The Use of Underspecification in LCA

One of the biggest limitations of LCA is the lack of data, either due to difficulties collecting the data or because the product is still under development. Underspecification is a proven way to study systems with these unknowns and determine the importance of the unknown in the results. A simple example of this concept is a three ring binder, consisting of some kind of plastic, some kind of metal, and paperboard, which may or may not be recycled. As a product designer, it is useful to know that my decision in the type of metal is critical to the environmental impact, whereas I can use either type of paperboard. As an LCA practitioner studying existing systems, it helps to know that I need to get better data on the metal in the binder, but I can use virgin paperboard impacts and still be within my environmental cut off criteria. The webinar showcased the theory behind underspecification, the significance of its use and practical application of the concept.