how to conduct quick traci assessment in openlca

In order to better assess the sustainability of strawberry production, three metrics encompassing nitrogen productivity, phosphorous productivity and fossil energy productivity were introduced.

Missing unit processes for production of agricultural machinery, pesticides, fertilizers and materials were modeled based on existing literature. OpenLCA software was used to conduct life cycle assessment for strawberry production. Data related to Oregon strawberry production were obtained through interviews with strawberry producers. Data for Florida strawberry production were collected from the state's existing enterprise budget (a detailed accounting of production costs and returns which estimates profitability of an enterprise). Data for California and North Carolina strawberry production were collected in collaboration with agricultural economists from those states using the “LCA Extended Enterprise Budget” Excel sheet (version 4.11). Life cycle environmental impacts depend strongly on geographic location and production practices.

The goal of this study was to develop a cradle to farm gate life cycle inventory and assess the environmental impacts of strawberry production in four major strawberry producing states of the United States: California, Florida, North Carolina and Oregon, representing 99% of the United States strawberry production.

How to conduct quick traci assessment in openlca