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Module 1: LCA Building Blocks
Module 1: LCA Building Blocks
Flows, Processes and Simple Models
Flows, Processes and Simple Models
Relevant Reading and Resources
If you are new to LCA please consider reading the following FHWA TechBriefs before you start this module:
GMT20230323-202704_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 1
Video 1
Learning Objective
Define and distinguish between input flows, output flows, processes, and product systems.
GMT20230323-210800_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 2
Video 2
Learning Objective
Conduct calculations for a simple process and characterize inputs for a unit of the reference flow.
GMT20230323-214026_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 3
Video 3
Learning Objective
Estimate greenhouse gas emissions given output flows for a process.
Use an impact assessment method to convert output flows into mid-point indicators expressed as potentials.
Module 2: All things Data
Module 2: All things Data
Foreground & Background Data, FHWA Repository in OpenLCA
Foreground & Background Data, FHWA Repository in OpenLCA
Relevant Reading and Resources
Consider reading the following FHWA TechBriefs before you start this module:
GMT20230323-221622_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 1
Video 1
Learning Objective
Comprehend the difference between background data and foreground data.
Identify foreground data and set parameters in a process.
GMT20230324-192302_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 2
Video 2
GMT20230324-195503_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 3
Video 3
Learning Objective
Identify the different life cycle inventory in the FHWA Repository.
Module 3: Modeling in OpenLCA
Module 3: Modeling in OpenLCA
GMT20230325-012804_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 1
Video 1
Learning Objectives
In OpenLCA create new flows, processes and product systems.
Use the TRACI impact assessment method and the CED assessment methods to calculate the energy and midpoint impact indicators for a simple process.
GMT20230325-014226_Recording_as_1920x1020.mp4Asphalt Mix Model
Asphalt Mix Model
Demonstration in OpenLCA
A simple asphalt mixture model is developed.
TRACI 2.1 and the Cumulative Energy Demand (CED) impact assessment methods are used to report mid-point indicators.
GMT20230325-013645_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 2
Video 2
Learning Objective
Develop simple parameters for foreground data in the process.
Create project reports for varying the parameter values.
GMT20230325-022714_Recording_as_1920x1020.mp4Generalizing Parameters
Generalizing Parameters
Demonstration in OpenLCA
Generalize the simple asphalt mix model to use Independent Parameters in OpenLCA.
Generate reports to test the sensitivity of the asphalt mix GWP to variations in energy.
GMT20230327-174556_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 3
Video 3
Learning Objective
Using global and dependent parameters in OpenLCA
Modeling the asphalt paving process
GMT20230327-201956_Recording_as_1920x1020.mp4Modeling Asphalt Paving
Modeling Asphalt Paving
Demonstration in OpenLCA
Modeling the asphalt paving process in OpenLCA
Module 4: Inventory Development
Module 4: Inventory Development
GMT20230418-144813_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 1
Video 1
Learning Objective
Introduction to Life Cycle Information Models (LCIM)
GMT20230418-163352_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 2
Video 2
Learning Objective
Demonstrate the asphalt and concrete LCIM
Investigate the LCIM input flows and the parameter definitions, check with pointers provided to meta data.
Use an LCIM in modeling your process.
Parameter Definitions for LCIM
GMT20230418-150632_Recording_as_1920x1080.mp4Video 3
Video 3
Learning Objectives
Pointers to developing a life cycle inventory
Establishing goal and scope
Selecting background Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
Managing, characterizing & reporting uncertainty
Data quality assessment
Reporting requirements
inventory_scenarios.xlsxRelated Resources
Related Resources
Tools & Recommended Reading
LCI development scenarios:
Examples from Video 3 discussion
ACLCA 2022 PCR Guidance: Process & Methods Toolkit: Addenda on Data Quality Assessment
Includes the Enhanced Pedigree Matrix
Assessment of background LCI in FHWA Repository
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