The interpretation phase of LCA of algal fuels has two main
purposes that fundamentally differ. It should be noted that during
the iterative steps of the LCA and for all kinds of deliverables, the
interpretation phase of algal fuels serves to direct the work towards
improving the LCI model to meet the needs derived from the study
goal in algal fuels field [61]:
1. If the iterative steps of the LCA of algal fuels lead to the final
LCI model and results, and especially for comparative LCA of
algal fuels, the interpretation phase assists to develop robust
conclusions and—often recommendations in algal fuels field.
(a) It should be noted that in life-cycle interpretation, the
results of the LCA of algal fuels are evaluated in order to
answer questions posed in the goal definition. The interpretation is in fact related to the intended applications of
the LCI/LCA of algal fuels and is used to make
recommendations.
(b) It should also be noted that life-cycle interpretation is the
phase of the LCA of algal fuels through which the results
of the other phases are taken into account together and
analyzed according to the achieved accuracy, completeness, and precision of the applied data and assumptions
made throughout the LCI/LCA of algal fuels [51].
2. If beside LCI, LCIA is also aimed at, the interpretation should
lead to conclusions or recommendations, based on the goal and
scope definition of the LCA of algal fuels (e.g., in case of a
comparative LCA of algal fuels).
(a) It should be noted that this is particularly related to the
appropriateness of the FU and the system boundaries, as
well as the achieved overall data quality with respect to the
goal [62]. In fact, the interpretation should present the
results of the LCA of algal fuels in a comprehensible
manner and assist users of the LCI/LCA of algal fuels
with evaluating the robustness of the conclusions and with
appreciating any potential limitations of the LCI/LCA of
algal fuels.
(b) If conclusions and recommendations are targeted, perform the last step, i.e., drawing conclusions and recommendations only at the end of the study.
8 Sensitivity Analysis
Do sensitivity analysis when the final scores of the system under
investigation are largely influenced by the variability of the input
data. By performing a sensitivity analysis:
140
Homa Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha et al.
purposes that fundamentally differ. It should be noted that during
the iterative steps of the LCA and for all kinds of deliverables, the
interpretation phase of algal fuels serves to direct the work towards
improving the LCI model to meet the needs derived from the study
goal in algal fuels field [61]:
1. If the iterative steps of the LCA of algal fuels lead to the final
LCI model and results, and especially for comparative LCA of
algal fuels, the interpretation phase assists to develop robust
conclusions and—often recommendations in algal fuels field.
(a) It should be noted that in life-cycle interpretation, the
results of the LCA of algal fuels are evaluated in order to
answer questions posed in the goal definition. The interpretation is in fact related to the intended applications of
the LCI/LCA of algal fuels and is used to make
recommendations.
(b) It should also be noted that life-cycle interpretation is the
phase of the LCA of algal fuels through which the results
of the other phases are taken into account together and
analyzed according to the achieved accuracy, completeness, and precision of the applied data and assumptions
made throughout the LCI/LCA of algal fuels [51].
2. If beside LCI, LCIA is also aimed at, the interpretation should
lead to conclusions or recommendations, based on the goal and
scope definition of the LCA of algal fuels (e.g., in case of a
comparative LCA of algal fuels).
(a) It should be noted that this is particularly related to the
appropriateness of the FU and the system boundaries, as
well as the achieved overall data quality with respect to the
goal [62]. In fact, the interpretation should present the
results of the LCA of algal fuels in a comprehensible
manner and assist users of the LCI/LCA of algal fuels
with evaluating the robustness of the conclusions and with
appreciating any potential limitations of the LCI/LCA of
algal fuels.
(b) If conclusions and recommendations are targeted, perform the last step, i.e., drawing conclusions and recommendations only at the end of the study.
8 Sensitivity Analysis
Do sensitivity analysis when the final scores of the system under
investigation are largely influenced by the variability of the input
data. By performing a sensitivity analysis:
140
Homa Hosseinzadeh-Bandbafha et al.