Feed and food databases in LCA - an example of implementation.

New LCA databases in the feed and food sector have recently been published or are announced to be forthcoming. The objective of this publication is to present key aspects of implementation of one of these databases, the “GaBi feed and food database” (to be released in autumn 2014). Firstly, the GaBi LCA agrarian plant model, which has been continuously developed over the past decade and is embedded in a methodological and scientific framework, serves as a basis for modelling feed and food products. The model is based on a synthesis of relevant scientific and methodological approaches which are described in this publication. The specific approaches chosen to address the agricultural LCA modelling challenges of nitrogen cycle, reference system, CO2 uptake and storage in biomass, land use, land use change, irrigation and agricultural chemicals are described. Secondly, the approach to allow for a scientifically sound, feasible, consistent and applicable scaling of dataset generation for use in industry is explained in principle. Parameters in the model have been identified, analyzed and grouped and are determined via sequences of data collection. Thirdly, the modelling approach includes management, update and maintenance procedures to enable the data to follow the natural, agricultural, political and technical dynamics, prices and supply chain key parameters in time. The management and maintenance concept includes a professional systematic review process with yearly update schedules.