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 journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

23 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction: 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
JournalInternational Journal of Life Cycle Assessment
Volume24
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2019

Keywords

  • Comparative analysis
  • Correlations
  • Life cycle assessment
  • Uncertainty

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