The Functional Unit: Parameter of Quality and LCA

• Function is unique to a product type

• Always has a time component

• Usually a physical extent

• Examples

  • Cleaning a certain surface area in 15 minutes
  • Transports 4 people 20 mi/day; lasts 10 years

• Developing a functional unit permits comparisons between products

• The functional unit is how quality is incorporated into LCA

Previous slide

Next slide

Back to first slide

View graphic version