Integration of land use aspects in LCA: Determination of land use types as a crucial factor influencing the result

In recent years, scientists worldwide have worked successfully on the implementation of land use aspects into Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). However, there are still challenges to be met to get valuable and comparable results when using different land use calculation methods. In order to calculate land use information, land use types have to be determined and distinguished. The Department Life Cycle Engineering at the University of Stuttgart (LBP-GaBi) conducted a study to analyse the influence of the choice of the classfication system and the respective land use types on the soil quality indicators used in LANCA (Land Use Indicator Value Calculation). Various classfication systems like Global Land Cover 2000, GlobCover or the WWF Terrestrial Ecoregions of the World are investigated and analysed with respect to the application for the particular land use types. Finally, based on these findings an approach for a standardized determination o.f land use types is developed.