Besides, the LCA software RangeLCA is proposing new ways of visualizing
comparative LCA results for representing the diversity of individual cases and the
uncertainty. RangeLCA, automatically integrates a full sensitivity analysis by
associating probability distributions or discrete ranges of values to each variable
parameter. LCIA results are calculated for a large number of cases, each corresponding to a possible combination of variable parameters. For each impact category, results of all cases are plotted as a “cloud of points” in function of the most
influential parameters. When comparing two systems, common variable parameters
take common values for a same case. Results can hence be compared two by two
and a delta between systems can be calculated for each case. Plotting these delta
values in “delta graphs” allows the common variability to be eliminated and the
interpretation to concentrate on the remaining variability. A colour code distinguishes positive and negative deltas. These graphs allow identifying areas of relevance where conclusions can be drawn for certain ranges of values of two main
parameters. This type of graphs allows acquiring a more complete vision of a
complex system, reliability of conclusions in comparative LCA by showing whether differences are significant or not in terms of sign and amplitude. Delta graphs
and areas of relevance help LCA studies to answer much broader questions, such
as: “In which range of situations is a system rather better than another one? “
3 Conclusion and Outlook
The last phase of a LCA, namely the interpretation of the life cycle inventory and
impact assessment results, is especially important in LCM as it is key for
decision-making and communication of results. Ability to create meaningful and
easily understandable results would be essential in order to increase the acceptability and applicability of the methods, and to mainstream their use in different
decision-making situations, that may include for example product and process
development, supply chain management, investment decisions, marketing and
responding to stakeholder requests. Future effort should be both on the side of
improving the analytical power of LCA tools adopted by practitioners and in the
understanding of the diversified communication needs of a wide range of stakeholders both in business and institutional context. From the analytical aspects point
of view, a systematic approach in the interpretation and hotspots analyses, including
methods for sensitivity analysis, variability and uncertainty analysis, is needed.
From the communication point of view, there is the need of improving the identification of the target audience of the results, for tailoring the communication,
including the rationale on how to choose visualization and graphical tools
depending on the key messages to show and on the audience. This could be
facilitated by the adoption of new ways of visualizing LCA results, using interactive
and advanced visualization tools for both external and internal stakeholders.
Improving Interpretation, Presentation and Visualisation of LCA …
341
comparative LCA results for representing the diversity of individual cases and the
uncertainty. RangeLCA, automatically integrates a full sensitivity analysis by
associating probability distributions or discrete ranges of values to each variable
parameter. LCIA results are calculated for a large number of cases, each corresponding to a possible combination of variable parameters. For each impact category, results of all cases are plotted as a “cloud of points” in function of the most
influential parameters. When comparing two systems, common variable parameters
take common values for a same case. Results can hence be compared two by two
and a delta between systems can be calculated for each case. Plotting these delta
values in “delta graphs” allows the common variability to be eliminated and the
interpretation to concentrate on the remaining variability. A colour code distinguishes positive and negative deltas. These graphs allow identifying areas of relevance where conclusions can be drawn for certain ranges of values of two main
parameters. This type of graphs allows acquiring a more complete vision of a
complex system, reliability of conclusions in comparative LCA by showing whether differences are significant or not in terms of sign and amplitude. Delta graphs
and areas of relevance help LCA studies to answer much broader questions, such
as: “In which range of situations is a system rather better than another one? “
3 Conclusion and Outlook
The last phase of a LCA, namely the interpretation of the life cycle inventory and
impact assessment results, is especially important in LCM as it is key for
decision-making and communication of results. Ability to create meaningful and
easily understandable results would be essential in order to increase the acceptability and applicability of the methods, and to mainstream their use in different
decision-making situations, that may include for example product and process
development, supply chain management, investment decisions, marketing and
responding to stakeholder requests. Future effort should be both on the side of
improving the analytical power of LCA tools adopted by practitioners and in the
understanding of the diversified communication needs of a wide range of stakeholders both in business and institutional context. From the analytical aspects point
of view, a systematic approach in the interpretation and hotspots analyses, including
methods for sensitivity analysis, variability and uncertainty analysis, is needed.
From the communication point of view, there is the need of improving the identification of the target audience of the results, for tailoring the communication,
including the rationale on how to choose visualization and graphical tools
depending on the key messages to show and on the audience. This could be
facilitated by the adoption of new ways of visualizing LCA results, using interactive
and advanced visualization tools for both external and internal stakeholders.
Improving Interpretation, Presentation and Visualisation of LCA …
341