Land-use and impacts on biodiversity using BioMAPS®

Land use and biodiversity
© Shutterstock/Olena Boronchuk
The calculation and measurement of the impact of products, land use, and human activity on ecosystem functions and biodiversity is of high relevance.

The increasing demand for land and the resulting loss of species and biodiversity due to habitat destruction have become central issues in environmental policy. Biodiversity loss is primarily driven by land use and land-use changes. Although environmental auditing (LCAs) already provide insight into the impacts on biodiversity, end users of environmental audits often lack sufficient support for informed decision-making. To address this, the Department of Life Cycle Engineering (GaBi) has developed targeted tools based on its extensive expertise to meet these challenges.

A major breakthrough in this area was achieved in 2023 with the introduction of BioMAPS (Biodiversity Multi-Scale Assessment of Product Systems), a method developed on the basis of LANCA®. Our innovative approach enables the assessment of biodiversity impacts across the entire supply chain within the framework of environmental audits. BioMAPS can be used to evaluate biodiversity impacts at global, regional, and local levels, considering all three levels of biodiversity: species, genes, and ecosystems.

BioMAPS offers decision-makers a wide range of benefits:

  1. The flexible model structure provides tailored, solution-oriented recommendations for decision-makers across various spatial scales.
  2. Site-specific data is integrated using background characterization factors.
  3. In addition to species richness, BioMAPS also incorporates functional, community, and ecosystem-level biodiversity.
  4. Results are presented in a user-friendly format using a single-point approach for LCA practitioners and are compatible with sustainability tools and initiatives.

BioMAPS provides a global dataset that supports background analysis worldwide. Country-average values are made available through a global risk map with a spatial resolution of 1 km. Provided that the relevant primary data is available, a foreground analysis can also be conducted, enabling more precise results. For example, exact data on fertilizer and pesticide use can be incorporated into the calculation of the land use intensity index.

The method is fully compatible with the LANCA® method mentioned above, allowing for seamless integration of results into broader land use assessments. In addition, biodiversity is set to be included in the upcoming update of the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology as part of the "land use" impact category.

BioMAPS – Our Expertise

  • Research and development
  • Calculation of indicators and spatially resolved characterization factors for specific questions
  • Scientific and technical consulting on biodiversity in environmental audits
  • Development of project studies with a scientific and technical focus
  • Technical development and research services for new, customized products and tools
  • Review of methods, studies, and publications
  • Overview studies and expert evaluations.

BioMAPS – Our Research and Development Services

  • Preparation of technical and scientific reports on biodiversity in environmental audits
  • Execution of scientific investigations and studies related to biodiversity impacts in environmental audits
  • Publication of background information, method reports, and characterization factors.