Module 5.5

• Life cycle inventory analysis (LCI) phase


  1. Data collection

  2. Data calculation

  3. Allocation

  
• The life cycle inventory analysis (LCI) phase provides an inventory of the inputs and output flows of the product system

  
• Elements of the LCI phase include, but are not limited to, the following: data collection, data calculation, allocation
• Data collection

  • The LCI phase collects quantitative data for the inputs and outputs of the product system
  • The LCI phase describes the sources of collected data for inputs and outputs

  
• Sources of collected data

  • Primary data (onsite machine measurements)
  • Secondary data (academic literature, government documents and database, LCA-food LCI database)

  
• Data calculation

  • The LCI phase provides the appropriate quantity of inputs and outputs in relation to the functional unit

  
• The LCI phase provides the appropriate quantity of inputs and outputs in relation to the functional unit
• Allocation


  Partitioning of the input or output flows of a process or a product system between the product system under study and one or more product system
• Allocation of inputs and outputs to products can be based on physical properties of products (e.g. mass or energy) or economic value of products (e.g. market price)
• Calculations involving allocation are usually applied during the life cycle impact assessment phase (LCIA) phase.