Everything is relative and nothing is certain. Toward a theory and practice of comparative probabilistic LCA

Reinout Heijungs*, Jeroen B. Guinée, Angelica Mendoza Beltrán, Patrik J.G. Henriksson, Evelyne Groen

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to JournalComment / Letter to the editorAcademic

Abstract

It is widely recognized that LCA is in most cases relative and contains uncertainties due to choices and data. This paper analyses the combination of the two comparative uncertainties. Basic concepts: We carefully define the idea of relativity and uncertainty within LCA. We finish off by giving an example of case where inappropriate handling of comparative uncertainties will lead to a misleading result for a decision-maker. Correlations: We develop a generic framework for probabilistic comparative LCA and analyse at which places correlations may be present. We also discuss the most convenient approaches for handling such correlated uncertainties. Conclusion: We put the elements discussed in a structure that provides a research agenda for dealing with comparative uncertainties in LCA.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1573-1579
Number of pages7
JournalInternational Journal of Life Cycle Assessment
Volume24
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2019

Funding

The main ideas have been presented at the SETAC Europe conference in Rome, Italy, and at the LCA Food conference in Bangkok. This paper was initially selected for the special issue on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption, but the editor and reviewers observed that it was more appropriately placed as a general commentary and discussion article.

FundersFunder number
LCA

    Keywords

    • Comparative analysis
    • Correlations
    • Life cycle assessment
    • Uncertainty

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