NDLI: Uncertainty calculation in life cycle assessments : A combined model of simulation and approximation

Content Provider	Springer Nature Link
Author	Ciroth, Andreas Fleischer, Günter Steinbach, Jörg
Copyright Year	2004
Abstract	Uncertainty is commonly not taken into account in LCA studies, which downgrades their usability for decision support. One often stated reason is a lack of method. The aim of this paper is to develop a method for calculating the uncertainty propagation in LCAs in a fast and reliable manner.The method is developed in a model that reflects the calculation of an LCA. For calculating the uncertainty, the model combines approximation formulas and Monte Carlo Simulation. It is based on virtual data that distinguishes true values and random errors or uncertainty, and that hence allows one to compare the performance of error propagation formulas and simulation results. The model is developed for a linear chain of processes, but extensions for covering also branched and looped product systems are made and described.The paper proposes a combined use of approximation formulas and Monte Carlo simulation for calculating uncertainty in LCAs, developed primarily for the sequential approach. During the calculation, a parameter observation controls the performance of the approximation formulas. Quantitative threshold values are given in the paper. The combination thus transcends drawbacks of simulation and approximation.The uncertainty question is a true jigsaw puzzle for LCAs and the method presented in this paper may serve as one piece in solving it. It may thus foster a sound use of uncertainty assessment in LCAs. Analysing a proper management of the input uncertainty, taking into account suitable sampling and estimation techniques; using the approach for real case studies, implementing it in LCA software for automatically applying the proposed combined uncertainty model and, on the other hand, investigating about how people do decide, and should decide, when their decision relies on explicitly uncertain LCA outcomes-these all are neighbouring puzzle pieces inviting to further work.
Starting Page	216
Ending Page	226
Page Count	11
File Format	PDF
ISSN	09483349
Journal	The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment
Volume Number	9
Issue Number	4
e-ISSN	16147502
Language	English
Publisher	Ecomed
Publisher Date	2004-01-01
Publisher Place	Landsberg
Access Restriction	One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)
Subject Keyword	Approximation formula error propagation life cycle inventory (LCI) life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) models Monte Carlo Simulation quantitative thresholds uncertainties Environment Environmental Economics
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Environmental Science

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