Comparability of Life Cycle Assessments: Modelling and Analyzing LCA Using Different Databases

Abstract

Life Cycle Assessment is a recognized method to assess the environmental impact of a product, of product alternatives and of deviations from different life cycle designs. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) databases support the modelling by providing the necessary inventory data. This study aims to better understand deviations and potential inconsistencies between inventory databases causing effects on the life cycle assessment results. The production of an electric motor used in electro-mobility applications such as electric vehicles is modelled using GaBi Thinkstep software and three different life cycle inventory databases, namely Ecoinvent, GaBi professional, and the European Life Cycle Database (ELCD). Starting from the ReCiPe single score results, the analysis moves through corresponding endpoint and midpoint indicators to identify reasons for deviations. Despite some limitations, the results show both similarities and differences. Overall, it may be assumed that results deviate to a degree that can change the resulting assessment.