Book 1_Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment Interpretation and Reporting.pptx

LCA

1. Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation and Reporting

2. Outline 6.1 Introduction 6.2 LCA Interpretation according to ISO 6.3 Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis 6.4 Contribution Analysis 6.5 Presenting LCIA Results 6.6 Preparing the Final Report 6.7 The Review Process 6.8 Product Category Rules and Environmental Product Additional Information

3. This chapter explores the key features of LCA interpretation, including the following: The use of a systematic procedure to identify, qualify, check, evaluate and present the conclusions based on the results of an LCA or LCI, in order to meet the requirements of the application as described in the goal and scope of the study; The use of an iterative procedure both within the interpretative phase and with the other phases of an LCA; Maintaining transparency throughout the interpretation phase by clearly stating in the final report any and all preferences, assumptions, or value choices that were used in the assessment or in reporting. CONTENT

4. The results from an LCA can be difficult to comprehend because of the vast amount of data, diversity of physical units, use of value judgments, and uncertainty in the parameters. These factors limit its capacity to directly, and transparently, interpret information for decision makers (Canis et al 2010, Boufateh et al 2011). As a result, many comparative LCA studies stop the assessment after calculation of potential impact indicators (characterized data), leaving the decision makers to confront multi-criteria, multi-stakeholder problems unaided (Rogers et al 2008, Rowley and Peters 2009). This can lead to confusion and bias since human cognitive ability to process large amounts of data is limited and subject to systematic flaws ( Hertwich and Hammit 2001). 6.1 Introduction

5. LCA study is a highly iterative process, so that the LCA practitioner may need to go back to the goal and scope after the preliminary inventory work, to move back from impact assessment to inventory analysis, to have a look at the interpretation in an early stage, etc. 6.1 Introduction

6. LCA cannot determine if a product is “sustainable” or “environmentally friendly” The results can only indicate if product X is “more sustainable” or “more environmentally friendly” than product Y, or that the use phase is the “least sustainable” or “least environmentally friendly” part of the life cycle for product Z 6.1 Introduction

7. 6.2 LCA Interpretation according to ISO Phase of LCA in which the findings of either the LCI (LC Inventory analysis) or LCIA (LC the impact assessment) , or both, are evaluated in relation to the defined goal and scope in order to reach conclusions and recommendations. The standard defines two objectives of life cycle interpretation: Analyze results, reach conclusions, explain limitations, and provide recommendations based on the findings of the preceding phases of the LCA, and to report the results of the life cycle interpretation in a transparent manner. Provide a readily understandable, complete, and consistent presentation of the results of an LCA study, in accordance with the goal and scope of the study.

8. An evaluation that considers: Completeness check- to ensure that all relevant information and data are available and complete Sensitivity analysis - to assess the reliability of the final results and conclusions Consistency check - to determine whether the assumptions, methods and data are consistent with the goal and scope; If The uncertainties are too high, then those steps must be repeated until the results can support the original goals of the study. 6.2 LCA Interpretation according to ISO The same applies to most guidebooks on LCA. They mention carrying out an uncertainty analysis, but give no clear guidance on how this should be done.

9. ISO 14040 describes that Potential sources of uncertainty include: The data source itself (random or systematic error in measurement and sampling or natural variability), Any assumptions and/or calculation use to manipulate data, and Aggregating very different data sources or values. 6.3 Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity analysis can be used to indicate which parameters are most important to the analysis. Both sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis are useful in determining where data quality resources should be directed or redirected. sources or values.

10. Uncertainty Analysis Uncertainty in Impact models Sensitivity Analysis Monte Carlo Simulation 6.3 Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity analysis can be used to indicate which parameters are most important to the analysis. Both sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis are useful in determining where data quality resources should be directed or redirected. sources or values.

11. 6.3 Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis

12. Due to the uncertainty with inventory and impact data, it may not be possible to state that one alternative is better than the others because of the uncertainty in the final results 6.3.1 Uncertainty Analysis

13. In cases where the choice of methodology has a strong influence on the study results and conclusions, the practitioner should justify the reasons for the methodology chosen, and a sensitivity analysis should be conducted to see if an alternative methodological choice produces similar or different results and conclusions. For example, because of the many uncertainties surrounding biomass decomposition in landfills, it is advisable to conduct sensitivity analyses on the carbon storage and releases associated with landfilled biomass products. Typical environmental and human health impact models, such as those used in risk assessment, are based on exposure and effect (that is,where the substance goes once it is emitted to the environment, who is exposed to the substance and how much, and how toxic the substance is). Effects on human health are based on data developed in toxicological studies where safety factor are set to determine acceptable daily intake. 6.3.2 Uncertainty in Impact Models

14. Sensitivity analysis is done by systematically changing an input parameter and observing the impact on the results. It may be useful in the following situations: The analyst does not have a high degree of confidence in an important data source, The production system being assessed is highly variable, or Data for a particular element are missing or deficient (EPA 1995). The 6.3.3 Sensitivity Analysis

15. Monte Carlo simulation is a widely used method to perform uncertainty and sensitivity analysis. It uses statistical sampling techniques to approximate the probability of certain outcomes by running multiple trial runs, called simulations, using random variables. Many commercial LCA programs now offer Monte Carlo analysis. 6.3.4 Monte Carlo Simulation

16. 6.4 Contribution Analysis

17. 6.5 Presenting LCIA Results Usually, to present LCA results, bar charts and spider charts are used

18. v 6.5 Presenting LCIA Results

19. 6.6 Preparing the Final Report The report presents the results, data, methods, assumptions, and limitations in sufficient detail to allow the reader to comprehend the complexities and trade-offs inherent in the LCA study. Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation and Reporting The reference document should consist of the following elements ( ISO 1997 ): Administrative Information a. Name and address of LCA practitioner (who conducted the LCA study) b. Date of report c. Other contact information or release information Definition of Goal and Scope Life Cycle Inventory Analysis (data collection and calculation procedures) Life Cycle Impact Assessment (methodology and results of the impact assessment that was performed) Life Cycle Interpretation a. Results b. Assumptions and limitations c. Data quality assessment (including findings of uncertainty and sensitivity) Critical Review (internal and external) a. Name and affiliation of reviewers b. Critical review reports c. Responses to recommendations

20. 6.7 The Review Process ISO 14044 (2006) specifically identifies five requirements in the critical review process Clause 6.1 General The critical review process shall ensure that: – the methods used to carry out the LCA are consistent with this international standard; – the methods used to carry out the LCA are scientifically and technically valid; – the data used are appropriate and reasonable in relation to the goal of the study; – the interpretations reflect the limitations identified and the goal of the study; – the study report is transparent and consistent. Figure 6.7 Timing the Peer Review Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation and Reporting

21. 6.8 Product Category Rules and Environmental Product Declarations A classification system for voluntary labels has been presented in the I SO 14020 series categorizing environmental product and service claims as Type I (third party certified, specifics in ISO 14024), Type II (self-declared, specifics in ISO 14021), and Type III (third party based on LCA, specifics in ISO 14025). Of these ecolabeling types, Type III, also known as Environmental Product Declarations, are the most closely tied to the LCA methodology. Type I, Type II, and Type III claims and their respective relationship with life cycle assessment; Product Category Rules & Environmental Product Declarations; PCRs in Carbon Footprinting and Product Index development; and “Other relevant environmental information” within PCRs informed by other assessment methods including: Water Footprinting , Toxicity Assessment and Ecosystem Services Assessment. Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation and Reporting

22. 6.8 Product Category Rules and Environmental Product Declarations 1. Type III Environmental Product Declarations 2. An EPD is a Document 3. An EPD is Primarily Based on LCA 4. An EPD is Developed by Following a “Product Category Rule” 5. An EPD can contain other Relevant Information beyond the LCA 6. Further Information on EPDs and PCRs ISO 14025 (ISO 2006c) describes a Type III Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) as a document which indicates the environmental performance of a specific product, providing quantified environmental data developed using the LCA methodology set forth in ISO 14040 and 14044 and a predetermined set of rules for the assessment called “Product Category Rules” and, where relevant, additional environmental information (e.g., toxicity in the use phase) EPDs are described as nutrition labels including environmental information, however it should be noted that solely a multi-attribute label expressing the life cycle impacts assessment results for a product would not meet all of the required documentation outlined in the ISO standard for an EPD ISO 14025 specifically lists the ISO 14040 series as the basis for data and inventory analysis supporting the development of an EPD and its supporting PCR PCRs provide guidance on those areas of the LCA standards that are more nebulous and tend to change depending on the goal and scope of the study. This guidance includes: the determination of the functional unit, allocation rules, recommended data sources, impact assessment methods, and additional relevant environmental information that should be included to address environmental concerns EPD’s should, by design, provide accurate quantification of environmental attributes of products, communication of these attributes in a standardized and transparent fashion, and permit comparison of one product to another with an EPD in the same product category Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation and Reporting EPDs can also include information that is not strictly specified in ISO 14025, but referred to as “other relevant environmental information

23. Additional Information The white 1-litre PET bottle is a modern remake of the glass bottle (used in Italy until the seventies); the new container was designed with a view to combining the value of tradition with respect for the environment and the need for a more practical container. In relation to the handling of PET bottles at the end of their life, it should be pointed out that the environmental impacts depend mainly on the behavior of the end user and the local availability of efficient separate waste collection services; According to the statistics, on average, PET waste in Italy is disposed of as follows: Recycling: 41%; Waste to energy systems 30%. Delivery to dump: 29%; There are two ways of recycling PET: it can be transformed into secondary raw material or it can be converted into energy Chapter 6 Life Cycle Assessment: Interpretation and Reporting

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