Improving Interpretation, Presentation and Visualisation of LCA Studies for Decision Making Support

Abstract

Interpretation, presentation, and visualization of life cycle assessment (LCA) results are key steps for ensuring proper decision support. Despite the interpretation being a crucial step, it is often not performed in a systematic way. For example, sensitivity analysis, variability and uncertainties analyses, comparison with results coming from different disciplines and domains are not properly done. So far, numerous LCA studies have been published and are often used by decision makers (both in business and policy contexts) to support the identification of hotspots or for drawing conclusions from meta-reviews while missing a good interpretation. Moreover, improving current practices in the visualisation of the results may help both the interpretation and the communication of LCA by a broader audience.