A dataset of characterization factors for biodiversity impact assessment in OpenLCA and LCA for experts.

The accelerating loss of biodiversity and ongoing ecosystem degradation rank among the most pressing global challenges today. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as a pivotal tool for evaluating the environmental sustainability of production systems; however, the integration of biodiversity impact assessments into LCA studies remains constrained by significant data gaps, limited spatial resolution, and methodological complexity. This dataset addresses these challenges by providing and integrating ready-to-use characterization factors for biodiversity impact assessment in current LCA software packages. Characterization factors (CF) were calculated for land occupation flows of three LCA databases (Agribalyse 3.1.1, Ecoinvent 3.10, and Sphera LCA For Experts) following the Biodiversity Value Increment (BVI) method. The CF are applicable at global and country level, considering both land-use intensity and location. The integration into current LCA Software packages (OpenLCA 2.1.0 and Sphera LCA For Experts), enhances accessibility for LCA practitioners, supporting more comprehensive evaluations especially in terms of biodiversity impact assessments.