171
allows the user to fully tailor the study to meet their needs but also requires more
time and knowledge of underlying LCA principles.
When using SimaPro, the interface is divided into four sections for the phases of
an LCA study. The user can then go through all of the stages of a typical study.
Under goal and scope, the user has space to document the study as well as select
what databases they want to pull from. As discussed in Chap. 7, several LCI databases feed into SimaPro. The LCI tab is where the user can add any processes and
life cycle stages to the assemblies. The databases come with preloaded processes
that show all of the inputs and outputs of one set process within the study. However,
SimaPro also allows the user to create their own. These processes can then be
applied to assemblies and life cycle stages to complete all of the flows that make up
the object of study. After all of this information is added, the user then has control
over what LCIA method is used. Filling out all of these required parameters brings
the user to graphical and tabular results of the study. Results can be viewed across
impact assessment categories, as a single impact score like in BEES and
BIRDS. Overall, this level of control and detail requires more information from the
user but results in a more accurate study. For more information, please visit https://
simapro.com/.
GaBi operates using three main components, a plan, processes, and flows.
Creating a new plan establishes the life cycle of the product or system being studied
and hosts the model. Then, processes are added to represent the different stages of
production. These can be pulled from the extensive list of predefined processes, or
the user can make their own. Flows are used to represent the movement of matter
and energy, and they can connect processes as well as represent inputs and emissions. GaBi has a lot of built-in functionality to compare multiple scenarios and best
improve the design. Results can be viewed right on the model, just like the ability to
see Athena’s results on the project tree, or in more detailed graphical format. Results
can be viewed for the overall model as well as an established group of processes
reflecting a portion of the overall model.
8.8 Conclusions
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Framework for Design Excellence compares WBLCA to an energy model for a building’s materials (AIA n.d.). This lends
itself to borrowing a common phrase in energy modeling “garbage in, garbage out.”
The same is true of LCA studies. If designers do not understand what they are doing
when using these tools, then a study can inadvertently influence the designer to
make worse choices for the environment, which is opposite the goal. Yet, with the
proper understanding of these tools and the LCA processes that undergird them,
they are powerful evaluative methods in the hands of designers to make decisions
that will reduce the net negative environmental impacts across multiple categories.
8.8 Conclusions
allows the user to fully tailor the study to meet their needs but also requires more
time and knowledge of underlying LCA principles.
When using SimaPro, the interface is divided into four sections for the phases of
an LCA study. The user can then go through all of the stages of a typical study.
Under goal and scope, the user has space to document the study as well as select
what databases they want to pull from. As discussed in Chap. 7, several LCI databases feed into SimaPro. The LCI tab is where the user can add any processes and
life cycle stages to the assemblies. The databases come with preloaded processes
that show all of the inputs and outputs of one set process within the study. However,
SimaPro also allows the user to create their own. These processes can then be
applied to assemblies and life cycle stages to complete all of the flows that make up
the object of study. After all of this information is added, the user then has control
over what LCIA method is used. Filling out all of these required parameters brings
the user to graphical and tabular results of the study. Results can be viewed across
impact assessment categories, as a single impact score like in BEES and
BIRDS. Overall, this level of control and detail requires more information from the
user but results in a more accurate study. For more information, please visit https://
simapro.com/.
GaBi operates using three main components, a plan, processes, and flows.
Creating a new plan establishes the life cycle of the product or system being studied
and hosts the model. Then, processes are added to represent the different stages of
production. These can be pulled from the extensive list of predefined processes, or
the user can make their own. Flows are used to represent the movement of matter
and energy, and they can connect processes as well as represent inputs and emissions. GaBi has a lot of built-in functionality to compare multiple scenarios and best
improve the design. Results can be viewed right on the model, just like the ability to
see Athena’s results on the project tree, or in more detailed graphical format. Results
can be viewed for the overall model as well as an established group of processes
reflecting a portion of the overall model.
8.8 Conclusions
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Framework for Design Excellence compares WBLCA to an energy model for a building’s materials (AIA n.d.). This lends
itself to borrowing a common phrase in energy modeling “garbage in, garbage out.”
The same is true of LCA studies. If designers do not understand what they are doing
when using these tools, then a study can inadvertently influence the designer to
make worse choices for the environment, which is opposite the goal. Yet, with the
proper understanding of these tools and the LCA processes that undergird them,
they are powerful evaluative methods in the hands of designers to make decisions
that will reduce the net negative environmental impacts across multiple categories.
8.8 Conclusions