Critical review of elementary flows in LCA data.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose

Elementary flows are essential components of data used for life cycle assessment. A standard list is not used across all sources, as data providers now manage these flows independently. Elementary flows must be consistent across a life cycle inventory for accurate inventory analysis and must correspond with impact methods for impact assessment. With the goal of achieving a global network of LCA databases, a critical review of elementary flow usage and management in LCA data sources was performed.

Methods

Flows were collected in a standard template from various life cycle inventory, impact method, and software sources. A typology of elementary flows was created to identify flows by types such as chemicals, minerals, land flows, etc. to facilitate differential analysis

SUBMITTER: Edelen A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5812692 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature