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Data implementation matters: Effect of software choice and LCI database evolution on a comparative LCA study of permanent magnets

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  • Brenda Miranda Xicotencatl
  • René Kleijn
  • Sander van Nielen
  • Franco Donati
  • Benjamin Sprecher
  • Arnold Tukker

Abstract

Life cycle assessment (LCA) databases and software evolve. We analyzed to which extent software and evolving life cycle inventory databases affect the comparison of technology alternatives, using a comparative LCA on permanent magnets as a case study, with two selected software tools: CMLCA and Brightway LCA. We migrated the system models from the CMLCA to Brightway LCA software and alternated between the ecoinvent database versions 2.2 and 3.1 to 3.6 in the system background. When using ecoinvent v3.6 instead of v2.2, the change of the indicator results ranged from −34%$ - 34{\rm{\% }}$ to 283%. The evolution of the ecoinvent database impacted the absolute amounts of the characterized results and the relative performance between alternatives. The impact category with the highest variability was ionizing radiation, which even showed a ranking inversion with ecoinvent v3.4. In contrast, the impact of using CMLCA or Brightway was negligible because the same data and modeling assumptions caused percentage differences below 0.4%. During the semi‐automated data migration to Brightway, we identified 23 environmental flows in the CMLCA model that were not paired with their corresponding characterization factors in the published study of reference. This error had led to an underestimation of 63% in the photochemical oxidation indicator of one of the alternatives. This underestimation relates to an interoperability issue regarding the nomenclature of environmental flows in software alternatives and is a matter of data implementation rather than an issue intrinsic to the selected software. Finally, we identified improvement opportunities for the transparency and reusability of LCA models. This article met the requirements for a Gold‐Gold JIE data openness badge described at http://jie.click/badges.

Suggested Citation

  • Brenda Miranda Xicotencatl & René Kleijn & Sander van Nielen & Franco Donati & Benjamin Sprecher & Arnold Tukker, 2023. "Data implementation matters: Effect of software choice and LCI database evolution on a comparative LCA study of permanent magnets," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 27(5), pages 1252-1265, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:bla:inecol:v:27:y:2023:i:5:p:1252-1265
    DOI: 10.1111/jiec.13410
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Brandon Kuczenski, 2019. "Disclosure of Product System Models in Life Cycle Assessment: Achieving Transparency and Privacy," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 23(3), pages 574-586, June.
    2. Erik Pauer & Bernhard Wohner & Manfred Tacker, 2020. "The Influence of Database Selection on Environmental Impact Results. Life Cycle Assessment of Packaging Using GaBi, Ecoinvent 3.6, and the Environmental Footprint Database," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 12(23), pages 1-14, November.
    3. Ricky Speck & Susan Selke & Rafael Auras & James Fitzsimmons, 2016. "Life Cycle Assessment Software: Selection Can Impact Results," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 20(1), pages 18-28, February.
    4. Edgar Hertwich & Niko Heeren & Brandon Kuczenski & Guillaume Majeau†Bettez & Rupert J. Myers & Stefan Pauliuk & Konstantin Stadler & Reid Lifset, 2018. "Nullius in Verba: Advancing Data Transparency in Industrial Ecology," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 22(1), pages 6-17, February.
    5. Agneta Ghose & Matteo Lissandrini & Emil Riis Hansen & Bo Pedersen Weidema, 2022. "A core ontology for modeling life cycle sustainability assessment on the Semantic Web," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 26(3), pages 731-747, June.
    6. Stefan Pauliuk & Niko Heeren, 2020. "ODYM—An open software framework for studying dynamic material systems: Principles, implementation, and data structures," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 24(3), pages 446-458, June.
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