Appendix 1 - Research Structure
Introduction
This body of research will drive toward building a better understanding of current practice and applications of LCI within New Zealand.
The current level and scope of practice may restrict some of the Quantitative information which can get gathered. This is due in part to a significant focus on GHG emissions. It is also acknowledged that some practitioners are using elements of the LCA process and not the whole methodology, where this is apparent attempts will be made to understand why this occurs.
Participants will be given a questionnaire which would also form the basis for the structured discussion. The structured discussion would seek to more clearly understand some of the information around their decision making, and assist to qualify the answers to various questions.
Format
- A multi-choice questionnaire submitted by PDF that will allow respondents to answer the questions. This will enable results to be collated automatically downstream.
- A structured discussion with a limit of 2 hours, some of these may be done in a group where this is appropriate. Based off the structure of the multi-choice questionnaire.
The success of the multi-choice questionnaire may be limited if respondents exceed their level of knowledge, experience and application in practice.
Research & Discussion Structure
Interview discussion
The information below will form the substantive part of the discussion, it is acknowledged some areas may be not significant factors within your current workload but it would be appreciated if you could comment on these during the discussion. If key areas are not currently utilised within the context of your work it would be useful to discuss why this is in brief to ensure these reasons are clearly understood.
Core Parameters
The core parameters of the LCI discussion are listed (in no particular order) as follows:
- 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
- Choices of impact categories: as this influences data choices
- Method of calculation (an use of tools for calculation)
- Data quality: the rating and applicability of data being used
- Interpretation: there are relative aspects of this that may need to be considered.
- Allocation: a complex area and would only be canvassed at a macro level
LCA Type
What Type of LCA do you typically undertake; change oriented or accounting based?
Stand Alone: Descriptive singular
Change Oriented: Comparative and prospective.
Accounting: retrospective. Suitable for Eco Labelling Schemes etc.
System Boundaries
With specific respect to system boundaries, can you elaborate on the system boundaries you have used or would use on typical LCA projects you are involved with?
- Boundaries in relation to natural systems:
- Geographical Boundaries:
- Time Boundaries:
- Boundaries within Technical Systems:
Functional Unit
Can you provide an example(s) of a functional unit from an LCA course of investigation, explaining the relevance of the FU choice? If none are used can you identify why and how this affects your use of the LCA method.
Allocation
Do you currently use allocation? If so could you briefly outline the generalised approach you take to this.
Choice of Impact Categories
What are the primary impact categories which you would consistently apply during the application of LCA please indicate all categories used in your work but indicate the categories which are dominant.
Broadly these impacts should be categorised under:
- Human Health
- Resources
- Ecological Consequences
| Human Health |
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- Impacts in the work environment
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| Resources |
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- Land (Including wetlands)
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| Ecological Consequences |
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- Habitat Alterations and impacts on biodiversity
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Tools & Method of Calculation
What is the primary method of calculation you use, indicate whether software tools are used to create these calculations, and if so what tools are used.
Specify rationale for tool choice.
Data Quality
What parameters do you apply to your data quality?
Relevance
Relevance relates to the context and whether the data is used or approximated from other sources.
This factor is of particular interest to the study.
- Time related coverage
- Geographical coverage
- Technology coverage
- Completeness
- Representativeness
Reliability
Precision or accuracy of the data collected and being used.
Accessibility
Is the data you use accessible or transparently available?
Interpretation
Do parameters relating to interpretation influence your decisions made during the creation of LCI.
Classification
Although part of Impact Assessment (LCIA) aspect could have some bearing on the LCI facet.
Dataset Factors
The key leading question here is do you create your own datasets or utilise modified or existing datasets not specific to New Zealand's national production context.
Public or Private
Is the data available to be used by others (i.e. could a company request an assessment using this data, rather than is the data 'free'?)
Could the data be opened for general usage in the future?
Industry Sector
What industry sector/s is the data going to be used in?
Importance to NZ
Some datasets will be more or less important to NZ. What data do you believe you would need to more effectively do your work?
Usage
What was the data created for and where has it been used.
Other parameters
What other parameters do you believe are critical to the delivery of LCI in New Zealand context?
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