Page 124 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

SOURCING LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY DATA 107

User feedback
Networking of
Data in the supply chain databases
JL

Storing of
Raw data Database datasets User interaction
collection management *
(database)
* 31
Raw data Unit process Database
collection - database review and 4—
extended development validation
t
Raw data Aggregated
collection - process dataset
crowd sourcing development
System n nodellin 3
information:
Algorithms for linking
database and handling
multi-output datasets

Figure 5.1 Row of data from raw data through to LCI data user with feedback loops (UNEP/
SETAC 2011).

associations as well as the consumers of the recycled materials can provide
data. For materials that are recycled at low rates, data will be more difficult
to find.
Two other areas for data gathering relate to the system as a whole and to
comparisons between and among systems. It is necessary to obtain data on
the weights of each component in the product evaluated, either by obtaining
product specifications from the manufacturer or by weighing each component.
These data are then used to combine the individual components in the over-
all system analysis. Equivalent use ratios for the products compared can be
developed by surveying retailers and consumers, or by reviewing consumer
or trade association periodicals.

5.2 Developing LCI to Meet the Goal of the Study

5.2,1 Considerations in Choosing Data Sources

For each life cycle stage, unit process, or type of environmental release, it is
important to specify the necessary data source and/or type required to pro-
vide sufficient accuracy and quality to meet the study goal. Naturally, LCAs
should use the most appropriate datasets and modeling approaches to meet the
specific goal required to satisfactorily answer the question(s) posed for study.
Therefore, in choosing between using readily available datasets or develop-
ing data (from "scratch") it is important to have a clear understanding of the