Page 128 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition
P. 128
SOURCING LIFE CYCLE INVENTORY DATA 111
"Unit process" is defined as "smallest element considered in the life cycle
inventory analysis" in ISO 14040 (ISO 2006). Unit process datasets are usually
distinguished from aggregated process datasets. However, when used in creat-
ing an LCI, an aggregated process dataset may be considered as representing
a unit process.
1 4 5 6
Single Gate-to-gate Cradle-to-gate Partly Partial vertical Cradle-to-grave
operation LCI terminated aggregation LCI
Database Database Database Database ^ B Database ^ B Database I
Background Background
Background Background
V V
2 2" 2" 2' 2"
3 3 ' 3" 3' 3"
Use Use Use Use Use
End of life End of life End of life End of life End of life
7 8 10 11 12
Single Gate-to-gate Cradle-to-gate Partly Partial vertical Cradle-to-grave
operation LCI terminated aggregation LCI
Database Database Database
Background
Background Background
to* Background
r
1
r
2 2' 2"
3 3' 3"
Use Use Use Use Use
End of life End of life End of life End of life End of life
Figure 5.2 Unit process datasets within databases can be aggregated multiple ways, including
various combinations of horizontal and vertical aggregation (UNEP/SETAC 2011).
