Toward a structured functional unit definition framework to limit LCA results variability

François Cluzel (1) , Yann Leroy (1) , Bernard Yannou (1)

1 LGI - Laboratoire Génie Industriel - EA 2606

Functional Unit (FU) ensures the consideration of comparable product quantities to provide reliable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) results. Although the definition of this FU is essential, it receives only a few attention in the normative texts. A high part of subjectivity is let to the LCA practitioner. In this paper variability sources of the FU definition are identified to propose a more structured and adapted approach. Literature references and data collected among 8 LCA experts on 5 case studies allow us to draw first recommendations towards a more structured FU definition framework.

Mots clés: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA); Goal and Scope definition; Functional Unit; Variability

Domaines: Modélisation et simulation; Mécanique [physics.med-ph]

François Cluzel, Yann Leroy, Bernard Yannou. Toward a structured functional unit definition framework to limit LCA results variability. 6th International Conference on Life Cycle Management - LCM 2013, Aug 2013, Gothenburg, Sweden. Paper no. 484. ⟨hal-00850562⟩