Research Approach
The research was undertaken qualitatively through structured one on one interviews with the participants. All interviews were transcribed with some participants providing additional in-depth answers to particular questions. All transcripts and additional details have been recorded separately from the full report.
The original intent was to produce a multi-choice questionnaire. However, through the course of the investigation it became clear that the required information was available within the context of the structured interview transcripts. In addition, there were a range of parameters that were not able to be placed in the context of a simple questionnaire due to the complexity of potential responses; therefore, the multi-choice questionnaire was not undertaken.
Data used for the diagrams has been drawn from the practitioner responses in the transcripts and through discussion. Where any ambiguity existed this was clarified with participants.
Some additional detailed information from respondents was also documented and is appended to the transcripts used in the creation of the research findings.
Respondents have not been named on the diagrams, due to the unknown circulation of the report, to protect their responses on some issues.
The research established a range of factors which were deemed to be a part of, or have an impact on, the Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) stage of Life Cycle Assessment. These factors were explored through a structured series of interviews with participant practitioners.
For clarity, each factor investigated is narrated and explained to enable a clear understanding to be gained from participant responses in each section. The study parameters are listed in Table 1 Key Interview Topics , which were defined through the course of this investigation.
The key interview topics from the structure of the report cover both 'methodological' issues (such as Allocation) and practical application issues (such as dataset factors).
Table 1 Key Interview Topics
The 'Type' of LCA: defined in the goal – for instance 'Change Oriented' or 'Accounting' based goals
System Boundaries: both technical and natural systems, also encompasses time and geography
Inventory class: Cradle to gate or cradle to cradle etc (was discussed in the context of system boundary)
Functional Unit: the Life Cycle metric
Allocation: a complex area and one which would only be canvassed at a macro level
Choice of impact categories: as this influences data choices
Method of calculation (and use of tools for calculation)
Data quality: the rating and applicability of data being used
Interpretation: NA - ruled out through discussion
Classification: NA - ruled out through discussion
Dataset Factors: the creation, maintenance and use of datasets
Other Parameters: any other factors a practitioner felt were important
Back to Top