The European Commission has launched an open consultation inviting stakeholders to contribute to the development of a pioneering framework: the Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules for the space sector (PEFCR4Space)
The PEFCR4Space is part of the EU’s efforts to standardise and improve how environmental impacts in the space sector are measured, reported, and ultimately reduced.
Space companies, environmental experts, researchers, NGOs, and other stakeholders are encouraged to participate by reviewing the first draft of the PEFCR4Space and submitting their feedback.
The consultation is open until 1 December 2025, creating the opportunity to co-design a framework that will shape the sustainability standards of future space missions and technologies.
Why PEFCR matters for space
While the space industry has always been associated with innovation and technological advancement, sustainability is becoming an increasingly critical priority. From satellite launches to space system manufacturing and ground operations, every phase of a space product’s life cycle carries an environmental footprint.
PEFCR4Space aims to address these concerns by introducing a consistent and scientifically robust Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) method. The goal is to enable reliable, comparable, and verifiable assessments of the environmental performance of space-related products and services.
By establishing a standard methodology, the European Commission hopes to reduce ambiguity, prevent greenwashing, and support decision-making based on measurable environmental performance.
The rules are being developed by a Technical Secretariat consisting of stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and civil society. Their collective expertise ensures that the guidelines reflect both scientific accuracy and practical applicability across different segments of the space sector.
Getting involved
The consultation documents, including the first draft of the PEFCR4Space, are available for review through the official EU survey platform at: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/Pefcr4spaceOpenConsultation2025
Stakeholders can provide feedback directly through this platform. Whether you’re part of a satellite company, an environmental consultancy, or a university research group, your input can help refine the guidelines to ensure they are both technically sound and sector-relevant.
Upcoming webinar
To support the consultation process, a webinar is scheduled for Friday, 24 October, from 11:00 to 12:00 CEST. The session will provide participants with a deeper understanding of the project’s goals, the development timeline, and the various opportunities for involvement.
This virtual event is expected to offer valuable insights into how the PEFCR4Space can impact product development, procurement, and regulatory compliance in the space sector. It is open to all interested parties, and no prior registration is required to join.
As Europe continues its journey toward a climate-neutral future, initiatives like PEFCR4Space show the importance of ensuring that innovation in space does not come at the cost of environmental sustainability.
