Using results of EPDs in the supply chain
The introduced or saved results can be directly used in a supply chain.
- The flow must be added to the inputs of a target inventory that will be connected with a respective result.
Linking the impacts with an inventory
- Unlike the provider selection, the results can be connected to a respective flow only via the "model graph". Thus, a product system needs to be created first. After the supply chain is created, it is needed to open the "model graph" under the product system element and drag and drop the result into the editor area. It is important to keep track and select the correct reference flow to be able to link to the result.
EPD example
- Once the results are in the editor area, they can be connected to the flow manually. That is done by dragging a connection from the target flow to the results element.
EPD example
- After all connections are established and the target amounts are set, it is important to save all changes prior performing the impact assessment. Then, the results can be analyzed as usual.
Note: EPDs imported via ILCD formats cannot be integrated into the results of the EPD when utilized as part of a product system that is created on openLCA. Therefore, users must manually map the impact categories of the EPD results by creating a new process and adding suitable elementary flows representing each impact category.