Difference in the number of characterization factors between ecoinvent LCIA methods and OpenLCA LCIA Methods

Question

Hi everyone,

I've noticed a significant difference between the Water use (EF 3.1 Method) characterization factors in openLCA LCIA Methods 2.6.0 and ecoinvent 3.10 LCIA Methods. In openLCA LCIA Methods 2.6.0, there are an extensive number of characterization factors for a wide range of elementary flows. However, in ecoinvent 3.10 LCIA Methods, there are only 5 characterization factors.

This discrepancy also appears in other impact categories. What is the reason for the difference in the number of characterization factors between ecoinvent LCIA methods and OpenLCA LCIA Methods?

Thanks for your help!

Fernando

Answer 1

Chapter 6.5.3 and 6.6

https://19913970.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/19913970/Knowledge%20Base/Database/Releases/LCIA%20implementation%203.10%20(1).pdf