I find the calculation process behind LCA to be confusing. Can someone explain it in simple calculation steps for a commonly-understood material?
Philip White, one of the experts at Okala helps:
“The life cycle assessment (LCA) process is a multi-step calculation that is challenging even for seasoned LCA professionals to recite with precision. Do not feel alone; it is a complex process. Let’s break it down into simpler bites by examining the components of the LCA calculations.
The LCA process follows four steps:
• Process inventory data collection
• Impact characterization
• Normalization
• Weighting
We consider each step, first individually; then combined, in a continuous calculation. Please keep in mind that each of these steps is included in every Okala Impact Factor. Designers and product teams need not take the time to understand them in depth. They are included here to show the rigor behind the single-score assessment process.” Read more