Consequential life cycle assessment
Definition
Consequential life cycle assessment is an analytical method that focuses on how environmental impacts change in response to a specific decision or change within a system. Unlike traditional, attributional approaches, it accounts for systemic effects, market responses, and broader consequences triggered by an intervention.
Key Characteristics
- Focuses on the consequences of a change or decision rather than just allocating system burdens.
- Accounts for system-wide effects, such as rebound effects and indirect impacts.
- Often models marginal changes in supply and demand.
- Frequently used to assess the net environmental impact of new technologies or policies.
Applications
- Assessing the systemic environmental impacts of introducing ICT solutions as defined in ITU-T L.1480.
- Evaluating climate policy scenarios where market dynamics or behavioral changes play a significant role.
- Analyzing the net effect of digital transformation initiatives on greenhouse gas emissions.
Mentions in Source
- “This Recommendation applies a hybrid approach including elements of both consequential and process-sum life cycle assessment (LCA) - the scoping considers consequential principles, whereas the quantitative assessment is based on process-sum LCA.” — ITU-T L.1480 (Greening by Digital)