A comment on “Functions, commodities and environmental impacts in an ecological–economic model”

Abstract

In a recent paper in this journal, Suh (2004) presented a model combining life cycle assessment (LCA) with input-output analysis (IOA); termed "integrated hybrid LCA". In this paper, we discuss various issues relating to the theoretical and practical use of the integrated hybrid LCA approach. In particular, the interpretation of the downstream feedback term, C d , is discussed from both a theoretical perspective and a practical implementation perspective. In this paper, two interpretations of C d are suggested depending on the particular LCA database used. If the LCA database is designed for a demand on the functional unit only, then it is argued that the C d term is negligible in most applications. If the LCA database is compatible with an arbitrary demand, then it is argued that in most cases the consistent use of the C d term implies excessive data requirements that are not justified by the potential gains. We then discuss further issues relating to the integrated hybrid LCA model and combining LCA and IOA in general.

A survey of unresolved problems in life cycle assessment

“…-Many IO LCA-based methods do not consider 'gate-tograve' industrial processes so they carry a truncation error themselves. Some researchers have claimed this error may be negligible in many instances (Lenzen 2000;Peters and Hertwich 2006), but other researchers caution that a quick elimination without further study may lead to neglecting significant unit processes (Suh 2006). -Many IO LCA-based methods do not seem to consider the recycling (Bailey et al 2004a, b) or remanufacturing industry sectors (Ferrer and Ayres 2000).…”

Approaches to correct for double counting in tiered hybrid life cycle inventories

“…This is analogous to Dantzig [12] and is a good framework for assessing a defined actor, like a business, or a sector in a specified economy. The integrated hybrid approach has indeed many advantages, but also suffers from high data requirements and complexity [9,13,14]. The tiered hybrid approach is interesting in that it allows for an update of existing process-based LCA's through simply adding an input-output based section to account for the missing inputs.…”

Challenges faced when energy meets water: CO2 and water implications of power generation in inner Mongolia of China

“…In fact, the contribution of downstream cut-offs on total environmental impacts is minor, especially if a demand on the functional unit is used [61]. Thus, for simplicity, we do not take into account the downstream cut-offs in this study.…”