CML
CML v4.8 2016 (Leiden)
Developed by Leiden University, midpoint-focused, the most widely used LCIA method aligned with EN 15804+A2.
LCIA Methods
LCIA methods supported by clca
clca supports the EN 15804+A2 and PEFCR-aligned LCIA methods. Characterization factors and category distribution can be selected with one click.
EF
EF v3.1 (Environmental Footprint)
Developed by the EU Commission, mandatory for PEFCR (Product Environmental Footprint Category Rules).
IMPACT_WORLD
IMPACT World+
A comprehensive method offering geographically resolved (regional) characterization factors. Preferred for endpoint analysis.
IPCC_2013
IPCC 2013 (GWP100)
Characterization factors for 100-year global warming potential from the IPCC 5th Assessment Report.
EPS_2020
EPS 2020d (Environmental Priority Strategies)
A monetary endpoint method developed in Sweden. Used for eco-design decisions.
CED
Cumulative Energy Demand (CED)
Total primary energy demand across the life cycle (renewable + non-renewable). A single-score energy indicator.
ECOLOGICAL_FOOTPRINT
Ecological Footprint
Based on the Global Footprint Network methodology, measures bioproductive capacity consumption in global hectares (gha).
Blog
All articles →Related reading
- 10 min read
Background data selection with ecoinvent 3.12: activity, geography and electricity mix
The three decisions in background data selection — right activity, right geography, right electricity mix — can move the result more than the inventory itself.
Read more → - 11 min read
Monte Carlo uncertainty analysis in LCA: from the pedigree matrix to P10/P90
A single-number GWP result hides the uncertainty behind it. The chain from pedigree matrix to lognormal distribution to the P10/P90 band.
Read more → - 11 min read
LCI databases: choosing between ecoinvent, EF and sector datasets
Choosing a background database is not a technical detail but a methodological decision that changes the result. Coverage, system models and why you must not mix.
Read more → - 10 min read
Primary and secondary data: which to collect for which line
Modelling everything with primary data is neither possible nor necessary. The foreground-background split and allocating a data collection budget well.
Read more → - 10 min read
Sensitivity analysis: which assumption is actually carrying the result?
An LCA result is only as solid as its weakest assumption. One-at-a-time scans, hotspot analysis and how this differs from uncertainty.
Read more → - 9 min read
Midpoint vs endpoint LCIA: which level for which decision?
Midpoint analysis offers 18+ categories; endpoint collapses to 3 main areas. The practical impact of characterisation, normalisation and weighting steps.
Read more →
Go deeper
On clca you can bind each method/category to selected impact categories and apply it to your real product portfolio.