A technology level is a classification of the technology of an Activity for determining the relevance of its inclusion in a Product system.
In Life Cycle Assessment, activities can employ different technologies ranging from current best available techniques to older, less efficient processes, or even emerging technologies not yet widely adopted. The technology level classification helps LCA practitioners make informed decisions about which specific activity datasets to include when modelling a product system.
When defining the scope of an LCA study according to ISO 14040 and 14044, practitioners must specify the technological coverage of their assessment. This includes determining whether the study will reflect current average technology, best available technology, worst-case technology, or technology expected to be used in a specific future scenario. The technology level classification provides a systematic way to categorise activities according to these technological characteristics.
For example, electricity generation can be classified by technology level such as coal-fired power plants with or without carbon capture, natural gas combined cycle plants, nuclear reactors of different generations, or various renewable energy technologies. Each represents a different technology level with distinct environmental profiles. Similarly, manufacturing processes may be classified by the vintage or efficiency of equipment, with newer technologies often offering improved environmental performance compared to older installations.
The relevance of including a particular activity in a product system depends on whether its technology level aligns with the goal and scope of the study. In consequential LCA, the technology level of the marginal supplier becomes particularly important, as this determines which technology is most likely to respond to changes in demand. In attributional LCA, technology levels help ensure that the modelled system accurately represents the technological mix being assessed, whether current average conditions or specific scenarios.
