Update: FURTHER LCAs AND EPDs FOR FRAUSCHER SENSORTECHNIK GMBH

2024/2025 LCAs & EPDs

Wheel Sensor RSR180 GS05

In fall 2024/spring 2025, the ECODESIGN company once again evaluated the environmental performance of another wheel detection system—the wheel sensor RSR180 GS05—from the Austrian company Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH, using a life cycle assessment (LCA).

The assessment followed the current Product Category Rules (PCR) for RAILWAY INFRASTRUCTURE, which are based on the comprehensive EN 15804 standard. This standard defines the basic rules for creating Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for construction products.

According to EN 15804, a comprehensive analysis must be carried out across the entire life cycle. This includes calculating all modules A–D, covering the raw material supply, use phase, and end-of-life treatment, as well as potential benefits and burdens beyond the system boundary. More than 20 environmental aspects and impact indicators were calculated in line with applicable standards, and the results were documented in the LCA report.

ECODESIGN company gmbh also prepared the Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), which were externally verified and registered in the International EPD System. These EPDs can be downloaded here.

With this LCA, Frauscher reinforces its sustainability agenda, providing B2B customers with verified environmental data through the EPD and thereby gaining a competitive edge.

2021 LCAs & EPDs

Wheel Sensor RSR123 & Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® (Indoor Equipment)

In December 2021, the ECODESIGN company evaluated the environmental performance of a wheel detection system from Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH using a life cycle assessment. The system comprises the RSR123 wheel sensor, mounted on the track, which delivers key signals about wheel and rail conditions to the Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC®, where these signals are processed and forwarded to control systems. The wheel detection system ensures safe monitoring of track sections and enables reliable rail operations worldwide.

Separate LCAs were carried out for both the wheel sensor and the FAdC®. Detailed modeling was performed in SimaPro, based on a comprehensive bill of materials. Suitable datasets and calculation methods were selected for over 20 environmental aspects and impact indicators, in accordance with the applicable PCRs for railway infrastructure.

ECODESIGN also prepared Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for both products. These EPDs were externally verified, registered in the International EPD System, and can be downloaded here:

Wheel Sensor RSR123 & outdoor equipment and

Frauscher Advanced Counter FAdC® indoor equipment.

Through these LCAs, Frauscher supports sustainable product development and offers relevant environmental data to B2B customers and other stakeholders. This demonstrates a clear commitment to transparency in the field of sensors and electronics.