Glossary term

reference flow

A regulatory term referring to measure of the inputs to or outputs from processes (3.1.3.5) in a given product system (3.1.3.2) required to fulfil the.

1 official sourcessingle_source

What does reference flow mean?

Reference flow is the amount of input or output needed in a product system to fulfil the function expressed by the functional unit.

Official definitions by source

ISO 14067:2018

ISO 14067:2018 - Greenhouse gases — Carbon footprint of products

measure of the inputs to or outputs from processes (3.1.3.5) in a given product system (3.1.3.2) required to fulfil the function expressed by the functional unit (3.1.3.7)

Reference: 3.1.3.9

View official source

Regulatory context

This term originates in ISO 14067:2018 and/or ISO 14044 LCA methodology. It is used in EU product regulation — particularly under the EU Battery Regulation (PEF method for carbon footprint) and ESPR (environmental footprint) — because both regulations require lifecycle-based quantification of environmental impacts. Practitioners applying these regulations should be familiar with these LCA/PEF concepts to correctly scope, conduct, and verify product-level environmental assessments.

Practical application

This term matters when a study translates the chosen functional unit into the actual material, energy, or process flows that must be counted.

Minespider commentary

For Minespider, reference flow connects the comparison basis to the measured footprint inventory.

Common confusions

Assuming the everyday meaning of reference flow is enough without checking the official source definition.
Using reference flow as a loose generic label rather than the narrower meaning used in the source text.
Ignoring how reference flow connects to adjacent technical or product terms in the same regulatory framework.