ILCD Handbook: Framework and requirements for LCIA models and ...

ILCD Handbook: Framework and requirements for LCIA models and indicators First edition
Dewulf et al. (2007) distinguishes more categories within the resources section of the AoP
‗Natural Resources‘. These include:
atmospheric resources,
land,
water,
minerals,
metal ores,
nuclear energy,
fossil fuels
renewables.
This is just one categorization. Other categorizations split resources differently. For
example, Finnveden (1998) splits resources into deposits, funds and fows, whereas Guinée
et al., 2002 splits resources into biotic and abiotic resources.
A clear advantage of distinguishing several resource-related impact categories is that it
becomes possible to include different issues of concern in the different resource classes. For
example, metal ores become dispersed through their use, fossil resources are consumed,
and water is only temporarily removed from circulation. Such differences in the underlying
mechanism may require different models and separate metrics, just as acidifying and toxic
substances are treated in separate indicators, using different models. However, since the
context of the impact categories is given, and since most impact assessment methods use
just one indicator for resource depletion, such a separation of mechanisms and indicators
has not been carried out. Only impacts related to land use have been addressed separately;
the focus of this treatment is then on ecological impacts, such as loss of biodiversity or
habitat destruction. The scarcity of land itself (i.e. land competition, the restriction that one
human user exerts on the possibilities of another human user) can be addressed in LCA by
existing land use concepts.
In analysing the use value of a resource, many issues arise. Some use values are
essential (such as nutrition), others are desirable (such as luxury products), and others even
have an aspect that many people dislike (such as military purposes).
It is difficult to decide which functions to preserve, especially as needs in the future are
either unknown or not yet recognized. For example, it would have been impossible to predict
that germanium and other semiconductors would become an essential resource in the
second half of the 20 th century; or that wood as a construction material would become less
dominant. Besides, there is an important issue here that relates to rebound and other
behavioural aspects. When resources become scarce, prices rise. This leads to multiple
effects. The demand for the resource declines. This may stimulate the development of
substitute resources, and the development of new technologies and recycling techniques. It
may also lead to further exploration and the discovery of new reserves. Finally, it will make
non-economic reserves more profitable, perhaps with more intense environmental
repercussions due to higher requirements on drilling, mining, and refining.
Technology and prices also dictate the quantity of the reserve. Geologists distinguish
between proven reserves, probable reserves, possible reserves, and so on, as determined
by technical and financial feasibility.
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