The Economic Theory Of Environmental Life Cycle Inventory Models

This paper shows that Life Cycle Inventory theory can be derived directly from the theories of production functions and methods of Input-Output analysis of economics. Linear Economic-Environment (EEP) production functions are formed into a Leontief Input-Output matrix A, which shows the transition of physical quantities of materials through the processes and flows along a product's life cycle. The Life Cycle Inventory E* is then calculated as = { [I A]" x Y } x E= the total quantity vector of effluents produced, where Y is the functional unit vector, I an identity matrix, and E the amount of effluents emitted per unit quantity of a product produced. This formulation is usable with both one product and multi-product functional units. Construction principles of dynamic LCI and material flow models are then discussed. Examples and results of dynamic LCI scenarios are given of the material flows of printing papers in Germany between 1993 - 2000.