit for purpose: the data and methods used should match the objective, application and scope.
❑ Rigor: the information, data and methods used should be technically robust.
PAGE 42
Common ground principles
❑ What are the reasons for the differences between the metrics and midpoint characterisation factors used?
❑ What are the decision implications of these differences?
❑ If alignment is not feasible / practical how can this be communicated to stakeholders to avoid confusion or are translations / conversions between metrics possible?
❑ What common approaches and midpoint characterisation factor values can be agreed on?
❑ Is it feasible to develop ‘translation’ approaches between different metrics, what are the decision implications of introducing more estimation into the approach?
❑ What Common Ground principles for corporate biodiversity measurement could promote alignment?
❑ Are there other issues and areas of alignment we should explore?
PAGE 43
Discussion questions
Choice of dates for the next two webinars
❑ https://doodle.com/poll/zqzbfypt5zi2qiyb
❑ 2 dates to choose:
▪ 2 hour web conference in July - in-depth technical discussions to try to converge on a limited number of midpoints with the measurement approaches interested to do so
▪ 2 hours web conference in September, to finalize the position paper
PAGE 45
Choice of dates for the next two webinars
Contacts
Aligning Biodiversity Measures for Business
Annelisa Grigg, UN Environment World Conservation Monitoring Centre
Tel: +44 (0)1223 277314 Email: annelisa.grigg@unep- wcmc.org
Sub-group 3A chair
Joshua Berger, CDC Biodiversité Tel: +33 (0)1 80 40 15 41
Email: joshua.berger@cdc- biodiversite.fr
