 Environmental impact categorySuzana Ostojic Chapter 65 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 240-244 from Edward Elgar Publishing Abstract: Environmental impact categories are fundamental to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which relies on a structured framework that includes Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) and Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) phases. In these phases, raw inventory data are systematically converted into quantifiable environmental impacts, classified into categories such as Global Warming Potential (GWP) and Eutrophication Potential (EP). The analysis further explores the distinction between midpoint and endpoint impact categories, underscoring the methodological rigor of midpoint categories and the broader, albeit more uncertain, perspective of endpoint categories. The influence of various characterization models on LCA outcomes is also examined, particularly in the context of the challenges arising from the lack of universally accepted models. Additionally, the discussion highlights the role of Product Category Rules (PCRs) and underscores the ongoing need for research and standardization in the field. Keywords: Environmental impact assessment; Midpoint and endpoint categories; Life cycle assessment (LCA); Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA); Characterization models; Product category rules (PCR) (search for similar items in EconPapers) Downloads: (external link) Related works: Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:elg:eechap:22215_65 Ordering information: This item can be ordered from Access Statistics for this chapter More chapters in Chapters from Edward Elgar Publishing |
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