Unit processes, LCI and LCIA
Definitions
The glossary provides definitions and standard references for unit processes, life cycle inventory analysis, life cycle impact assessment and characterization factors.
The following levels apply when reading this site's data:
| Data level | Use |
|---|---|
| Unit process (UPR) | Read the process's own inputs and outputs. Cumulative results cannot be used to reconstruct its direct exchanges. |
| Inventory results (LCI) | Read quantified inputs and outputs within the product system boundary. Inventory results are distinct from the LCI analysis phase. |
| Cumulative LCI | Read elementary flows aggregated across upstream processes. This is an inventory result, not another name for the LCI analysis phase. |
| LCIA results | Read results for a specific impact assessment method, impact category and category indicator. |
Result fields
See reference quantities and units for the distinction between reference product quantities, elementary flow quantities and category indicator units. Specific request and response fields are documented under API result fields.
Distinguish Method UUID from Method ID. A method identifier is not interchangeable with a composite identifier for a particular category indicator.
Endpoints
See API endpoints for cumulative LCI, LCIA results and impact assessment method catalogs. Unit process direct exchanges are outside the query API's response scope.