inventory step (e.g. between different source of secondary data) [1] up to the impact
assessment (e.g. between different methods for impact assessment [2, 3] and normalisation references [4]), variability and uncertainties analyses, comparison with
results coming from different disciplines and domains are not properly done. So far,
numerous LCA studies have been published and are often used by decision makers
(both in business and policy contexts) to support the identification of hotspots or for
drawing conclusions from meta-reviews while missing a good interpretation. In 2016,
a guidance on interpretation has been published by the European Commission, Joint
Research Centre [5], aiming at fostering a discussion on the critical role of interpretation and visualization of results. Besides, very different audiences, having different backgrounds and expectations, may use LCA results: decision-makers,
scientists, public authorities, consumers, etc. The way LCA results are presented is
too often generic instead of being tailored to their needs. Moreover, LCA deals with
numerous environmental impact indicators, large amount of data, uncertainties,
spatial differentiation etc. LCA has evolved from a simple carbon and energy
accounting to the assessment of large and complex consequential systems. Still, the
way the results are presented has not changed a lot, i.e. mainly bar-charts, pie-charts,
simple tables and Sankey diagrams. In the meantime, data visualization and analysis
has evolved, with new interactive ways of displaying results, which may both help
interpretation and communication of the results.
2 Interpretation, Presentation and Visualisation
The session on “Improving interpretation, presentation and visualisation of LCA
studies for decision making support” at LCM 2017 aimed at discussing how to
promote a transition toward more robust interpretation, presentation, and visualization of the LCA results. This includes the identification of key elements and
criteria for knowledge capitalization, with regard to existing studies.
Life cycle-based methodologies as LCA but also other integrated assessment approaches are used in decision-making processes, product development and
marketing activities. LCA methodology may be used as a methodology for supporting the identification of ‘hot spots’ in the value chain and measuring progress
towards sustainability targets. It is important for companies to find common ground
on how to implement these approaches, which data assessments and impact
assessments to be used and how results should be interpreted. ISO rules give a good
basis for that work, though is not sufficient.
2.1 Identifying Target Audience for LCA Results
Within a company or an institution, before any successful adaptation and visualization of life cycle information, it is important for internal life cycle experts to
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S. Sala and J. Andreasson
assessment (e.g. between different methods for impact assessment [2, 3] and normalisation references [4]), variability and uncertainties analyses, comparison with
results coming from different disciplines and domains are not properly done. So far,
numerous LCA studies have been published and are often used by decision makers
(both in business and policy contexts) to support the identification of hotspots or for
drawing conclusions from meta-reviews while missing a good interpretation. In 2016,
a guidance on interpretation has been published by the European Commission, Joint
Research Centre [5], aiming at fostering a discussion on the critical role of interpretation and visualization of results. Besides, very different audiences, having different backgrounds and expectations, may use LCA results: decision-makers,
scientists, public authorities, consumers, etc. The way LCA results are presented is
too often generic instead of being tailored to their needs. Moreover, LCA deals with
numerous environmental impact indicators, large amount of data, uncertainties,
spatial differentiation etc. LCA has evolved from a simple carbon and energy
accounting to the assessment of large and complex consequential systems. Still, the
way the results are presented has not changed a lot, i.e. mainly bar-charts, pie-charts,
simple tables and Sankey diagrams. In the meantime, data visualization and analysis
has evolved, with new interactive ways of displaying results, which may both help
interpretation and communication of the results.
2 Interpretation, Presentation and Visualisation
The session on “Improving interpretation, presentation and visualisation of LCA
studies for decision making support” at LCM 2017 aimed at discussing how to
promote a transition toward more robust interpretation, presentation, and visualization of the LCA results. This includes the identification of key elements and
criteria for knowledge capitalization, with regard to existing studies.
Life cycle-based methodologies as LCA but also other integrated assessment approaches are used in decision-making processes, product development and
marketing activities. LCA methodology may be used as a methodology for supporting the identification of ‘hot spots’ in the value chain and measuring progress
towards sustainability targets. It is important for companies to find common ground
on how to implement these approaches, which data assessments and impact
assessments to be used and how results should be interpreted. ISO rules give a good
basis for that work, though is not sufficient.
2.1 Identifying Target Audience for LCA Results
Within a company or an institution, before any successful adaptation and visualization of life cycle information, it is important for internal life cycle experts to
338
S. Sala and J. Andreasson