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Implementation of uncertainty analysis and moment‐independent global sensitivity analysis for full‐scale life cycle assessment models

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  • Stefano Cucurachi
  • Carlos Felipe Blanco
  • Bernhard Steubing
  • Reinout Heijungs

Abstract

Life cycle assessment (LCA) models and databases have increased in size, resolution, and complexity, requiring analysts to rely on an ever‐increasing number of uncertain model inputs. Such increased complexity calls for systematic approaches to assessing the uncertainty of the output results of LCA models and the sensitivity of LCA model outputs to the model's uncertain inputs. In this contribution, we provide a theoretical basis and present a practical software implementation that combines uncertainty analysis and moment‐independent global sensitivity analysis, which can be readily applied to full‐scale LCA models. We implemented our approach in the Activity‐Browser open source LCA software and it is made available for use in LCA studies. We demonstrate the approach and software implementation with a case study of crystalline silicon photovoltaics.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefano Cucurachi & Carlos Felipe Blanco & Bernhard Steubing & Reinout Heijungs, 2022. "Implementation of uncertainty analysis and moment‐independent global sensitivity analysis for full‐scale life cycle assessment models," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(2), pages 374-391, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:26:y:2022:i:2:p:374-391
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13194
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    References listed on IDEAS

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