Chalmers Conferences, LCM 2013

CRITICAL REVIEW OF LCA – ESSENTIAL FOR QUALITY AND UNDERSTANDING
Matthias Schulz, Ivo Mersiowsky

Last modified: 2014-09-11

Abstract


The critical review provides quality assurance to life cycle assessments
(LCAs) by providing an unbiased view on the subject, identifying potentials
for improvement and hence contributing towards more scientifically robust
and defensible results.
The DEKRA critical review process is designed to achieve these goals by
working in close collaboration with LCA practitioners. In accordance with
the specific standards used to carry out LCAs, DEKRA developed practical
guidelines which provide the respective methodological framework for
critical reviews. Experience has shown that this critical review process
enhances the quality and credibility of the LCA and additionally contributes
towards knowledge building on the side of the LCA practitioner and
commissioner of the study while not exceeding target costs.

Keywords


critical review; life cycle assessment; critical review guideline; peer review process; ISO 14044

References


European Commission (EC) (2010a). ILCD Handbook: Review schemes for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability. http://www.jrc.europa.eu

European Commission (EC) (2010b). ILCD Handbook: Reviewer qualification for Life Cycle Inventory data sets. Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability. http://www.jrc.europa.eu

European Commission (EC) (2013). Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) Guide to the Commission Recommendation on the use of common methods to measure and communicate the life cycle environmental performance of products and organisations. Consolidated Version.
http://ec.europa.eu/environment/eussd/smgp/product_footprint.htm

International Standard Organisation (ISO) (2006). Environmental management - Life cycle assessment: Requirements and Guidelines. ISO14044, Geneva.

Klöpffer, W. (2012). The critical review of life cycle assessment studies according to ISO 14040 and 14044. International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment, DOI 10.1007/s11367-012-0426-7

Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) (1993). Guidelines for Life-Cycle Assessment: A “Code of Practice”. From the SETAC Workshop held at Sesimbra, Portugal, 31 March – 3 April 1993. Edition 1, Brussels and Pensacola, FL.


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