On the boundary between economy and environment in life cycle assessment

摘要: We investigate how the boundary between product systems and their environment has been delineated in life cycle assessment question usefulness ontological relevance of a strict division two. consider flows, activities impacts as general terms applicable to both propose that ontologically relevant is flows are modelled inputs other (economic or environmental)—and that—in specific study—are regarded final impacts, sense no further feedback into system considered before these applied decision-making. Using this conceptual model, we contrast traditional mathematical calculation with new, simpler computational structure where calculated directly part Leontief inverse, treating environmental parallel, without need any economic activities. Our theoretical outline numerical example demonstrate distinctions boundaries unnecessary some cases obstructive from perspective impact assessment, can therefore be ignored chosen freely reflect meaningful (LCA) studies. show our proposed backwards compatible current practice LCA modelling, while allowing inclusion loops economy internally different categories assessment. for facilitates consistent, explicit transparent modelling mechanisms. The combining information common structure, data exchange re-use academic fields.