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

ILCD Handbook: Framework and requirements for LCIA models and indicators First edition
Itrans=A*tr*(Qpot-Qact)/Si
where tr is the time of restoration.
In order to quantify the quality of a certain state (land use type) an appropriate indicator
must be chosen along a relevant environmental pathway. Milà i Canals et al., (2007a)
identifies the following impact pathways as relevant : biotic production potential, biodiversity
and ecological soil quality. The impacts can be described, on midpoint or endpoint level, by
different quality indicators, such as species loss, primary production, soil organic matter
content and soil loss.
4.10.1.1 Environmental Mechanism (cause-effect chain)
Figure 4-14 visualises the cause-effect chain of land use impacts 26 .
Figure 4-14 Impact assessment model of land use (NPP=Nett Primary Production; SOM= Soil
Organic Matter).
4.10.2 Criteria for Evaluation of this impact category
Following the general criteria described in Chapter 2, eleven sub-criteria have been
developed within the main criteria ‗Environmental relevance‘ and ‗Scientific robustness‘:
A specific underlying model is used.
Land transformation is well considered.
Land occupation is well considered.
25 There are variations to this formula, see e.g. Baitz 2002, Mila I Canals 2007a-c
26 The presented aspects of the cause-effect chain provide a comprehensive picture of the complexity
involved but it will not necessarily be possible to address all of them today, e.g. albedo change.
4 Requirements for specific impact categories 73