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Chapter 4.1.3
Module:  4.
Potential environmental impacts identification in side-streams valorization technologies
Unit:  4.1.
Understanding the main concepts of the LCA methodology
Chapter:  4.1.3.
LCA methodology overview

The first structure of the LCA was attempt by the SETAC triangle, proposed in 1993 (Klopffer, W. and Grahl, B. 2014) (Figure 4.1.3).

Figure 4.1.3 The SETAC-triangle in LCA guidelines (by Klopffer, 1997).
Figure 4.1.3 The SETAC-triangle in LCA guidelines (by Klopffer, 1997).

The phases proposed by SETAC are somehow maintained by the ISO (International Organization for Standardization 14044 2007), except for the Improvement Assessment, which was replaced by the Interpretation phase.

The structure of the international standard is depicted in Figure 4.1.4. According to the ISO, the LCA can be divided into four steps:

Figure 4.1.4 General methodological framework of LCA (International Organization for Standardization 14044 2007).
Figure 4.1.4 General methodological framework of LCA (International Organization for Standardization 14044 2007).

LCA standards ISO 14040 and 14044 belong to the ISO 14000 family concerning a variety of aspects related to environmental management (Figure 4.1.5).

Figure 4.1.5 ISO 14000 model (based on (Klöpffer, W. and Grahl, B. 2014).
Figure 4.1.5 ISO 14000 model (based on (Klopffer, W. and Grahl, B. 2014).

The four steps included in the LCA methodology will be explained in detail below.