Evaluation of two simplified life cycle assessment methods

被引:100
作者
Hochschorner, E
Finnveden, G
机构
[1] Royal Inst Technol, Dept Ind Ecol, KTH, Fms,Environm Strategies Res Grp, SE-10314 Stockholm, Sweden
[2] Swedish Def Res Agcy, Environm Strategies Res Grp, Fms, Stockholm, Sweden
关键词
electric cars; ERPA-matrix (ERPA : environmentally responsible product assessment); life cycle assessment (LCA); MECO-method; (MECO; materials; energy; chemicals and others); semi-quantitative LCA; simplified LCA; streamlined LCA;
D O I
10.1007/BF02978456
中图分类号
X [环境科学、安全科学];
学科分类号
08 ; 0830 ;
摘要
Goal, Scope and Background. Two methods of simplified LCA were evaluated and compared to the results of a quantitative LCA. These are the Environmentally responsible product assessment matrix developed by Graedel and Allenby and the MECO-method developed in Denmark. Methods. We used these in a case study and compared the results with the results from a quantitative LCA. The evaluation also included other criteria, such as the field of application and the level of arbitrariness. Results and Discussion. The MECO-method has some positive qualities compared to the Environmentally responsible product assessment matrix. Examples of this are that it generates information complementary to the quantitative LCA and provides the possibility to consider quantitative information when such is available. Some of the drawbacks with the Environmentally responsible product assessment matrix are that it does not include the whole lifecycle and that it allows some arbitrariness. Conclusions. Our study shows that a simplified and semi-quantitative LCA (such as the MECO-method) can provide information that is complementary to a quantitative LCA. In this case the method generates more information on toxic substances and other impacts, than the quantitative LCA. We suggest that a simplified LCA can be used both as a pre-study to a quantitative LCA and as a parallel assessment, which is used together with the quantitative LCA in the interpretation. Recommendations and Outlook. A general problem with qualitative analyses is how to compare different aspects. Life cycle assessments are comparative. The lack of a quantitative dimension hinders the comparison and can thereby hinder the usefulness of the qualitative method. There are different approaches suggested to semiquantify simplified methods in order to make quantitative comparisons possible. We think that the use of fabricated scoring systems should be avoided. If quantitative information is needed, one should consider performing a simplified quantitative LCA instead.
引用
收藏
页码:119 / 128
页数:10
相关论文
共 28 条
[1]  
ALMEMARK M, 1999, 99 ELF, P30
[2]  
[Anonymous], 1995, NORDIC GUIDELINES LI
[3]  
[Anonymous], 1997, INT J LIFE CYCLE ASS
[4]  
Ekvall T., 2001, J CLEAN PROD, V9, P197, DOI DOI 10.1016/S0959-6526(00)00052-4
[5]  
FINNVEDEN G., 2000, INT J LIFE CYCLE ASS, V5, P229, DOI DOI 10.1007/BF02979365
[6]  
FINNVEDEN G, 1996, INT J LCA, V1, P74, DOI DOI 10.1007/BF02978649
[7]  
Graedel T., 2002, INT J LCA, V7, P95
[8]  
Graedel T., 1998, Industrial Ecology and the Automobile
[9]  
Graedel T.E., 1998, Streamlined Life-Cycle Assessment, DOI DOI 10.1021/es101316v
[10]  
Graedel T.E., 1995, Industrial ecology