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A or I‐A? Unifying the computational structures of process‐ and IO‐based LCA for clarity and consistency

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  • Reinout Heijungs
  • Yi Yang
  • Hung‐Suck Park

Abstract

Why are both A−1${\mathbf{A}}^{-1}$ and (I−A)−1${(\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A})}^{-1}$ used in life cycle assessment (LCA) matrix computations? This is a question that, in our experience of teaching LCA, students often wonder about and struggle with. A brief survey of the literature suggests that the question can also confuse experienced LCA practitioners. Here, we seek to unify the computational structures of the two LCA approaches to achieve greater clarity and consistency, especially to make them easier to teach. We first show how small but crucial differences in the set‐up of the two approaches lead to the use of A$\mathbf{A}$ versus I−A$\mathbf{I}-\mathbf{A}$. Then, we discuss the options to unify the presentations in a coherent way. We do not prescribe one way or the other. A larger point we hope to stress is the importance of unification, which may have both pedagogical and methodological benefits.

Suggested Citation

  • Reinout Heijungs & Yi Yang & Hung‐Suck Park, 2022. "A or I‐A? Unifying the computational structures of process‐ and IO‐based LCA for clarity and consistency," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(5), pages 1824-1836, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:26:y:2022:i:5:p:1824-1836
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13323
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Maxime Agez & Guillaume Majeau‐Bettez & Manuele Margni & Anders H. Strømman & Réjean Samson, 2020. "Lifting the veil on the correction of double counting incidents in hybrid life cycle assessment," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 24(3), pages 517-533, June.
    2. Reinout Heijungs & Arjan de Koning & Sangwon Suh & Gjalt Huppes, 2006. "Toward an Information Tool for Integrated Product Policy: Requirements for Data and Computation," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 10(3), pages 147-158, July.
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    4. Troy R. Hawkins & Deanna H. Matthews, 2009. "A Classroom Simulation to Teach Economic Input−Output Life Cycle Assessment," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 13(4), pages 622-637, August.
    5. Suh, Sangwon, 2004. "Functions, commodities and environmental impacts in an ecological-economic model," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 48(4), pages 451-467, April.
    6. Heijungs, Reinout, 1994. "A generic method for the identification of options for cleaner products," Ecological Economics, Elsevier, vol. 10(1), pages 69-81, May.
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    8. Troy R. Hawkins & Bhawna Singh & Guillaume Majeau‐Bettez & Anders Hammer Strømman, 2013. "Comparative Environmental Life Cycle Assessment of Conventional and Electric Vehicles," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 17(1), pages 53-64, February.
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