What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to evaluate the integration of regionalized characterization factors within matrix-based life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks.

March 12, 2026Open Access

How to fit regionalized characterization factors in matrix-based LCA? Comment to a recent proposal

Key Points

This research aims to evaluate the integration of regionalized characterization factors within matrix-based life cycle assessment (LCA) frameworks.
Analyzed the structure of characterization factors in the context of LCA.
Discussed the selection of impact categories relevant to regional assessments.
Critiqued the existing methodologies presented in prior literature.
Identified gaps in the current proposal regarding regionalized impact assessments.
Suggested enhancements to improve the relevance of characterization factors at regional levels.

Abstract

In a subsequent characterization step, we choose impact categories and define characterization factors that express the contribution of each elementary flow to each impact category.The CFs are placed in a matrix Q. Figure 2 shows the example from Heijungs and Suh (2002, p.168).

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