An impact category indicator is a quantifiable representation of an impact category endpoint. This concept in Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) provides the means to measure and express potential environmental impacts in concrete, comparable units.
According to ISO 14040, an impact category indicator represents a "quantifiable representation of an impact category endpoint". The emphasis on "endpoint" is important, as it clarifies that the indicator must ultimately relate to the final point of concern in the cause-effect chain of environmental impacts. This endpoint typically represents an attribute or aspect of the natural environment, human health, or resources that society seeks to protect.
Impact category indicators translate the results from Life Cycle Inventory analysis into environmental metrics. For example, in climate change assessment, the impact category indicator might be expressed in kilograms of CO₂ equivalents, which quantifies the potential contribution to global warming. For human health impacts, indicators such as Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALYs) provide a standardised measure of health burden.
The selection and definition of impact category indicators follows characterisation models that describe the relationship between life cycle inventory results and their subsequent impacts as represented by the impact category endpoints. Each indicator must be scientifically robust, allowing practitioners to calculate the magnitude of potential environmental impacts associated with a product system throughout its life cycle.
As Chief Operating Officer, Iris leads our organisational development and oversees day-to-day operations. Before joining 2-0, she worked in the biotechnology sector. As an LCA consultant, Iris has devoted her expertise primarily to the domains of sustainable agriculture and food production. She is dedicated to teaching LCA and is responsible for our educational efforts. Iris holds an M.Sc. in Biology – Biotechnology from the University of Copenhagen.
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Glossary terms are clearer once you have seen them applied. Our guide to what LCA is and how it works walks through the complete methodology: goal and scope, inventory modelling, impact assessment, and interpretation.
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