Comparing sources and analysis of uncertainty in consequential and attributional life cycle assessment: review of current practice and recommendations

Purpose Life cycle assessment (LCA) is intended as a quantitative decision support tool. However, the large amount of uncertainty characteristic of LCA studies reduces confidence in results. To date, little research has been reported regarding the comparative sources of uncertainty (and their relative importance) and how, or how commonly, they are quantified in attributional and consequential LCA. This paper answers these questions based on a review of recent LCA studies and methods papers, and advances recommendations for improved practice.