A characterization model and a normalization system of the LCIA for Chinese electromechanical products

In the four generally recognized stages of the life cycle assessment (LCA) community, the life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) has been taken more attention as the most important and controversial phase. How to reflect the spatial characteristics of the environmental impact in the characterization model is in urgent need. First, the midpoint and endpoint categories are selected by analyzing the specialties of electromechanical products. Second, based on midpoints and endpoints, a characterization model is constructed in which the region type is fractionized into seven spatial types according to Chinese environment standards. Every life cycle inventory result is related with a spatial characteristic coefficient in the process of classification. Third, the method of calculation for the environmental impact potentials of products is described in detail. And the normalization references are discussed that the year 2000 is selected as the reference time and China is defined as the normal region. At last, the characterization model and normalization system are applied to study the LCIA of a pintsized electromotor. (5 pages)