Lesson 8: Impact assessment methods

Explore the commonly used methods for assessing environmental impacts in Life Cycle Assessments.

INTRODUCTION

• LCA results depend on goals, scope, and chosen impact assessment methods.
• Popular methods may vary by region, industry, and study requirements.

COMMON IMPACT ASSESSMENT METHODS

1. Eco-indicator 99:

• Covers various impact categories, including climate change, ozone depletion, and human toxicity.
• Suitable for assessing sustainability in diverse industries.
• Provides comprehensive insight into environmental stressors.

2. ReCiPe (Relevance Calculation and Impact assessment of environmental indicators):

• Wide range of impact categories, from global warming to freshwater ecotoxicity.
• Preferred for overall environmental performance assessment, policy-making, and sustainability reporting.

3. CML 2002 (Centre for Environmental Science):

• Assesses environmental performance in manufacturing and energy industries.
• Evaluates impacts related to climate change, resource depletion, and more.
• Comprehensive assessment of potential environmental burdens.

4. TRACI (Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other environmental Impacts):

• Developed by the US EPA, focuses on human health and ecological risks.
• Addresses 10 impact categories, including global warming and ecotoxicity.
• Useful for assessing chemicals and industrial processes.

5. IMPACT 2002+:

• Widely used in Europe, covering major environmental impact categories.
• Suitable for evaluating products, technologies, and policies.
• Provides insight into human health, ecosystem quality, and climate change.

CONCLUSION

1. Impact assessment methods are essential for evaluating LCA results.
2. Different methods address a wide range of impact categories.
3. Selection depends on the study’s goals and the specific requirements of the assessment.