Faculty of Technical sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Faculty of Technical sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Faculty of technical sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Faculty of Technical sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Faculty of technical sciences, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
Two different system modelling can be distinguished in life cycle assessment: attributional and consequential. Attributional modelling is used to describe the present state of the examined system and is characterised with use of allocation, no substitutions, market average suppliers, and cut-off principle. Consequential modelling is used to describe the consequences of changes in the demand within the system and
use of substitutions, marginal suppliers, and system expansion. Although the ISO 14040 standard does not make a clear distinction between attributional and consequential modelling, it does provide basic instructions on how to deal with allocations and supports both types of modelling systems. Therefore, it is important to specify within the goal and scope of life cycle assessment study which modelling is used. This research applies attributional and consequential modelling in life cycle assessment to analyse a case of metalworking production system. The aim of research
is to identify if the application of different system models can lead to different conclusions and interpretation of life cycle assessment results. The obtained environmental impacts from life cycle assessment show that two system models provide different results. However the choice which one to use depends on: if investigation has to separate the product from the rest of technosphere and environment, if inputs and outputs need to be attributed to the functional unit, or if there is need for comparative analysis of products and focus on the long-term effect of the changes.
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