Fuel Life Cycle Assessment Model User Manual, June 2024

This figure details the steps involved in calculating a carbon intensity (CI) using the Model.

The four stages of the calculation process are detailed inside a large square. At the top of the square from left to right, “Step 1”, “Step 2”, “Step 3” and “Step 4” are written.

There are four boxes, each below the step titles, that present the details of each step.

These boxes are connected by arrows, with each arrow pointing to the next step, illustrating the logical progression of the process.

Under “Step 1”, in the corresponding vertical box: “Accessing Fuel LCA Model” is written at the top.

Below that, there are three sub-steps displayed from top to bottom, each in a turquoise box. These boxes are connected by arrows to illustrate the progression from one sub-step to the next. The colour turquoise denotes that these three boxes are processing steps. In each box, the following is written respectively:

• Download Fuel LCA Model Database (zip file)
• Download compatible LCA software (openLCA)
• Import Fuel LCA Model Database (zip file) into LCA software (openLCA)

Immediately below these three boxes, in a green box, the documentation needed to complete the step is written as follows:

• Fuel LCA Model User Manual

The light green colour of the box denotes that the Fuel LCA Model User Manual is a Documentation Piece.

Under “Step 2”, in the corresponding vertical box: “Data collection and preparation” is written at the top on a white background.

Below that, there are two sub-steps displayed vertically, each in a turquoise box. These boxes are connected by arrows to clearly illustrate the progression from one sub-step to the next. In each box, the following is written respectively:

• Collect data
• Prepare data for entry into LCA software

Below that are two green boxes. In each box, the following is written respectively:

• Program Guidance
• Data Workbooks of the program

Under “Step 3”, in the corresponding vertical box: “LCA modelling (in openLCA)” is written at the top on a white background.

Below that, there are two sub-steps displayed vertically, each in a turquoise box. These boxes are connected by arrows to clearly illustrate the progression from one sub-step to the next. In each box, the following is written respectively:

• Use or create building blocks in the LCA software to model the pathway
• Run the LCA Model of the pathway to generate a CI

Below that is a green box, the documentation needed to complete the step is written as follows:

• Fuel LCA Model User Manual

Under “Step 4”, in the corresponding vertical box: “CI and reporting submission” is written at the top on a white background.

Below that, there are two sub-steps displayed vertically, each in a turquoise box. These boxes are connected by arrows to clearly illustrate the progression from one sub-step to the next. In each box, the following is written respectively:

• Generate report for CI submission
• Submit CI valued and report for pathway(s) and report to the program

Below that is a green box, the documentation needed to complete the step is written as follows:

• Program Guidance

A legend appears at the bottom left of the large black square that includes all the steps. It comprises two small boxes, arranged one above the other:

• the first is turquoise and denotes the Processing Step
• the second is green and denotes the Documentation Piece

This figure illustrates the steps involved in importing a database into openLCA. Each step is represented by a screenshot from openLCA, providing a visual aid.

The layout of the steps is as follows: screenshots corresponding to steps 4 and 5 are located at the top, followed by step 6, while steps 7, 8 and 9 are shown at the bottom. Each step is linked to the next by a green arrow.

Steps 4 and 5, at the top left, are grouped together in a single screenshot. In the top left-hand corner, above this screenshot, the title "Steps 4 and 5" is written and framed in black. The top left corner of the title bar features the openLCA logo with the words "openLCA 2.1.0". Below, the taskbar displays from left to right: "File", "Database", "Tools" and "Help".

“Database” is framed in red, indicating that is should be clicked on. When selecting “Database”, a drop-down menu appears with the following options, each preceded by its own icon: "New database" and "Restore database".

The "New database" option is framed in a red box and an arrow pointing to it from "Database". This indicates that this is the option to select at this stage.

Under the taskbar, on a light grey background, on the left, there are four small icons. The four small icons symbolize "Home", "Save", "Save as" and "Save All" respectively. The leftmost icon is black, while the other three to its right are greyed out.

The screenshot then divides into two distinct areas: on the left, the navigation pane, and on the right, the workspace.

At the top left of the navigation pane, the "Navigation" label is framed in a small white rectangle, while the lower part of the pane is greyed out. At the top right, four icons are aligned from left to right, symbolizing "Link with Editor", "View menu", "Minimize" and "Maximize".

On the left-hand side of the workspace, the "Welcome" tab is accompanied by its icon. The lower part is greyed out, displaying "Getting started" in the middle, followed by "What's new in openLCA" below, both written in white.

Step 6 includes two screenshots. They are positioned to the right of the screenshot corresponding to steps 4 and 5 and are preceded by the heading "Step 6" in the top left-hand corner, framed in black.

The top left corner of the title bar of the first screenshot features the openLCA logo with the words "New database" on a blue background. This is the title of the window corresponding to the first phase of this step.

Below this, on a white background, on the left, is "New database" in bold type, followed by "Create new database" in plain type, just below it.

The remaining part of the figure is set against a grey background. It can be broken down as follows from top to bottom:

In the screenshot, "FUEL_LCA_MODEL" appears in this rectangle, framed in red. A red arrow points up from this frame to the instruction "Type the name of the database" written in red and located slightly above the frame, on the right. This instruction emphasizes that this is the option to choose.

• "Folder" with an adjacent white rectangle for entering the name of the folder. The rectangle is left empty in the screenshot
• "Database content" with three right-aligned options as follows:
  • Empty database
  • Units and flow properties
  • Complete references data

“Empty database” is selected and framed in red. A red arrow points from this frame to the "Select empty database" instruction, written in red and located slightly below, to the right of the frame. This indicates that this is the option to select.

At the bottom right of the window, two choices are available: "Finish" and "Cancel". "Finish" is framed in red. A red arrow points from this frame to the instruction "Click “Finish”", written in red and located slightly above the frame, indicating that this is the option to choose.

The second screenshot of step 6 is to the right of the first screenshot described above. They are linked by a green arrow pointing from the first screenshot to the second.

The top left corner of the title bar features the openLCA logo with the words "openLCA 2.1.0 – FUEL_LCA_MODEL"on a blue background. Below this, the taskbar displays from left to right: "File", "Database", "Tools" and "Help". Beneath the taskbar, on a grey background, on the left, four small icons symbolize "Home", "Save", "Save as" and "Save All" respectively. The leftmost icon is black, while the other three to its right are greyed out.

Next, the navigation pane appears. At the top left of the navigation pane, "Navigation" is framed in a small white rectangle, while on the right, four small icons are aligned from left to right, symbolizing "Link with Editor", "View menu", "Minimize" and "Maximize".

Below this, the database name "FUEL_LCA_MODEL" appears in bold type and is framed in red. An arrow pointing from the frame to the information: "The database will now be open and displayed on the left side" written in red and located at the bottom of the window. In the screenshot, the database is open and eight folders, each with their own icon, drop-down from the database:

• Projects
• Products systems
• Processes
• Flows
• EPDs
• Results
• Indicators and parameters
• Background data

Below Steps 4 and 5, is the screenshot for Step 7. In the top left-hand corner, above this screenshot, the title "Step 7" is written and framed in black.

The top left corner of the title bar features the Navigation icon with the word Navigation" on a white background. Below this, the database name, “FUEL_LCA_MODEL” is in bold and framed in a red box. There is a red arrow pointing from the frame to the instruction, written in red and in the top right corner, “Right-click on your database”. A drop-down menu is visible with the following 13 options listed, each with its own icon:

• New database
• Restore database
• Backup database
• Validate
• Copy
• Rename
• Set folder
• Delete database
• Close database
• Add database
• Add a library
• Import…
• Export…
• Repository

The “Import” option is selected and is framed in red. A red arrow is pointing from this frame to the “Select Import” instruction on the left and is written in red. To the right of the “Import” option, the following menu arises from the previously selected “Import” option, each item has its own icon:

• File
• From Git…
• Other…

“File” is selected and framed in red. Just above it, the instruction “Select File” is written in red and has an arrow pointing from this instruction back to the framed “File” option. This instruction emphasizes that this is the option to choose.

The screenshot corresponding to Step 8 shows the window that opens after clicking on the “File” option mentioned above. In the top left-hand corner, above this screenshot, the title "Step 8" is written and framed in black.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, on a blue background, the openLCA logo is visible, with the word "Open" to its right. Below, on the left, four navigation arrows on a grey background offer the functionalities: Go back, Go forward, Access recent locations and Go back to the previous folder. In the center, a rectangular area on a white background details the complete path to the location of the selected file:

> This PC > Downloads >

On the right, a small rectangular area on a white background allows you to search the name of the file you're looking for. The wording "Search Downloads" appears to the left of this area, and a magnifying glass icon to the right serves as a visual indicator of the search function.

Immediately below, a grey band shows: "Organize" and "New folder" on the left, followed by three small icons on the right representing functionalities: "Change your view", "Show the preview pane" and "Get help".

Next, the screenshot is subdivided into two parts on a white background. On the left, an interface is displayed with the following elements (each with its own icon) that can be selected:

• Quick access
• OneDrive – EC-EC
• This PC
• Network

On the right, occupying most of the window, the following columns are displayed: "Name", "Date modified", and "Type".

The file names appear below the "Name" column:

• Module-Pre-publication-New-Life-Cycle-Impact-Assessment-M…
• GoC_Fuel_LCA_Model_Database_January2023.zip
• openLCA

The last modification date for each file appears under the "Date modified" column. For each file, the file folder type is indicated under the "Type" column.

The file "GoC_Fuel_LCA_Model_Database_January2023.zip" is framed in red, with a red arrow pointing from the frame to the instruction "Select the model database (zip file)", also written in red. This visual highlighting makes it easier to identify the selected file in relation to the associated instruction.

At the bottom of the window, on a grey background is the term "File name:" and to its right, in a rectangular area on a white background, the name of the selected zip file"GoC_Fuel_LCA_Model_Database_January2023.zip" is displayed, followed by an adjacent arrow indicating a drop-down menu. To the right, there is a grey rectangular area that has the symbol "*.*", with an arrow to the side also indicating a drop-down menu. Below this rectangular area, the "Open" and "Cancel" options are available. "Open" is framed in red and the instruction "Click Open" in red is pointing to the frame with a red arrow.

The screenshot corresponding to step 9 represents the final step in importing a database into openLCA. In the top left-hand corner, above this screenshot, the title "Step 9" is written and framed in black. In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the openLCA logo is visible, with the words "openLCA JSON-LD Import" to its right.

Below it, on a white background, on the left, appears "Import an openLCA data package" in bold, black characters.

The main section of the screenshot, set against a grey background, lies below and occupies most of the figure. At the top left of this area is the wording "Select a zip file with openLCA data...", followed by a white rectangular area, with the name of the selected zip file "GoC_Fuel_LCA_Model_Database_Jan". To its right, the "Browse" option, framed in blue, is available for exploring and selecting a new zip file in the computer directories.

Just below, on the left, is written "Updating existing data sets in the database" followed by the following options:

• Never update a data set that already exists
• Update data sets with newer versions
• Overwrite all existing data sets

"Overwrite all existing data sets" is selected. A red arrow points from this option to the instruction "Select Overwrite all existing data sets" written in red. At the bottom of the window are the following four options: "Back", "Next", "Finish" and "Cancel". "Next" is greyed out, indicating that this option cannot be selected. "Finish" is framed in red, and an arrow is pointing from this frame to the instruction "Select Finish", also written in red.

This figure shows the graphical interface of the openLCA software.

In the top left-hand corner of the image, on a blue background, the openLCA logo is visible, with "openLCA 2.1.0 – FUEL_LCA_MODEL" written to its right. In the right-hand corner, icons for minimizing, expanding and closing the software windows are visible.

Below the title bar is the taskbar on a white background with the following options from left to right: "File", "Database", "Tools" and "Help".

Beneath the taskbar, on a grey background, on the left are four small icons symbolizing "Home", "Save", "Save as" and "Save All" respectively. The leftmost icon is black, while the other three to its right are greyed out.

The screenshot is then subdivided into two parts: on the left, the navigation pane, framed in red, and on the right, the workspace, also framed in red. The workspace takes up most of the screenshot.

At the top left of the navigation pane, the "Navigation" label is framed in a small white rectangle. On the right of the rectangle are four small icons, symbolizing the "Link with Editor", "View menu", "Minimize" and "Maximize" functions respectively. These actions reference the navigation pane.

Below this, the database title "FUEL_LCA_MODEL" appears with eight sub-folders, each with its own icon. The folder and sub-folders are surrounded by a red border. The sub-folders are:

• Projects
• Products systems
• Processes
• Flows
• EPDs
• Results
• Indicators and parameters
• Background data

A red arrow points from the frame to the statement "Different parts of the Model database are stored in different folders" written in red. The statement is located slightly below the frame.

At the bottom of the navigation pane, the statement "The navigation pane allows you to access the database" is centered and displayed in red.

The workspace is framed in red, and a red arrow is pointing down from the top right corner of the frame to the following statement: “The workspace is where modelling occurs”.

In the top left-hand corner of the workspace, the tabs "Welcome", "Nitrogen fertilizer" and "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A", each with its own icon, appear. In the screenshot, the "Welcome" tab is open. The tabs are framed in red, and a red arrow is pointing down from the tabs to the following statement: “Each workspace item (process, flow, etc.) is organized into tabs.” This statement is shown in red and is located in the middle, to the right of the workspace. In the workspace, the tab “Welcome” is open.

The top half of the window that appears after this tab opens is shown on a purple-grey background, where the lower half shows blurred, dark-looking trees.

On the left, the statement "Getting started" appears underlined and in white type, followed by the following headings, one below the other, also written in white:

• What’s new in openLCA 2
• Extensive documentation
• Community Q&A
• Databases, case studies, impact methods
• Certified trainings, support
• Tools to get more out of openLCA
• Working with the developers of openLCA

To the right of these headings, in dark grey type, is the statement:

“With openLCA, you can model the life cycle of everything. Create or import existing databases with life cycle processes and impor assessment methods; create your own processes, build your own life cycle models, calculate and analyse them. Click the other sections on the left to read more.”

Above, in the right-hand corner, the openLCA logo appears in white and in the bottom right-hand corner the GreenDelta logo also appears in white.

The figure above illustrates the main folders in the Model Database in openLCA.

On the left side of the figure, the database with the title “FUEL_LCA_MODEL” in bold type is open. Five folders are listed under it, each with its own icon, make up the database. Among these folders, the folder “Processes” containing the two principal folders “Data Libraries,” and “Fuel Pathways” is open. The folders are displayed in the following manner:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
• Data Library
• Fuel Pathways

Two red arrows emanating from "Data Library" and "Fuel Production Pathways" extend to the right of the figure and point to the following detailed folder descriptions, framed in black:

• Data Library (highlighted in a turquoise box)
  • System processes only
  • Developed by ECCC, cannot be modified by user
  • Building blocks used as inputs in unit processes
• Fuel Pathways (highlighted in a turquoise box)
  • Unit processes only
  • Structured by ECCC, filled in by user
  • Includes unit process pathway that users can complete using the system processes from the Data Library
  • Includes configurable unit processes where users can regionalize some system processes

The figure shows the Data Library subfolders in the Model Database in openLCA.

On the left-hand side of the figure, the database “FUEL_LCA_MODEL", in bold type, is open. There are main three sub-folders in the database: Projects, Product systems and Processes. In the sub-folder Processes, the folder Data Library” is open and contains the following sub-folders: 

• Chemical inputs
• Combustion emission factors
• Electricity
• Feedstocks
• Fossil fuels
• Other energy sources
• Renewable fuels
• Transport

Eight red arrows emanating from sub-folders of the Data Library extend to the right of the figure and point to the detailed descriptions of each sub-folder. The descriptions are framed in black, and each Folder name is written on a turquoise box. The descriptions are as follows:

• Chemical inputs
  • Individual chemicals, agrochemicals, and predefined chemical mixes
• Combustion emission factors
  • Processes with only combustion emissions (i.e. not including the emissions for the rest of the life cycle) for fuels produced from biomass and non-biomass feedstock
• Electricity
  • Average grid for Canada (provinces and territories), USA (states), Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina (national)
  • Excess electricity displaced to the grid (Canadian provinces and territories and American states)
  • Specific electricity generation technology
• Feedstock
  • LCIF feedstock system processes
  • Animal fats, crops, residues, waste, wood fibre, yellow grease
• Fossil fuels
  • Both combusted and non-combusted fossil fuels
  • Combusted fossil fuels: accounts for the life cycle emissions
  • Non-combusted fossil fuels: accounts for life cycle emissions for fossil fuels up to and including a) production, and b) distribution to end-user
• Other energy sources
  • Non-fossil fuel sources such as purchased steam, combusted non-biogenic waste, and fuel gas
• Renewable fuels
  • Combusted renewable fuels
• Transport
  • Generic transportation modes such as train, truck, transoceanic ship, and pipeline
  • Transportation specific to certain fuels such as hydrogen, renewable natural gas, and renewable propane
  • Predefined transportation scenarios that use predefined data to model transportation when distances are not available

The figure illustrates the layout of the "Fuel Pathways" section of the Model Database in openLCA.

On the left-hand side of the figure, the database "FUEL_LCA_MODEL", in bold type, is open. A yellow icon is shown to the left of the file name. There are thirteen folders, each with its own icon, that make up the database. Among these folders, the Processes folder containing the Fuel Pathways subfolder, is currently open. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
  • Data Library
  • Fuel Pathways
    • Biodiesel pathway
    • Bioethanol pathway
    • Biogas pathway
    • Configurable processes
    • For vehicles
    • Hydrogen pathway
    • Renewable hydrocarbon biofuel pathway
    • Renewable natural gas pathway

Two blue parentheses cover every fuel pathway folder, except the Configurable processes folder, which is marked with a red line to its left. To the left of the folders are two boxes. The top box is marked with a blue parenthesis on its left and has a turquoise blue title box at its top with Fuel Pathways written inside it. This is the description of the contents of the Fuel Pathway folders and is as follows:

• Fuel Pathways
  • Unit processes that are structured to model different fuel pathways
  • Includes processes modelling the feedstock production/transportation, fuel production, fuel distribution, fuel combustion, and fuel CI

The bottom box is marked with a red parenthesis on its left and has a turquoise blue title box at its top with Configurable processes written inside it. This is the description of the contents of this folder and is as follows:

• Configurable processes
  • Partially modelled unit processes that allow the user to complete using primary data and inputs from the data library
  • Includes unit processes related to feedstock, electricity, and CCS

Fuel Pathways and Configurable processes titles are highlighted by a black framed border and a turquoise background. Descriptions associated with these headings are framed in black.

The screenshot shows the Electricity, from grid [CA-NS] process as it appears in openLCA.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the “Welcome” and “Electricity, from grid [CA-NS]” tabs appear, on a grey and white background, respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, icons for reducing or expanding the window are visible.

Immediately below, at the top left of the page, the title "General information: Electricity, from grid [CA-NS]" is displayed in bold, indicating that the tab “Electricity, from grid [CA-NS]” of this process is open. “Electricity, from grid [CA-NS]", framed in red, is accompanied by a red arrow pointing to the annotation "Process name. Always visible regardless of which tab is open", also framed in red. On the right, the reload icon, framed in red, is accompanied by an arrow pointing to the annotation "Reload button," also framed in red.

The remaining part of the figure is divided into three sections, arranged one above the other on a white background. In the top left-hand corner of the first section, "General Information" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. Below, the process characteristics are arranged one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is displayed. These items appear from top to bottom:

• “Name” with an adjacent rectangle to the right where you can enter the process name. "Electricity, from grid [CA-NS]" is shown here
• "Category" with an adjacent rectangle to the right showing all the folders that have been opened to lead to this process. "Data Library/Electricity/Grid Electricity/Canadian grid electricity" appears in this location. The rectangle is framed in red. A red arrow from the rectangles is pointing to the annotation "Location in navigation pane", also framed in red
• "Description" with an adjacent rectangle to the right, displaying the following details:
  • “This process covers emissions from the generation, transmission, and distribution of 1 kWh of electricity on the grid”
  • “Functional unit: 1 kWh of electricity on the grid, at end user”
  • “Process Scope:”
    • “Electricity generation”
    • “Electricity transmission and distribution”
  • Right below this rectangle are the following statements from left to right:
    • “Version 00.00.017” with two icons on the right
    • “Last change 2022-06-03 09 :12 :53”
    • “UUID 80e5ff76-7b18-49f3-ac75-b3fda5f563bf”
• "Tags" with an "Add a tag" button on the right. You can click on this to add a tag
• “Infrastructure process” with an adjacent checkbox to the right that can be checked. On the screenshot, this box is not checked

Immediately below the checkbox are the following three buttons, each with its own icon:

• “Create product system”
• “Direct calculation”
• “Export to Excel”

"Create product system" is framed in red, with a red arrow pointing to "Used in calculating CI", also framed in red.

In the top left-hand corner of the second section, the heading "Time" is in bold type, accompanied by a small arrow pointing downwards, directly to its left. Below it, the following elements appear from top to bottom:

• "Start date" with an adjacent rectangle for selecting the desired date. A calendar icon and arrow pointing downwards are located in the right corner of the rectangle, indicating the possibility of selecting a date from a calendar that will appear after clicking on the arrow

In the screenshot, "2018-01-01" appears in this rectangle.

• "End date" with an adjacent rectangle for selecting the desired date. A calendar icon and arrow pointing downwards are located in the right corner of rectangle, indicating the possibility of selecting a date from a calendar that will appear after clicking on the arrow

In the screenshot, "2018-12-31" appears in this rectangle.

• "Description" with an adjacent rectangle to the right, displaying the following details:

“The National Inventory Report provides direct emissions intensities related to the generation of electricity by the Public Electricity and Heat Production category (IPCC Category 1.A.1.a), on a national and provincial level. Emission intensities reflect GHG emissions associated with electricity delivered by the grid. Emission factors from…”

Note that in the screenshot, only the first two lines of the description are fully visible.

In the top left-hand corner of the third section, the heading "Geography", in bold type, is accompanied by a small arrow pointing down located directly to its left.

At the bottom of the window, the tabs "General information", "Inputs/Outputs", "Administrative information", "Modeling and validation", "Parameters", "Allocation", "Social aspects" and "Impact analysis" appear from left to right and are framed in red. A red arrow points from the frame to the annotation "Process tabs allow navigation to the different sections of the process", also framed in red.

The figure illustrates the organization of elementary flows in the Model Database in openLCA.

On the left-hand side of the figure, the database is open, with the heading "FUEL_LCA_MODEL", in bold type and with a yellow icon.

Twenty-two folders, each with its own icon, are in the database. Among the folders, the Flows folder, containing the Elementary Flows subfolder, is open. The Elementary Flows subfolder contains two subfolders that are also both open. Their names are “Emission to air” and “Supplemental emissions to air”. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
• Flows
  • Emission to air
    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂), biogenic
    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂), fossil
    • Carbon dioxide (CO₂), land transformation
    • Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO₂e)
    • Methane (CH₄), biogenic
    • Methane (CH₄), fossil
    • Nitrous oxide (N₂O)
    • Sulfur hexafluoride (SF₆)
  • Supplemental emissions to air
    • Bromocarbons, Hydrobromocarbons and Halons
    • Chlorocarbons and Hydrochlorocarbons
    • Chlorofluorocarbons
    • Fully Fluorinated Species
    • Halogenated Alcohols and Ethers
    • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
    • Hydrofluorocarbons

Three red arrows point from "Elementary flows", "Emission to air" and "Supplemental emissions to air" to the right of the figure and point to three boxes that describe each sub-folder. The heading for "All elementary flows" is in a green box. "Emissions to Air" and "Supplemental Emissions to Air" are in turquoise boxes. Arrows point towards the respective descriptions of each of the folders as such:

• All elementary flows
  • Units of mass
  • Associated with an impact factor
• Emissions to air
  • Contains the most commonly released GHGs:
  • Carbon dioxide (biogenic, fossil, land transformation, equivalent)
  • Nitrous oxide
  • Methane (biogenic, fossil)
  • Sulfur hexafluoride
• Supplemental Emissions to Air
  • Contains additional GHGs and are organized into several categories:
  • Bromocarbons, Hydrobromocarbons and Halons
  • Chlorocarbons and Hydrochlorocarbons
  • Chlorofluorocarbons
  • Fully Fluorinated Species
  • Halogenated Alcohols and Ethers
  • Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
  • Hydrofluorocarbons

The screenshot shows the organization of intermediate flows in the Model Database in openLCA.

The database, with its bold title "FuelLCAModel", is open. A yellow icon is shown to the left of the title. Ten folders, each with its own icon, are present under the database. Among these folders, the folders” Processes” and “Flows” are open. The folders are listed as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
  • Data Library
  • Fuel Pathways
• Flows
  • Elementary flows
  • Intermediate flows
    • Data Library
    • Fuel Pathways

Subfolder of “Processes” and “Intermediate flows” are framed in red.

The screenshot shows the "Carbon dioxide (CO₂), fossil" flow as it appears in the Model Database in openLCA.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the “Welcome” and “Carbon Dioxide (CO₂), Fossil” tabs appear, on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, icons for reducing or expanding the window are visible.

On the top left of the page, the title "General information: Carbon dioxide (CO₂), fossil" is displayed in bold, indicating that the tab “General Information” of this flow is open. “Carbon dioxide (CO₂), fossil" is framed in red and a red arrow is pointing from it to the annotation "Flow name. Always visible regardless of which tab is open", also framed in red.

On the right, the reload icon, framed in red, is accompanied by an arrow pointing to the annotation "Reload button" also framed in red.

The remaining part of the figure is divided into three sections, arranged one above the other on a white background. In the top left-hand corner of the first section, "General Information" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. Underneath, the layout of the section is as such: the flow characteristics are aligned one under the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is provided. The following items appear from top to bottom:

• “Name” with an adjacent rectangle to the right where you can enter the process name. "Carbon dioxide (CO₂), fossil" is shown here
• "Category" with an adjacent rectangle to the right showing all the folders that have been opened to lead to this process. "Elementary flow/Emission to air" appears in this location. This statement, framed in red, is accompanied by a red arrow pointing to the annotation "Location in navigation pane", also framed in red
• "Description" with an adjacent rectangle that allows the entry of a flow description, which is empty in the screenshot
  • Right below this rectangle are the following statements from left to right:
    • “Version 00.00.004” with two icons on the right
    • “Last change 2021-07-12 09:38:36”
    • “UUID a554da52-adc8-4d57-8853-17dce4428ce8”
• "Tags" with an "Add a tag" button on the right
• “Infrastructure flow” with an adjacent checkbox. On the screenshot, this box is not checked
• “Flow type” with the statement “Elementary Flow” on the right, preceded by a green leaf icon. The icon and annotation, framed in red, are accompanied by an arrow pointing to the annotation "Can be either elementary flow, product flow (intermediate flow), or waste flow" also framed in red

In the upper left-hand corner of the second section, the heading "Used in processes" is in bold type and framed in red. "Used in processes" is framed in red, with a red arrow pointing to "Shows what process produce the flow and/or consume the flow", also framed in red.

Note that the arrow to the left of this section points to the right, indicating that the section is closed. The details of this section are therefore not visible on the screenshot.

In the top left-hand corner of the third section, the heading "Additional information" is in bold type, accompanied by a small arrow that is on the left and is pointing down. Below this, the layout of the section is such that the characteristics of supplementary information are arranged one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the associated information is provided. Those items appear as follows:

• "CAS number" with an adjacent rectangle to the right containing the digits "000124-38-9"
• "Formula" with an adjacent rectangle to the right marked "CO₂"
• "Synonyms" with an adjacent rectangle to the right that appears empty on the screenshot
• "Location" with a small black location icon on the right. To the right of the icon, the term " - none - " is written in blue, followed by a small crisscross to its right

At the bottom of the window, the "General information", "Flow properties" and "Characterization factors" tabs appear from left to right, framed in red. A red arrow extending from the frame points to the annotation "Flow tabs allow navigation to the different sections of the flow", also framed in red.

The figure illustrates, on the left, the location for accessing and viewing the LCIA methods and impact categories of the Model, as presented in the navigation pane of the openLCA software. On the right, the figure shows the content of the “Characterization factors” tab of the “Carbon Intensity” impact category in the openLCA software.

On the left of the figure, the database titled "FUEL_LCA_MODEL,", written in bold type, is open. There is a yellow icon to the left of the name of the database. Under the Database, nine subfolders are listed, each with its own icon, including the "Indicators and parameters" folder. This folder contains the Impact Assessment Methods and Impact Categories subfolders, which are also open. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
• Flows
• EPDs
• Results
• Indicators and parameters
  • Impact assessment methods
    • FuelLCAModelLCIA_AR5
    • FuelLCAModelLCIA_AR6
  • Impact categories
    • Carbon intensity (AR5)
    • Carbon intensity (AR6)

On the right, the screen capture shows the contents of the “Characterization Factors” tab of the Impact Category “Carbon Intensity (AR5)”. In the top left-hand corner of the capture, the “Welcome” and “Carbon intensity (AR5)” tabs appear, each with its own icon.

In the "Carbon intensity (AR5)" tab, the title "Characterization factors: Carbon intensity (AR5)" is displayed in bold, preceded by a green list icon.

Below it, the heading "Characterization factors" is in bold type, accompanied by a small downward-pointing arrow directly to its left.

The remainder of the screenshot presents, in a table, an exhaustive list of impact factors in this category and some associated characteristics. A five-column table appears, with the following column headings, from left to right: Flows, Category, Factor, Unit, Uncertainty and Location.

Under each column heading, the corresponding content is as follows:

At the bottom of the screenshot, the tabs "General information", "Characterization factors", "Parameters", "Regionalized calculation" and "Similarities" appear. "Characterization factors" is underlined in grey, indicating that it is the tab currently open.

The screenshot shows the flow properties and unit groups of the Model available in the Model Database in openLCA.

In the figure, the “FueLCA_Model” database, with its title written in bold, is open. A yellow icon appears to the left of the title. Twelve folders derived from the database, each with its own icons to its left, are listed. These include the "Background data" folder, which is currently open. It contains two subfolders “Flow properties” and “Unit groups”, which are also open. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
• Flows
• EPDs
• Results
• Indicators and parameters
• Background data
  • Flow properties
    • Technical flow properties
      • Area
      • Energy
      • Goods transport (mass*length)
      • Mass
      • Volume
      • Volume*Length
  • Unit groups
    • Technical unit groups
      • Units of area
      • Units of energy
      • Units of mass
      • Units of mass*length
      • Units of volume
      • Units of volume*length

The screenshot shows the location of the Sources subfolder in the Model database in openLCA.

In the screenshot, the “FUEL_LCA_MODEL” database, with its title written in bold, is open. A yellow icon is located to the left of the title. Fourteen folders derived from the database, each with its own icon, are listed. These include the "Background data" folder, which is currently open, that contains six subfolders, including “Sources”, which is framed in red. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
• Flows
• EPDs
• Results
• Indicators and parameters
• Background data
  • Flow properties
  • Unit groups
  • Currencies
  • Actors
  • Sources
  • Locations

The “Sources” folder is framed in red, highlighting its location.

The figure illustrates the general interaction between the Data Library and the Fuel Pathways in openLCA.

The interaction is represented by an arrow diagram on a white background. On the diagram, the processes shown on turquoise backgrounds are unit processes of the Fuel Pathways, whereas those on a green background are from the Data Library or some other source.

In the center of the figure, the three main modeling processes for calculating carbon intensity in openLCA are presented in cascade. Each process is framed in black and written in a turquoise box. These processes are presented as follows:

1-[Fuel] production, at [fuel] plant

2-[Fuel] distribution, to end user

3-[Fuel] combustion, to end user

Above the "[Fuel] production, at [fuel] plant " process, the following three elements are shown from left to right:

• Energy inputs
• Material inputs
• Other direct emissions

These processes are individually frames in black and are presented on a green background. Each process is associated with an arrow pointing to the unit process “1-[Fuel] production, at [fuel] plant”.

In a turquoise blue rectangle framed in black to the left of the "1-[Fuel] production, at [fuel] plant” unit process is the element "Feedstock A/B/C, at [fuel] plant". This element is accompanied with an arrow pointing to the process "1-[Fuel] production, at [fuel] plant”.

Below the unit process "Feedstock A/B/C, at [fuel] plant", the elements "Feedstock" and "Transport inputs" are framed in black on a green background. Each of these elements is accompanied with an arrow pointing to "Feedstock A/B/C, at [fuel] plant".

Below "Transport inputs", a second "Transport inputs" process is framed in black on a green background. This process is accompanied with an arrow pointing to the "[Fuel] distribution, to end user" process.

Below the process "3-[Fuel] Combustion, to end user", the process "Combustion emissions" framed in black on a green background. This element is accompanied by an arrow pointing to the process.

On the right-hand side of the figure, the unit process "[Fuel] CI from Feedstock A/B/C" is framed in black on a turquoise background. Arrows from the processes: "1-[Fuel] production, at [fuel] plant ", "2-[Fuel] distribution, to end user " and "3-[Fuel] Combustion, to end user " point to "[Fuel] CI from Feedstock A/B/C ".

In the bottom left-hand corner of the figure, a legend illustrates the meaning of the colors associated with the different elements in the figure. Each element of the legend is separated by a grey horizontal line that begins on the left side of the figure and ends near the middle of the figure.

The legend consists of a green box framed in black that represents the "Linked process from the data library or other sources". Just below, there is a turquoise box framed in black that represents the "Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway".

This figure shows a screenshot from openLCA for exporting a database. It represents the second step in the procedure.

In this step, the model database titled “FueLCAModel” is opened. Huit folders, each with its own icon, extend from the model database. The files are presented as follow:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
• Flows
• EPDs
• Results
• Indicators and parameters
• Background data.

When right-clicking on the database, a drop-down menu unfolds with the following options, each with its own icon, from top to bottom:

• New database
• Restore database
• Backup database
• Validate
• Copy
• Rename
• Set folder
• Delete database
• Close database
• Add a library
• Import…
• Export…
• Repository

The export option is outlined in a red box.

This figure represents the third step in the procedure for exporting a database. It shows a screenshot from openLCA of the export window. The top left corner of the screenshot, in the title bar, has the openLCA logo and the word “Export” to its right. Just below is the word “Select”, written in bold and on a white background.

Following this, the window is divided into two sections, with one positioned above the other, both on a white background. The first section is a small rectangular area preceded by the prompt “Select an export wizard:” on a grey background. This area allows manual entry of an export wizard. On the screenshot, this section appears empty.

The other section, taking up most of the window, displays five options divided into sub-sections, with each sub-section having its own icon, as follows:

• EcoSpold
  • Impact methods
  • Processes
• Excel
  • One Click LCA – Excel template
  • Processes
• ILCD
  • ILCD Network Export
  • ILCD Zip-File
• SimaPro CSV
  • LCIA methods to SimaPro CSV
  • Processes to SimaPro CSV
• openLCA
  • JSON-LD

JSON-LD is selected and outlined in a red box. At the bottom of the window, four choices are available: “< Back”, “Next >”, “Finish” and “Cancel”. “< Back” and “Finish” are greyed out, indicating they can’t be clicked. “Next >” is framed in blue, indicating it is the choice to proceed.

This figure shows the sixth step in the procedure for exporting a database. It is a screenshot of the export datasets window in the openLCA software.

The top left-hand corner of the title bar shows the openLCA logo on a blue background, followed by "Export data sets" to its right. In the top right-hand corner, icons for expanding or closing the window are visible. Just below it, to the left, “Select data sets” is written in bold. Directly below it, "Please select the destination and the data sets for the export" is written underneath on a white background.

The window is then divided into two sections, both with grey backgrounds and one above the other.

At the top left of the first section, you'll see "To file:", followed by a rectangular area on a white background to the right, showing the full path to the location of the selected file. Inside this area is written "C:\Users\Public\FuelLCAModel.zip". To its right, the "Browse" button is available.

The other lower section is a square area on a white background. It occupies most of the window and presents the folders, each with its own icon, included in the database that has been exported from the computer's directory. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Processes
  • Data Library
  • Fuel Pathways
    • Biodiesel CI
    • Feedstock at biodiesel plant
    • 1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant
    • 2- Biodiesel distribution, to end-user
    • 3- Biodiesel combustion, at end-user
  • Bioethanol pathway
  • Biogas pathway
  • Configurable processes
  • For vehicles
  • Hydrogen pathway
  • Renewable hydrocarbon biofuel pathway
  • Renewable natural gas pathway

The folders "Processes", "Fuel Pathways", "Biodiesel pathway", "Biodiesel CI", "Feedstock at biodiesel plant", "Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant", "Biodiesel distribution, at end-user", and "Biodiesel combustion, at end-user" are marked with a blue tick to their left, indicating that they are the folders to be exported.

Folders from "Processes" to "Biodiesel combustion, at end-user" are framed in red.

Below the square box, "Export default providers of product inputs and waste outputs" appears, with a checkbox to the left, which can be selected.

At the bottom of the figure, four options are available: "Back", "Next", "Finish" and "Cancel". "Next" is greyed out, indicating that this option cannot be selected. "Finish" is framed in blue. This is the option to select to proceed.

This figure shows the seventh step in the procedure for entering data in a unit process. In the screenshot, the unit process shown as an example is "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant".
In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the “Welcome” and “1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant” tabs appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, icons for minimizing or maximizing the window are visible.

Immediately below, to the left, the title "Inputs/Outputs: 1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" is displayed in bold, indicating that the tab “Inputs/Outputs” of this process is open. On the right, the reloading icon is visible.

The remaining part of the figure is divided into two sections on a white background, arranged one above the other. In the top left-hand corner of the first section, "Inputs" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, three small colored icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) represent the actions "create new", "delete selection" and "display values".

Immediately below, the rest of the section presents the characteristics of unit process inputs in an eleven-column table.

The second input for Amount “1.00000” is framed in red and accompanied with a red arrow pointing to the annotation “Can change the amount for a flow”.

The second input for Unit “kWh” is framed in red and accompanied with a red arrow pointing to the annotation “Can change the units for a flow”.

Note that each item listed in this column has its own purple icon to its left.

"Electricity" is framed in red, with an arrow pointing to the annotation "Make sure the provider is selected for each input".

In the top left-hand corner of the second section, "Outputs" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right are three small icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) represent the actions "create new", "delete selection" and "display values". They are framed in red with a red arrow pointing to the annotation "Add flow, remove flow, toggle formula view", indicating what they symbolize.

Immediately below, the rest of the section presents the characteristics of the outgoing elements of the unit process in an eleven-column table.

At the bottom of the screenshot, the tabs "General information", "Inputs/Outputs", "Administrative information", "Modeling and validation", "Parameters", "Allocation", "Social aspects" and "Impact analysis" appear. The "Inputs/Outputs" tab is bordered by a red frame, with an arrow pointing to the annotation "Get to this screen by clicking on the inputs/outputs tab".

This figure shows the fourth step of the method for adding a flow to a unit process using Method 1 described in user manual.

The figure is divided into two distinct areas: on the left, the navigation pane and on the right, an overview of the unit process “1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant”.

At the top left of the navigation pane, the heading “Navigation” is framed in a small white rectangle. On the right of the navigation pane, four small icons are aligned from left to right, symbolizing “Link with Editor”, “View menu”, “Minimize” and “Maximize”. Just below, the database, with its title “FuelLCAModel” in bold letters, is open. Twelve files drop down from the database, notably the Processes file which is currently open. It contains the Data Library subfolder, which is also open. The files are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
  • Data Library
    • Agrochemicals
    • Chemicals
    • Predefined chemical mixes
      • Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel
      • Chemical use per MJ of cellulosic ethanol
      • Chemical use per MJ of conventional ethanol
    • Combustion emission factors
    • Electricity
    • Feedstocks
    • Fossil fuels

To the right of the figure, in the upper left corner of the image of the unit process “Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant”, there are two tabs, “Welcome” and “1- Biodiesel production”, each with its own icon.

Below, to the left, the title “Inputs/Outputs: 1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant” is displayed in bold, indicating that the “Inputs/Outputs” tab for this process is open.

Below it, on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold font, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

The rest of the section presents in a five-column table the characteristics of the input elements of the unit process.

The process “Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel” in the navigation pane to the left of the figure is highlighted in blue. A red arrow from this statement points from this process towards the input table for “1- Biodiesel production”, to the right of the figure, illustrating the addition of this element as an input to the process. On the right, " Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel " appears faded to indicate that it is being dragged from the left of the navigation pane to the right side of the table and thus added to the table of elements for this process. There is the annotation “Click and drag the process you want to add” above the red arrow. 

This figure represents the third step for of the procedure for adding a flow to a unit process using Method 2 available in user manual. It shows a snapshot of the unit process “1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant”.

In the left corner of the screenshot, the tabs “Welcome” and “1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" appear, on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

Below the tabs, to the left, the title “Inputs/Outputs: 1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant” is displayed in bold, indicating that the “Inputs/Outputs” tab for this process is open. To the right, the reload button is visible.

Below it on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold font, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, there are three small colored icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new”, “delete selection” and “show values”. These actions relate to the flow in the Inputs table. The first icon is framed in red, indicating that this icon needs to be clicked on to proceed.

Just below, the rest of the figure shows a table, of eleven columns, the characteristics of the input elements of the unit process.

Note that each element listed in the columns “Flow” and “Unit” are accompanied with their own blue icon to its left., whereas each element of the column “Provider” has an associated purple icon to its left.

This figure represents the fourth step of the procedure for adding a flow to a unit process using in Method 2 from the user manual. It shows a preview of the window that opens after clicking on the green plus sign icon to select the flow to add to a unit process.

The upper left corner of the title bar features the openLCA logo on a blue background. Just below, “Flows” is written in bold letters on a white background to the left.

Subsequently, the window is divided into two sections, both with a white background and one located above the other. The first section is a small rectangular area that is used to search for flows. Above this, it says “Filter” in bold letters. Inside this box, “chemical” is written and framed in red to indicate the keyword being searched.

Below, the second section occupies most of the window. In the left corner, “Content” appears written in bold letters. A small arrow pointing downward is positioned immediately to its left.

Just below is the sequence of open files in the database to access the flow. The data layout is as follows, each folder with its own icon:

• Intermediate flows
  • Data Library
    • Chemical Inputs
      • Predefined chemical mixes
        • Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel
        • Chemical use per MJ of cellulosic ethanol
        • Chemical use per MJ of conventional ethanol

At the bottom of the figure, two options are available: “OK” and “Cancel”. “OK” is greyed out. “Cancel” is lightly outlined in blue.

This figure shows the fifth step in the procedure for adding a flow to a unit process using Method 2 in the user manual. It shows a preview of the input table for the unit process "Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel".

In the top left-hand corner of the figure, "Inputs" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

Immediately below, there is a ten-column table, presenting the characteristics of the input elements of the unit process. The next columns, "Data qual… and "Location" appear empty in the screenshot.

Note that each element listed in the “Flow” and “Unit” columns are accompanied with a blue icon to its left, whereas each element of the “Provider” column has a purple icon.

The fourth line of this table correspond with the flow “Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel is highlighted in grey. In the Provider column, a white rectangle with a downward-pointing arrow to its right indicates the presence of a drop-down menu. The drop-down menu shows "Chemical use per MJ of biodiesel" framed in red and highlighted in blue.

This figure shows the fourth step in the procedure for removing a flow from a unit process. It shows an overview of the "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" unit process.

In the left-hand corner of the screenshot, the tabs "Welcome" and "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

Just below, to the left, the title "Inputs/Outputs: 1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" is displayed in bold, indicating that the "Inputs/Outputs" tab for this process is open. To the right, the reload button is visible.

Below, on the left, "Inputs" is written in bold type and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right are three small colored icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions "create new", "delete selection" and "display values". The red “x” icon is framed in red. Just below the icon, a label shows "Remove selected".

Immediately below this, the rest of the figure presents the characteristics of the input elements of the unit process in an eleven-column table as follows:

The columns, “Costs/Re…”, "Data qual...", "Location", and “Description” appear empty in the screenshot.

Note that each element listed in the “Flow” and “Unit” columns are accompanies with a blue icon to its left, while each element in the “Provider” column has a purple icon.

The fourth row is highlighted in blue, indicating that it has been selected. This row corresponds to the "Chemical use per M…” flow, which will be deleted once you click on the "Remove selected" icon.

This figure represents the first step in the procedure to create a unit process. In the screnshot, the database is open, with the title "FuelLCAModel" in bold type. Fifteen folders extend are derived from the database, including the Processes folder, which is currently open and contains the various folders including, the subfolder "Fuel Pathways", which is also open. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Projects
• Product systems
• Processes
  • Data Library
  • Fuel Pathways
    • Biodiesel pathway
      • Biodiesel CI
      • Feedstock at biodiesel plant
      • 1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant
      • 2- Biodiesel distribution, to end-user
      • 3- Biodiesel combustion, at end-user
  • Bioethanol pathway
  • Biogas pathway
  • Configurable processes
  • For vehicles
  • Hydrogen pathway
  • Renewable hydrocarbon biofuel pathway
  • Renewable natural gas pathway

The folder “Biodiesel pathway” is underlined in blue, indicating that this is the unit process folder to right click on. A drop-down menu presents the following options, each with its own icon:

• New process
• Delete
• Cut
• Copy
• Add new child category
• Rename
• Export…

The folder “Biodiesel pathway” and the option “New process” of the drop-down menu are framed in red, indicating that after right clicking on “Biodiesel pathway”, the next step is to click on “New process”.

This figure shows steps 2 to 5 in the procedure for creating a unit process. It shows a preview of the window that opens after selecting "New process" by right-clicking on one of the "Processes" category folders in the Database.

In the top left-hand corner of the screen capture, in the title bar, the openLCA logo appears on a blue background. In the top right-hand corner, the icons for minimizing, expanding and closing the window are visible.

Below this, on a white background, on the left, the title of the window "New process" appears in bold type. On the right, a purple icon symbolizing the processes in the program appears.
The remaining part of the figure is set against a grey background. The arrangement is such that the characteristics of the new process are aligned one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, and the corresponding information is provided. From top to bottom, it breaks down as follows:

• "Name" with an adjacent rectangle for entering the “New unit process name”

In the screenshot, "New unit process name" appears here and is framed in red. Immediately below the rectangle, "Create a waste treatment process" appears, with an empty checkbox to the left. Below this, framed in red, is "Create a new flow for the process (as quantitative reference)", with a checked checkbox to its left.

• "Name of the new flow" with an adjacent empty rectangle for entering the name of the flow to its right
• "Reference flow property" with an adjacent rectangle allowing for the selection of the reference flow property to its right. In this example, "Mass" appears. A downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle indicates the presence of a drop-down menu from which to select the desired reference flow property. This rectangle is framed in red
  At the bottom of the window, two choices are available, “Finish” and “Cancel”. “Finish” is framed in blue

This figure shows the first step in the create a flow procedure.

Sixteen folders from the database appear in the figure. The folders are arranged as follows:

• Elementary flows
• Intermediate flows
  • Data Library
  • Fuel pathways
    • Biodiesel pathway
      • 1 - Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant
      • Biodiesel CI
      • Feedstock at biodiesel plant
        • 2 – Biodiesel distribution, to end-user
        • 3 – Biodiesel combustion, at end-user
    • Bioethanol pathway
    • Biogas pathway
    • Configurable processes
    • For vehicles
    • Hydrogen pathway
    • Renewable hydrocarbon biofuel pathway
    • Renewable natural gas pathway

“1 - Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant” is highlighted in blue, indicating that this folder should be right clicked on. A drop-down menu presents the following options:

• New flow
• Delete
• Cut
• Copy
• Add new child category
• Rename
• Export…

“1 - Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant” and “New flow” from the drop-down menu are framed in red, indicating that after right clicking on “1 - Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant”, the next step is to click on “New flow” in order to create a flow.

This figure shows the fifth step in the flow creation procedure. It shows a preview of the window that opens after selecting "New flow" following a right-click on one of the "Flux" category folders in the database.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, in the title bar, the openLCA logo is shown on a blue background. In the top right-hand corner, the icons for minimizing, expanding and closing the window are visible.

Below this, on a white background, on the left, is "New stream" in bold type, followed by "Create new flow" in plain type, located just below. On the right are three small brown icons.

The rest of the figure is set against a grey background. The arrangement is such that the characteristics of the new flow are aligned one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is shown. It breaks down as follows from top to bottom:

• "Name" with an adjacent rectangle for entering the “New flow name”
  In the screenshot, “New flow name” is framed in red
• “Description” with an adjacent rectangle to enter a description of the flow created. This location is left empty on the screenshot
• “Flow type” with an adjacent rectangle to the right allowing for the selection of the flow type. “Product” is written in this rectangle, framed in red, with a blue icon on its left. A downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle indicates the presence of a drop-down menu from which it is possible to select the Flow type. A red arrow from the frame points to the annotation "Cannot change once flow is created!", which is written in red
• "Reference flow property" with an adjacent rectangle allowing for the selection of the reference flow property. "Mass", framed in red, appears. A downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle indicates the presence of a drop-down menu from which it is possible to select the desired reference flow property. This rectangle is framed in red

At the bottom of the window, two choices are available, “Finish” and “Cancel”. “Finish” is framed in blue.

This figure shows the second step in the procedure to rename a unit process or flow using Method 1 in the user manual. It shows an overview of the general information relating to the unit process "Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable A".

In the left-hand corner of the screenshot, the tabs “Welcome” and “Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable A” appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. The rest fo the screenshot is on a white background.

Below the tabs, the title "General information: Corn oil, extracted at processor, c…" is displayed in bold, indicating that the "General information" tab for this process is open.

Below, on the left, "General Information" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

The arrangement of the rest of the figure is as follows: the characteristics of the unit process “Corn Oil, extracted at processor, configurable A” are arranged one below the other, on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is presented. These elements are presented as follows from top to bottom:

• "Name" with an adjacent rectangle to the right for entering the database name
  In the screenshot, "Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable A" appears in this location, and is framed in red. The frame indicates that this is the location where the process name can be modified
• "Category" with an adjacent rectangle to the right showing "Fuel Pathways/Configurable processes/Corn oil"
• "Description" with an adjacent rectangle to the right for entering a description of the flow created. In this rectangle, the following is written, "The unit process covers the corn oil production. In the Inputs/Outputs tab… must be replaced by appropriate processes….Functional Unit: 1 kg of oil extracted”

This figure shows the seventh step for the procedure to rename a unit process or flow using in Method 1 from the User Manuel. It shows the location of the reload button for viewing the changes made to the unit process. The reload button is framed in red.

This figure shows the second step of procedure for renaming a process or flow using Method 2 from the openLCA program User Manuel. It shows an overview of the location of the unit process "Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable A" of the database in openLCA.

The figure shows eleven folders from the database, some of which are and present processes. These elements are arranged as follows:

• Configurable processes [not in screenshot]
  
  • Corn oil
    • Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable A
    • Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable B
    • Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable C
  • Grid electricity
  • Oil from oilseed
  • Yellow grease
• For vehicles
• Hydrogen pathway
• Renewable hydrocarbon biofuel pathway
• Renewable natural gas pathway
• Flows
  • Elementary flows
  • Intermediate flows

The process "Corn oil, extracted at processor, configurable A" is highlighted in dark grey, indicating that this folder has been right clicked on. A drop-down menu present the following options:

• Open
• Usage
• Delete
• Cut
• Copy
• Rename
• Export…

“Rename” is framed in red.

This figure represents the third step in the procedure for moving a unit process or flow found of the database in openLCA. It shows an overview of the "Electricity, from grid, configurable A" process of the database in openLCA, which is being moved to the Biodiesel pathway folder.

The figure highlights eleven folders from the database, some of which are open. For those that are open, the processes they contain are also displayed. These elements are shown in the following manner, each accompanied with a purple icon to its left:

• Fuel Pathways (open)
  • Biodiesel pathway (open)
    • Biodiesel CI (open)
      • Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A
      • Biodiesel CI from Feedstock B
      • Biodiesel CI from Feedstock C
    • Feedstock at biodiesel plant
    • 1 – Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant
    • 2 – Biodiesel distribution, to end-user
    • 3 - Biodiesel combustion, to end-user
  • Bioethanol pathway
  • Biogas pathway
  • Configurable processes (open)
    • Animal fats, endered
    • Carbo capture and storage
    • Corn oil
    • Grid electricity (open)
      • Electricity, from grid, configurable A
      • Electricity, from grid, configurable B
      • Electricity, from grid, configurable C

In the "Grid electricity" subfolder, "Electricity, from grid, configurable A" is highlighted in blue. A red arrow points from, this process to the "Biodiesel pathway" folder, highlighted in blue, with the message "Drag the process on top of the folder where you want it moved" in red. In the screen capture, on the right-hand side of the "Biodiesel pathway" folder, "Electricity, from grid, configurable A" appears lightly overlapping the “Biodiesel pathway” folder, indicating that it is currently being moved to this folder.

This figure represents the fourth step for completing the causal allocation table.

It shows an overview of the "Allocation" tab of the unit process "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" of the database in openLCA, once the "Causal allocation" table has been completed.

In the left-hand corner of the screen capture, the "Welcome" and "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant " tabs appear, on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. To the right, there are two icons for minimizing and expanding the currently open window.

Just below the tabs, to the left, the title "Allocation: 1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" is displayed in bold on a white background, indicating that the "Allocation" tab for this process is open. To the right, there is the reload icon.

Below, in the left-hand corner, "Default method" is written on a white background with an adjacent rectangle on a white background with a downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle, indicating the presence of a drop-down menu for selecting the default method. In this rectangle is the word "Causal", which is the default method selected. To the right of the rectangle, "Calculate factors" with a green icon to its left. This whole section is framed in red, with an arrow pointing to "Make sure causal allocation is selected" written in red.
The remaining part of the figure is divided into two sections on a white background, arranged one above the other.

In the top left-hand corner of the first section, "Physical & economic allocation" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

Immediately below, the rest of the section is presented in a three-column table, showing the physical and economic allocation characteristics of the unit process "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant".

In the top left-hand corner of the second section, "Causal Allocation" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. Immediately below, the rest of the section presents the flows and their amounts in an eight-column table.

The last line of the table is highlighted in grey, and the contents of the last column appear in bold red.
A red frame surrounds the last four columns. A red arrow from this frame points to the instruction "Enter the allocation values here" written in red.

This figure shows the fourth step for using physical allocation. It shows a preview of the dialog box that opens after clicking on "Calculate default values" in the “Allocation” tab of a unit process.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, in the title bar, on a light blue background, the openLCA logo is visible, with "Calculate default factors" to its right. The rest of the screenshot is on a white background.

Below, the text "Select the flow properties that should be used for calculating the respective allocation factors" is displayed.

The remaining part of the screenshot is as follows: the allocation factors are listed one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right for each allocation factor, the corresponding flow properties used to calculate these factors are displayed. These elements are displayed as follows from top to bottom:

• "Physical allocation" with the entry “Energy” in the associated rectangle to the right. There is a downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle that indicates the presence of a drop-down menu from which it is possible to select the desired physical allocation
• "Economic allocation" with the entry “Energy” in the associated rectangle to the right. There is a downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle that indicates the presence of a drop-down menu from which it is possible to select the desired economic allocation

Just below, "Calculate from costs/revenue" appears, with a checkbox to the left, which can be selected. In the screenshot, this box is unchecked.

• "Causal allocation" with the entry “Energy” in the associated rectangle to the right. There is a downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle that indicates the presence of a drop-down menu from which it is possible to select the desired allocation

At the bottom right of the window, two choices are available on a grey background: "OK" and "Cancel". "OK" is framed in blue and red, indicating that this is the option to choose.

This figure represents the fifth step for using physical allocation. It shows an overview of the "Allocation" tab of the unit process "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" in the openLCA software database, once the "Physical and economic allocation" table has been filled in.

In the left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and "1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" tabs appear, on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, icons for minimizing and expanding the tab are visible.

Just below, to the left, the title "Allocation: 1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" is displayed in bold on a white background, indicating that the "Allocation" tab for this process is open.

Below, in the left-hand corner, "Default method" is written on a white background with a rectangle to its right with “Physical” framed in red. A downward-pointing arrow in the right-hand corner of the rectangle indicates the presence of a drop-down menu for selecting the default method. To the right of the rectangle, a “Calculate factors” button appears with a green icon to the right. The drop-down menu and “Calculate factors” button are framed in red, indicating that after selecting the default method, the “Calculate factors” should be clicked on.

Below it, on the left, "Physical & economic allocation" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

Next, the rest of the figure presents the characteristics of physical and economic allocation in a three-column table.

The values in the last row of the table are highlighted in bold.
All of the "Physical" column is framed in red, except for the last element in each column. A red arrow from this frame points to the annotation written in red "Values are automatically calculated once you click “calculate default values”".

This figure shows the third step in the procedure for creating a product system. It shows a preview of the dialog box that opens after clicking on "New product system" in the "General information" tab of the process.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, in the title bar on a light blue background, is the openLCA logo. In the top right-hand corner, the icons for minimizing, maximizing and closing the window are visible.

Below on the left, on a white background, "New Product System" appears in bold type, indicating the title of the window that is open. On the right, a blue icon appears.

The remaining part of the figure is on a grey background. The arrangement is such that the system characteristics are arranged one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is displayed. These elements are presented as follows from top to bottom:

• Biodiesel CI
  • "Name" with the associated rectangle for entering the process name to the right. In the screenshot, "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" is shown.
  • "Reference process" with the associated rectangle to its left, left blank.
  • Below this rectangle, is another rectangular area that contains the following elements:
    • Biodiesel CI from feedstock A
    • Biodiesel CI from feedstock B
    • Biodiesel CI from feedstock C
• Feedstock at biodiesel plant
• 1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant
• 2-Biodiesel distribution, to end user
• 3-Biodiesel combustion, to end user

"Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" is highlighted in grey to indicate that this is the process from which a product system will be created.

Immediately below this rectangular area, the following elements related to the product system are shown:

• "Auto- link processes" with a checkbox on the left, which can be ticked. A blue tick appears in this box.
• "Check multi-provider links (experimental)" with a checkbox on the left. This box is unchecked in the screenshot.
• “Provider linking”
  • "Ignore default providers" with a bubble checkbox on the left. This box is not checked on the screenshot
  • “Prefer default providers” with a bubble checkbox on the left. A blue dot appears in this box
  • “Only link default providers” with a bubble checkbox on the left. This box is not checked on the screenshot
• “Preferred process type”
  • “Unit process” with a bubble checkbox on the left. This box is not checked on the screenshot
  • “System process” with a bubble checkbox on the left. A blue dot appears in this box
• “Cut-off” with a checkbox on the left. This box is not checked on the screenshot. A line to the right is empty in the screenshot

At the bottom right of the window, two choices are available: "Finish" and "Cancel". "Finish" is slightly framed in blue, indicating that this is the option to choose.

This figure shows the second step in the procedure for calculating carbon intensity. It shows an overview of the "Reference" section of the "General information" tab in the product system “Biodiesel from Feedstock A”.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, "Reference" is written in bold blue type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

The remaining part of the screenshot is on a grey background. The arrangement is such that the system characteristics are arranged one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is displayed. These elements are presented as follows from top to bottom:

• "Process" with "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" written in light blue on the right, accompanied by a purple icon to its left.
• "Product" with a rectangle to the right in which appears " Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A", accompanied by a blue icon to its left.
• "Flow property" with a rectangle to the right, showing "Energy" with a brown icon to its left.
• "Unit" with a rectangle to the right, in which "MJ" appears with a blue icon to its left.
• "Target amount" with a rectangle to the right in which "1.0" appears.

"Unit" and "Target amount” and associated information are framed in red, indicating to take note of the correct reference amount when calculating the CI.

This figure shows the second step in the procedure for calculating the carbon intensity of a process. It shows an overview of the "General information" tab of the " Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" product system created.

In the upper left-hand corner of the screenshot, the tabs “Welcome” and “Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A” appear, on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

Just below, to the left, the title "General information: Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" is displayed in bold, indicating that the "General information" tab of the product system is open.

Below this on the left, "General information" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

The remaining part of the screenshot is on a white background. The arrangement is such that the system characteristics of the product system ae arranged one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is displayed. These elements are presented as follows from top to bottom:

• "Name" with an adjacent white rectangle to the right for entering the product system name
  • In the screenshot, "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" is shown here
• "Category" with an adjacent rectangle marked "-none -"
• "Description" with an adjacent rectangle for entering a description of the product system created. In the screenshot
  • “First created: 2024-02-07T09:57:56”
  • “Linking approach during creation: Prefer default providers; Preferred process type: System process” is shown here
  • Immediately below the rectangle are the following details from left to right; however, they are not shown in a rectangle:
    • “Version 00.00.0000” with two icons on the right
    • “Last modified 2024-02-07 09:57:56”
    • “UUID 4bd11c55-d7df-42ac-a890-2a60e64c791b”
• "Tags" with an "Add a tag" button on the right. You can click on this to add a tag

Immediately below "Add a tag", a "Calculate" button is framed in red, with a green icon to its left, meaning that it must be clicked to proceed.

This figure shows the second step in the procedure for creating a system process. It shows a preview of the "Modeling and validation" tab of the "1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" unit process, from which the system process will be created.

In the left-hand corner of the preview of the "Modeling and validation" tab of the "1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" unit process, the "Welcome" and "1- Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" tabs appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, icons for minimizing and maximizing the tab are visible.

Just below, to the left, the title "Modeling and validation: 1-Biodiesel production, at biodiesel plant" is displayed in bold on a white background, indicating that the "Modeling and validation" tab for this process is open.

Below it, on the left, "Modeling and Validation" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, the reload icon appears.

The remaining part of the figure is on a white background. The arrangement is such that the system characteristics of the product system ae arranged one below the other on the left, and in a rectangle to the right of each characteristic, the corresponding information is displayed. These elements are presented as follows from top to bottom:

• “Process type” with a rectangle to the right that has a downward-pointing arrow, indicating the presence of a drop-down menu from which the process type can be selected. “Unit process” appears in the rectangle. In the screenshot, the menu is open and the following options are shown:
  • System process
  • Unit process

"System process" is highlighted in blue, indicating that this is the option to be selected

All drop-down menu options are framed in red, indicating that the item to be modified at this stage is in this menu

• "LCI method" has the adjacent right-hand part hidden by the drop-down menu discussed earlier, which is open in the screenshot

This figure shows the model graph of the "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" process product system. In the left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome", " Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" process and “Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” product system tabs are shown on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

Below on the left of the figure on a white background, the processes involved in modeling the product system are shown. Each process is framed in purple and accompanied by its own icon, as follows:

• 1- Bioethanol production, at biodiesel plant
• 2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user
• 3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user

In each frame, in the right corner, a "-" sign appears.

At the bottom, a red brace frames all the processes, and its point is oriented towards the annotation “These are the inputs for the process on the right" written in red.

Three black arrows from the process inputs “1- Bioethanol production, at biodiesel plant,” “2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user,” and “3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user” on the left of the figure and point to the corresponding product system sources, listed in the purple frame on the right of the figure.

On the right-hand side of the figure, the final product , as well as the sources of the product system, are framed in purple and are arranged as follows on a light purple background:

• "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A", with two icons directly to its left and individually bordered by another purple frame
• "input flows", in light grey, preceded by two right-hand brackets pointing to the right
• “1- Bioethanol production from Feedstock A 1.00MJ”, with a blue icon to its left
• “2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user 1.00MJ”, with a blue icon to its left
• “3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user 1.00MJ”, with a blue icon to its left

A purple line separates this series of elements from the rest of the elements listed below:

• "output flows", in light grey, to the right of the frame, followed by two right-hand brackets of the same colour, pointing to the right
• "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A 1.00 MJ", written in bold and with a blue icon to its left

A red arrow pointing upwards from the annotation "The final product and source of the product system is always shown on the right" to the bottom of the frame, referring to the elements contained within the frame.
 

This figure shows the graph model of the product system for the "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" process in the Model database. This figure highlights the extension of process inputs for the process “Bioethanol from Feedstock A”. It illustrates the complexity of interconnections existing in each process and that are present in the carbon intensity calculation.

In the left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" tabs appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

Below, on a white background, in the center of the figure, the processes involved in modeling the product system are shown. The processes are arranged from top to bottom, and each process is framed in purple and accompanied by its own icon, as follows:

• 1- Bioethanol production, at biodiesel plant
• 2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user
• 3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user

In the right of each frame, a “-” sign appears. On the left of the first frame of the heading "1- Bioethanol production, at biodiesel plant," a "-" sign appears, framed in red. A red arrow points from the red frame to the annotation “Clicking this box shows the inputs for a process.”

The figure shows the inputs included in the process “1- Bioethanol production, at biodiesel plant”. Located in the bottom left-hand corner, these inputs appear one below the other, framed individually, each with its own icon on the left. The inputs are listed as follows:

• Natural gas combustion
• Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant
• Electricity, from grid [CA-AB]

“Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant” is displayed in a light purple frame, while “Natural gas combustion” and “Electricity, from grid [CA-AB]” are each presented in a dark purple frame.

Three black arrows from the processes each point to the corresponding unit process inputs, listed in the purple frame on the right of the figure.

On the right-hand side of the figure, the final process, as well as the input of the process, are arranged as follows:

• "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A", with two icons directly to its left and individually bordered by a purple frame
• "input flows", in light grey, preceded by two brackets of the same colour pointing to the right
• “1- Bioethanol production from Feedstock A 1.00MJ”, with a blue icon to its left
• “2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user 1.00MJ”, with a blue icon to its left
• “3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user 1.00MJ”, with a blue icon to its left

A purple line separates this series of elements from the rest of the elements listed below:

• "output flows", written in light grey, on the right side of the frame, followed by two brackets of the same colour pointing to the right
• "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A 1.00 MJ", written in bold and with a blue icon to its left

This figure shows the model graph of the "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" product system in the openLCA model database. The figure highlights a different visualization of the process inputs and outputs included in the “1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant” process.

In the left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" tabs appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

The figure, on a white background, is made up of three main elements: on the left, the inputs to the "1- Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant" process; in the center, the various processes involved in modeling the "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" unit process; and on the right, the final process and its inputs and output.

In the center of the figure, the following elements appear framed in purple and arranged as follows :

• "1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant", bordered by a red frame and with two icons directly to its left. A red arrow points towards the first icon located on the left and is accompanied by the following annotation: "Double-click a box to view the inputs and outputs. Hover the mouse over an input or output to see the name and amount." written in red
• “input flow”, written in grey and preceded by two brackets pointing to the right
  • “Electricity, from grid [CA-AB] 1.00 MJ”, with a blue icon to its left
  • “Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant 1.00 kg”, with a blue icon to its left
  • “Natural gas combustion 1.00 MJ”, with a blue icon to its left
• “output flows”, written in grey and preceded by two brackets pointing to the right
  • “1- Bioethanol from Feedstock A 0.00 MJ”, written in bold and with a blue icon on its left
  • “1- Bioethanol from Feedstock B 0.00 MJ”, with a blue icon on its left
  • “1- Bioethanol from Feedstock A 0.00 MJ”, with a blue icon on its left

Three black arrows originate from the processes "Electricity, from grid [CA-AB]", "Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant" and "Natural gas combustion" located on the left of the figure, each framed in purple and with its own icon. The arrows point towards the respective details of each of these processes, listed as inputs of the process "1- Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant" in the aforementioned purple frame. More specifically, they point to the following elements:

• “Electricity, from grid [CA-AB] 1.00MJ”
• “Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant 1.00 kg”
• “Natural gas combustion 1.00 MJ”

Below the purple frame located in the center of the figure, the rest of the processes involved in modeling the product system are shown. The processes are listed from top to bottom, each framed in purple and accompanied by its own icon, as follows:

• 2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user
• 3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user

On the right of the figure, the final process as well as the inputs and output of the process are framed in purple and arranged as follows on a light purple background:

• "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock", framed in purple and with two icons directly to its left
• Input flows
  • "1-Bioethanol from Feedstock 1.00 MJ", with a blue icon to its left
  • "2-Bioethanol distribution 1.00 MJ", with a blue icon to its left
  • “3-Bioethanol combustion 1.00 MJ", with a blue icon to its left
• Output flows
  • "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock 1.00 MJ", written in bold and with a blue icon to its left

Three black arrows originate from the frames of the respective processes "1- Bioethanol from Feedstock", "2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user" and "3- Bioethanol combustion, at end-user" located in the center of the figure, and point to the corresponding inputs, listed in the purple frame on the right of the figure, as follows:

• "1-Bioethanol from Feedstock A 1.00 MJ"
• "2-Bioethanol distribution 1.00 MJ"
• “3-Bioethanol combustion 1.00 MJ"

This figure shows the inventory results for the fuel pathway “Bioethanol CI from Corn”.

At the top of the screenshot, the tabs “Welcome” “Bioethanol CI from Corn” “Bioethanol CI from Corn” and “Results of: “Bioethanol CI from Corn” are shown, each with their own icon. The tab “Results from: Bioethanol CI from Corn” is selected, indicating that the window shown in the image corresponds to it.

Below on the left, the title “Bioethanol CI from Corn” appears in blod, with its own icon to its left. It is followed by a grey horizontal line below it.

Below, the annotation “Inputs” is shows with a grey arrow pointing downwards to its left. To its right, the statement "Don’t show <" is followed by a white rectangle displaying the number "1". Inside the rectangle, in the right corner, two arrows are positioned, one above the other. One points upwards, the other downwards. These arrows can change the number in the rectangle by clicking upwards or downwards. To the right of rectangle, there is the "%" sign indicating that the number in the rectangle represents a percentage.

Below, a table of four columns displaying the inputs of the process modeled is shown. For this example, it appears blank. The table appears as follows:

Below, the annotation “Outputs” is shown with a grey arrow pointing downwards to its left. To its right, the statement "Don’t show <" is followed by a white rectangle displaying the number "1". Inside the rectangle, in the right corner, two arrows are positioned, one above the other. One points upwards, the other downwards. These arrows can change the number in the rectangle by clicking upwards or downwards. To the right of rectangle, there is the "%" sign indicating that the number in the rectangle represents a percentage.

Below, a table of four columns displaying the outputs of the process modeled is shown. The table appears as follows:

To the left of each item in the “Name” column is a gray arrow pointing to the right, along with a green leaf icon.

Below the outputs table, the annotation “Total requirements” shows with a grey arrow pointing downwards to its left. Below that annotation is a white rectangle with the word “Search” to its left.

Below, the total requirements are presented in a table of four columns as follows:

At the bottom of the screenshot, the tabs for “General information,” “Inventory results,” Impact analysis,” “Process results,” “Contribution tree,” “Grouping,” “Locations,” “Sankey diagram” and “LCIA Checks” are visible, the latter of which is cut off in the image. The tab “Inventory results” is underlined.

This figure shows the impact analysis of the "Bioethanol from Feedstock A" product system calculation.

At the top of the screenshot, the tabs “Welcome” “Bioethanol CI from Corn” and “Results of: “Bioethanol CI from Corn” are shown, each with their own icon.

Immediately below, to the left, the title “Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” is displayed in bold grey text, with an icon to its left.

On the screenshot, the tab “Results of: Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” is open and occupies the whole figure. The remaining part of the figure is divided into two sections, arranged one above the other. In the top left-hand corner of the first section, “Impact analysis: FuelLCAModelLCIA_AR5” is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

Appearing immediately below, to the left, is “Sub-group by:” followed by the two options “Flow” and “Processes” each accompanied by a checkbox directly to its left. The checkbox associated with “Processes” has been checked.

To the right of the term “Processes”, the statement “Don’t show <” is followed by a white rectangle displaying the number “1”. Inside the rectangle, in the right corner, two arrows are positioned, one above the other. One points upwards, the other downwards. To the right of the rectangle, there is the “%” sign.

Just below, the second section shows, in a five-column table, the carbon intensities of all the elements, included in the “Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” process (these are all mock up values). The table appears as follows:

On the left, a red brace frames all the items under the “Name” column, with the exception of “Carbon intensity”. A red arrow originates from the tip of the brace to the annotation “CI from all processes the produce emissions (usually from the data library)”, also in red.

This figure shows the contribution tree for the “Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” product system. It is a simplified version of the carbon intensity of the elements included in the process.
In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the title: “Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” is displayed in bold grey text, with an icon to its left.

Below, the following elements appear on a white background from top to bottom:

• "Flow" with a bubble checkbox directly to the left. To its right, in a rectangle, "Carbon dioxide (CO₂), fossil – Elementary flows/Emission to air", indicating the type of flow, appears greyed out. In the right-hand corner of the rectangle, a downward-pointing arrow indicates a drop-down menu
• Below, "Impact category" is also accompanied by a bubble checkbox directly to the left. A black tick appears in this box. To its right, in a rectangle, "Carbon intensity (AR5)," indicating the type of impact category, appears with a green icon to the left. In the right-hand corner of the rectangle, a downward-pointing arrow indicates a drop-down menu. This is all framed in red and followed by the instruction "Make sure to select the Impact category bubble to view the carbon intensity", written in red, below

Just below, the rest of the figure shows in a five-column table, the carbon intensities of the elements included in the "Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A" process:

On the left, there is a red brace enclosing “Corn, at farm”, “Truck transport, diesel”, “Natural gas combustion”, and “Hydrogen production”. A red arrow points from its tip to “Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant” and has the annotation “Inputs for the above process” written in red. 

This figure shows an overview of the "General information" tab in the "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" window in openLCA. It highlights the reload button for viewing the changes made to the process.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and “Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A” tabs are shown on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, the icons for minimizing and maximizing the window are visible.

In the screenshot, the "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" tab is open and occupies the entire figure.

At the top left of the screenshot, the title "General information: Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" is displayed in bold on a white background, indicating that the “General Information” tab of this process is open. On the right, the reloading icon is framed in red, highlighting its location. Below it, on the left, "General information" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

The remaining part of the figure is set against a white background, and breaks down as follows:

On the left is the term "Name", with a rectangle to its right, allowing the entry of the process name. "Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" appears in the rectangle.

On the left, this figure shows an overview of the location of the "Natural gas combustion" process in the database in openLCA, and on the right, the tab that displays after clicking on "Usage" from the dropdown menu that appears following a right-click on the process. The purpose of the figure is to highlight the "Usage" function available for each process.

On the left of the figure, twenty-four folders from the database are shown. Among them, the folders “Fossil fuels” and “Combusted fossil fuels” are open. The folders are arranged as follows, each with its own icon:

• Fossil fuels
  • Combusted fossil fuels
    • Aviation fuel combustion
    • Bituminous coal combustion
    • Compressed natural gas combustion
    • Diesel combustion
    • Gasoline combustion
    • Heavy fuel oil combustion
    • Kerosene combustion
    • Light fuel oil combustion
    • Lignite coal combustion
    • Liquefied petroleum gas combustion
    • Liquefied natural gas combustion
    • Natural gas combustion
    • Petcoke combustion
    • Propane combustion
    • Stove oil combustion
    • Sub-bituminous coal combustion
  • Non-combusted fossil fuels
  • Non-combusted fossil fuels
• Other energy sources
• Renewable fuels
• Transportation
• Fuel Pathways

"Natural gas combustion" is highlighted in blue, indicating that it has been right clicked on. This right-click brings up a drop-down menu with the following options, each with its own icon:

• Open
• Usage
• Delete
• Cut
• Copy
• Rename
• Export…

“Usage” is highlighted in blue, indicating that it is the option to select to proceed.

On the right-hand side of the figure, is the screenshot of the window that opens after clicking “Usage”. In the left-hand corner of this screenshot, the “Welcome” and “Search results” tabs appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon.

Just below, the title "Usage of Natural gas combustion (5 Results)" is displayed in bold, on a white background.

Thereafter, all the processes where the "Natural gas combustion" process is used are listed as follows:

• Biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, at bioethanol plant
  Fuel Pathways/Configurable processes/Carbon capture and storage
• 2 – Treatment facility
  Fuel Pathways/For vehicles/Gaseous fuel for vehicles/2 – Fuel distribution
• 3 – Fueling station operation
  Fuel Pathways/For vehicles/Gaseous fuel for vehicles/2 – Fuel distribution
• Fossil carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, at hydrogen SMR plant
  Fuel Pathways/Configurable processes/Carbon capture and storage
• Natural gas combustion
  Data Library/Fossil fuels/Combusted fossil fuels

Process names are written in blue, each with its own icon, while their location in the database is shown in green.

This figure shows the "Used in processes" section of a flow, accessible from the flow’s "General information" tab. This screenshot shows all the processes consuming and producing the flow.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, "Used in processes" is written in bold and gray on a white background and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

Below, the processes are divided into two categories: “Consumed by” and “Produced by”.

To the right of the title “Consumed by”, the following processes are listed in blue, each with a grey icon to its left:

• 2 - Treatment facility
• 3 - Fuelling station operation
• Biogenic carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, at bioethanol plant
• Fossil carbon dioxide (CO₂) capture, at hydrogen SMR plant

Below, to the right of the title “Produced by”, the following process is written in blue with a grey icon to its left:

• Natural gas combustion

This figure shows the second step in the procedure for changing the flow properties. In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and "2-Biodiesel distribution, to end-user" tabs are shown, on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, the icons for minimizing and maximizing the window are visible.

Below, immediately on the left, the title "Flow properties: 2-Biodiesel distribution, to end-user" is displayed in bold, on a white background, indicating that the “Flow properties” tab for this process is open. On the right, the reloading icon is visible.

Below, on the left, "Flow Properties" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, the icon for adding a new flow property, in green, appears framed in red. A red arrow points from this frame to the "Add a new flow property" annotation, also written in red. To its right, is the red icon for deleting a flow property.

Below, the following table of five columns displaying the flow characteristics appears:

At the bottom of the window, the "General information" and "Flow properties" tabs appear from left to right. "Flow Properties" is framed in red, with a red arrow pointing to the "Go to the Flow Properties tab" instruction, written in red. 

This figure shows the fourth step in the procedure for changing the flow properties. It shows a preview of the flow properties table once a new flow property has been added. In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and "2-Biodiesel distribution, to end-user" tabs are shown, on a gray and white background respectively, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, the icons for minimizing and maximizing the window are visible.

Below, immediately on the left, the title "Flow properties: 2-Biodiesel distribution, to end-user" is displayed in bold, on a white background, indicating that the “Flow properties” tab for this process is open. On the right, the reloading icon is visible.

Below, on the left, "Flow Properties" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, the icon for adding a new flow property, in green, appears and to its right, is the red icon for deleting a flow property.

Below, the following table of five columns displaying the flow characteristics appears:

In the second row, last column the checked box is framed in red and accompanied by a red arrow pointing to the "Check this box" instruction, also written in red. This establishes the new flow property as the reference property.

At the bottom of the window, the "General information" and "Flow properties" tabs appear from left to right. "Flow Properties" is underlined in blue, indicating that this is the tab currently open.

This figure shows the sixth step in the procedure for changing the flow properties. This step aims to adjust all unit processes using the original flow property, replacing it with the new one.

In the top left-hand corner of the screenshot, the "Welcome" and "2-Biodiesel distribution, to end-user" tabs are shown, each with its own icon. In the top right-hand corner, icons for minimizing and maximizing the window are visible.

Immediately below, to the left, the title "Inputs/Outputs: Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" is displayed in bold, indicating that the "Inputs/Outputs" tab of the " Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A" process is open. On the right, the reloading icon is visible.

Below it, on the left, "Inputs" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left. On the right are three small colored icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers), representing the actions "create new", "delete selection" and "display values".

This is followed by a table showing the characteristics of the process input streams as follow:

After clicking right on the downward-pointing arrow to the right of the word "MJ - Energy", a drop-down menu appears in the Unit column. "kg - Mass" is highlighted and framed in red. A red arrow from this frame points to the "Select the new units for the flow" instruction, also written in red.

Below, on the left, "Outputs" is written in bold type, and a small downward-pointing arrow is positioned immediately to its left.

Next, the table showing the characteristics of the process's outgoing flows is partially displayed, as follows:

This figure shows a table of flow data from Excel, to be copied and pasted directly into openLCA. This figure highlights the table formatting required to ensure successful transfer to openLCA.

The table shown in the figure is as follows:

This figure shows an overview of flow data from an Excel table, once pasted into the process input/output table in openLCA. The table shown is as follows: 

This figure illustrates the four phases of LCA study. Each phase is represented in a turquoise box.
On the left of the figure, the following phases are arranged from top to bottom:

• Goal and scope definition
• Inventory analysis
• Impact assessment

The phases are interconnected by a black double arrow between each phase, symbolizing the reciprocal influence between them.

On the right-hand side of the figure, the "Interpretation" phase is shown. This phase is also interconnected with each of the three phases listed above with black double arrows.

This figure illustrates the fuel LCA modeling concepts used in the openLCA software.

The model consists of four main concepts, each represented by a dotted box. These boxes are arranged from top to bottom, reflecting the order of progression of the concepts. Within each box are the sub-steps of the corresponding concept.

At the top of the figure, the first concept, "Fuel pathway level" is shown in bold, in the top left-hand corner of the associated box. Within the box, the associated sub-steps are arranged from left to right, connected by arrows indicating the order of progression, each in a light green box and listed as follows:

• Feedstock Extraction
• Feedstock Transportation
• Fuel Production
• Fuel Distribution
• Fuel Combustion

The substep "Fuel Production" is framed in a dotted green box and has a yellow arrow pointing down to the second concept in Fuel LCA modeling, "Life cycle stage level". The latter, written in bold, is in the upper left-hand corner of a dotted green box. Within it, the associated sub-steps for Fuel Production are represented by turquoise boxes.

To the left are two “Unit process” sub-steps, arranged one above the other. In the middle are three “Unit process” sub-steps, arranged one above the other. On the right is a final “Unit process” with a black arrow emanating from the right side and pointing to the right. Both of the unit processes on the left have a black arrow pointing to the lowest “Unit process” located in the middle of the dotted green box. All the middle unit processes have arrows pointing towards the unit process on the right. This succession of arrows illustrates the logical sequence between the sub-steps of the "Lifecycle stage level" concept, made up of unit processes available in the openLCA software.

In the middle, the last “Unit process” is framed with a dotted blue box with a yellow arrow pointing down to the third concept in Fuel LCA modeling “Unit process level”, which is written in bold and is located in the upper left-hand corner of the associated dotted blue box.

This third level consist of one “Unit process” in a turquoise box. The box has three small green arrows emanating from the top of it, two black arrows to its left pointing towards it, and one black arrow on its right pointing away from it. The green arrows represent elementary flows leaving the “Unit process” and the black arrows represent intermediate flows entering and leaving the “Unit process”.

There is a legend at the bottom of the figure. The legend includes two rightward-pointing arrows that are black and green respectively. The former arrow represents intermediate flows, with "Intermediate flow" written in bold above the arrow and "e.g. kWh of electricity" written below the arrow. The latter arrow represents elementary flows, with "Elementary flow" written in bold above the arrow and "e.g. kg of CO₂” written below the arrow.

This figure illustrates the interaction between the unit processes of a flow.

It consists of the unit processes, "Unit Process A", in a turquoise box, link by a black arrow to the unit process "Unit Process B", also in a turquoise box.

A green arrow points upwards from the top of the "Unit Process B" box.

On the right-hand side of the figure are the following notes:

• Unit processes are represented by boxes in a process flow diagram
• Flows are represented by arrows
  • Intermediate flows connect unit processes
  • Elementary flows are only connected to a unit process at one end

A legend appears at the bottom left-hand corner of the figure. It consists of two arrows one above the other, in black and green respectively. The black arrow has the description "Intermediate flow” to its right, whereas the green arrow has the description “Elementary flow” to its right.

This figure presents the concept of “providers” as used in openLCA. In the figure, this concept is illustrated by an input flow table of the elementary flow “Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A,” where the providers are identified as an intermediate flow source entering the process.

In the upper right-hand corner of the screen capture, the tabs “Welcome” and “Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A” appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. On the right, the icons for minimizing and maximizing the window is visible.

Immediately below, to the left, the title, “Inputs/Outputs: Biodiesel CI from Feedstock A” is written in bold on a white background, indicating that the tab “Inputs/Outputs” of this process is open. On the right, the reload icon is visible.

Below, on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing down is positioned immediately to the left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) represent the actions “create new,” “remove the selection,” and “display the values”.

Afterwards, the following table presents the characteristics of the process input flows:

The content of the column “Provider” is framed in red. A red arrow emanates from this box and points towards the elements of the column “Flow.” Below the arrow, the description “The provider is the process that produces the input intermediate flow” is written in red.

Below, on the left, “Outputs” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing down is positioned immediately to its left. To the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) represent the actions “create new,” “remove the selection,” and “display the values”.

Immediately below, the table of output flows is presented as follows:

The content of each column is in bold characters.

This figure shows an example of a unit process, basic bioethanol production process. In the top left-hand corner, the heading "Bioethanol production, from corn" appears. Just below it, the term "Inputs" appears. Subsequently, the figure is structured with two tables, one above the other, each framed in a black box: the first, at the top, shows the process's inputs, while the second, at the bottom, details the outputs.

Under the heading "Inputs", the table of inputs is presented as follows:

Note that in the table of inputs, the column headings are shown in bold type on a black background, while the rest of the table is shown on a grey background.

A red arrow from "Electricity, from grid" points to the statement "Intermediate flows (blue) come from other unit or system processes", also in red.

Just below the input table, the term "Outputs" is inscribed on the left, introducing the outgoing flows table at the bottom, as follows:

Note that in the output table, column headings are displayed in bold type on a black background, while the rest of the table is presented on a grey background. The contents of the second row of the table appear in bold blue type, while those of the third and fourth rows are in normal blue and green type, respectively.

A red arrow from the number "5,900" points to the statement "The amounts of each flow (both inputs and outputs) are relative to the reference flow", also in red.

Another red arrow points from "Carbon dioxide, biogenic" to the statement "Elementary flows (green) are exchanged with the environment", also in red.

This figure shows the logical sequence of steps involved in the life-cycle analysis of the corn-based bioethanol fuel pathway. It serves as an example of a fuel pathway in the Model.

In the top left-hand corner of the figure, "Bioethanol from corn fuel pathway" is written in bold type.

Below, the stages are arranged from left to right, connected by arrows indicating the order of progression, each in a green box:

• Corn cultivation
• Corn transportation
• Bioethanol production
• Bioethanol distribution
• Bioethanol combustion

This figure shows the logical sequence of the five steps involved in the life-cycle analysis of a low-carbon fuel in the Model. On the top left is the title “Life cycle stages” written in bold.
The stages are arranged from left to right, connected by arrows indicating the order of progression, each within a light green box:

• Feedstock Production
• Feedstock Transportation
• Fuel Production
• Fuel Distribution
• Fuel Combustion

This figure provides a simplified illustration of some of the processes involved in the life-cycle stage of bioethanol production.

In a dotted black box, "Fuel production life cycle stage" is written at the top, in bold type. Below, on the left, the following processes appear from top to bottom, each in a turquoise box:

• Electricity
• Chemical inputs
• Natural gas

A blue arrow points from each of these processes to the fourth process, "Bioethanol production", on the right, in a turquoise box. The blue arrows coming from each process on the left indicate that the flows generated by these processes constitute inputs for the fourth process.

A fourth blue arrow, coming from outside the dotted black box, points to "Bioethanol production", with the indication "Input flow from process “Corn, at bioethanol plant”".

A blue arrow pointing to the right starts from "Bioethanol production" and extends beyond the dotted black box, with the indication “Output flow to process “Bioethanol distribution”” below it.

Below the dotted black box, a legend appears. It features a small turquoise box, with "Process" written to its right.

The figure shows an example of emission tracking of GHGs resulting from both a unit process and a system process on a white background.

In the top left corner of the image, the annotation “Unit processes” is written in black, bold text. Below it is a dotted black box containing four turquoise boxes with black borders representing four subprocesses to the unit process.

For the unit processes, the first box is located on the left side of the interior of the dotted box with the inscription “Process X”. A green arrow emits from the center of the top of the box pointing upwards, with the annotation “1 kg of CO₂,” indicating the GHG emissions associated with the process. 

On its right is a black, rightward-pointing arrow connecting to the left side of another turquoise box with “Process Y” written in it. There are two green arrows pointing upwards emanating from the top of the box, with the annotations “2 kg of CO₂” and “3 kg of CH₄” respectively. Directly below is another turquoise box with the inscription “Process W”. There is a green arrow emitting from its top with the annotation “4 kg of CH₄”.

Both the “Process W” and “Process Y” boxes have black arrows emanating from the right pointing towards the left side of a fourth turquoise box with the inscription “Process Z as unit process”. A green arrow emanates from the top to the box pointing upwards with the annotation “5 kg of CO₂”. A black arrow pointing rightwards emanates from the right of the box and out of the dotted box with the annotation “1 MJ of Z,” indicating the main product of the unit processes.

In the middle right of the main image, the annotation “System process” is written in bold, black text. Below it is another dotted black box containing a single turquoise box with a black border with the inscription “Process Z as system process”. There are two green arrows pointing upwards of the top of the box, with the annotations “8 kg of CO₂” and “7 kg of CH₄” respectively. A black arrow pointing rightwards emanates from the right side of the box out of the dotted box with the annotation “1 MJ of Z.”

At the bottom of the figure, the following annotation is shown:

“In both cases:

• Life cycle inventory: 8 kg of CO₂ and 7 kg of CH₄ per MJ of Z
• Carbon Intensity: 8 kg of CO₂/MJ of Z * 1 kg CO₂eq/kg CO₂ + 7 kg of CH₄/MJ of Z * 30 kg CO₂eq/kg CH₄ = 218 kg of CO₂eq/MJ of Z”

This figure illustrates a graphical representation of the development of the Model Data Library.

The figure presents two black cylinders, one to the left and one to the right, both within a black box. Above the latter, the title “Development of the Fuel LCA Model Data Library” is written.

In the larger left cylinder, on the left, two dotted boxes are arranged one on top of the other. On the right, two other boxes are positioned in the same way, but they overlap slightly.

Inside each dotted box, turquoise squares, each representing a unit process, are arranged. On the left side, the top box contains two squares, and the one below contains three. On the right side, in the top box, two squares are found in the zone not overlapping with the bottom box, and two others are in the overlapping zone. The bottom box also contains two squares in the part not overlapping with the top box.

In the right cylinder, four green-coloured squares, each representing a system process, are arranged as follows: two above, two below. Below the cylinder, the comment “Fuel LCA Model Data Library” is written.

Four blue arrows emanate from the left cylinder and point towards the right cylinder in the following manner:

• An arrow from the top left box towards the green square positioned in the upper right
• An arrow from the bottom left box towards the green square positioned in the lower right
• An arrow from the top right box towards the green square positioned in the upper left
• An arrow from the bottom right box towards the green square positioned in the lower left

These connections indicate that each system process results from the aggregation of several unit processes

In the lower left corner of the figure, there is a legend. It consists of two squares, one on top of the other, coloured turquoise and green respectively. The annotation “Unit process” appears to the right of the turquoise blue square, whereas “System process” is written to the right of the green square.

This figure illustrates the energy allocation of a multifunctional unit process. It highlights the distribution of environmental impacts via the use of energy factors based on the energy content of each product resulting from the unit process.

In the upper left corner of the figure, a black box is shown, with the description “Unit process”. The upper portion of the box is blue, symbolizing the first product resulting from the unit process, whereas the lower portion is orange and represents the second product resulting from the unit process. About 20% of the box is blue and 80% is orange.

A black arrow to the left of the box points towards it and indicates “1.00 kg input,” also written in black. From the right side of the box, a blue arrow, pointing towards the right, emanates from the blue portion with the description “0.25 MJ,” representing the energy associated with the first product. An orange arrow, pointing towards the right, emanates from the orange potion with the description “1 MJ,” representing the energy associated with the second product. Three green arrows emanate from the top of the box and point towards the top. They symbolize the elementary flows related to greenhouse gas emissions.

A red arrow points towards the box and indicates “Unit process with more than one product,” also written in red.

A black arrow situated at the center of the figure, pointing towards the energy allocation factors of the products that are represented by a diagram situated at the right of the figure. Above this arrow, the statement “Allocation factors distribute environmental burdens to each product” is written in red.

The diagram begins with a branch with the statement “1.00 kg input,” then separating into two distinct arrows: one above and one below. The upper arrow indicates “x0.2,” in blue, pointing towards “Unit process” written in a box that is also blue. Similarly, the lower arrow indicating “x0.8” points towards “Unit process” written in a box that is orange.

The values “0.2” and “0.8” represent the allocation factors of each product pertaining to each of the unit processes.

Three green arrows emanate from above each box and point upwards. They symbolize the unit flows related to greenhouse gas emissions. To the right of the arrows associated with the upper box, “x0.2” written in blue, whereas to the right of the arrows associated with the lower box, ”x0.8” is written in orange.

To the right of the upper box, a blue arrow points towards the right and indicates “0.25 MJ,” also written in blue. To the right of the lower box, an orange arrow points towards the right and indicates “1 MJ,” also written in orange. These indicators represent the energy values associated with the products resulting from each of the unit processes.

In the lower left corner of the figure, there is a legend. It is composed of two boxes, one on top of the other in blue and orange respectively, and a green arrow just below. The descriptor “Product 1” is to the right of the blue box, whereas “Product 2” is written to the right of the orange box. “Elementary flow (GHG emissions)” is written to the right of the green arrow.

In the lower right corner of the figure, the details of the calculations for the allocation factors are written in black and appear as follows:

• Allocation factor 1 = 0.25/(1+0.25) = 0.2
• Allocation factor 2 = 1/(1+0.25) = 0.8

In the first expression, “0.25” and “0.2” are in blue, whereas in the second one, “1” and “0.8” are written in orange, referencing the unit processes to which these values are associated.

This figure represents the first example available in Annex A of the User Manual. The example concerns the production of bioethanol from corn, according to the life cycle steps from the Model. The steps are represented one below the other in the center of the figure. Each step is represented by a green rectangle. The rectangles are connected by arrows which illustrate the logical progression from one step to the next. The steps are listed as follows:

• Feedstock production
• Feedstock transport
• Fuel Production
• Fuel distribution
• Fuel combustion

To the right of the step “Feedstock production,” it is indicated “275,000 t of corn(14% moisture content)”. In the same manner, to the right of the step “Feedstock transport,” the indication “150 km by truck” is listed.

Two black arrows situated one below the other are positioned to the left of the step “Fuel production” and are pointing towards this step. The following annotations of “350 TJ of natural gas” and “1 350 t of hydrogen” are associated with the arrows. Two other black arrows are positioned one below the other, on the right side of this step, and are directed towards the right. The following annotations are associated with the arrows:

• Process emissions
  0.05 g CH₄/MJ of fuel
  0.01 g N₂O/MJ of fuel
• 38 000 tons of animal feed
  (15% moisture content)

The annotation “100 million liters of ethanol” in bold, blue characters, is positioned to the left of the black arrow linking the “Fuel production” step to the step “Fuel distribution” step.
To the right of the step “Fuel distribution”, it is indicated “450 km by train”. To the right of the step “Fuel combustion,” the annotation “In an internal combustion engine vehicle” is shown.

This figure illustrates the modelling of the life cycle stages of each unit process in the Fuel Pathway of the Model. The figure also illustrates the links between these processes and the specific life cycle steps with which they are associated.

On the figure, the life cycle steps are represented by green boxes, whereas the unit processes of the Fuel Pathway are represented by teal boxes.

At the top of the figure, the life cycle steps are shown from left to right and are connected by arrows indicating the logical sequence between them. The steps are listed as follows:

• Feedstock Production
• Feedstock Transportation
• Fuel Production
• Fuel Distribution
• Fuel Combustion

“Feedstock Production” and “Feedstock Transportation” are circled in red, whereas “Fuel Production”, “Fuel Distribution,” and “Fuel Combustion” are circled in blue, yellow and green respectively.

Below, the unit processes of the Fuel Pathway are shown in the center, one below the other:

• 1-[Fuel] production, at [Fuel] plant
• 2-[Fuel] distribution, to end user
• 3-[Fuel] combustion, to end user

The unit process “Feedstock A/B/C, at [Fuel] plant” is positioned to the left of “1-[Fuel] production, at [Fuel] plant”. These two processes are connected by a black arrow going from “Feedstock A/B/C, at [Fuel] plant” and directed towards “1-[Fuel] production, at [Fuel] plant”. This indicates a sequence between the two processes, with the arrow pointing from the first to the second.

On the right of the figure, the unit process “[Fuel] CI from Feedstock A/B/C” appears. Black arrows coming from the other unit processes: "1-[Fuel] production, at [Fuel] plant,” “2-[Fuel] distribution, to end user,” and “3-[Fuel] combustion, to end user” point towards “[Fuel] CI from Feedstock A/B/C”. This indicates that these processes serve as inputs to the latter.

The process “Feedstock A/B/C, at [Fuel] plant” is framed in red. Similarly, the process “1-[Fuel] production, at [Fuel] plant” is framed in blue. The process “2-[Fuel] distribution, to end user,” it is framed in yellow. Finally, the process “3-[Fuel] combustion, to end user” is framed in green.

There is a legend to the bottom left of the figure, showing two boxes one above the other and separated by a grey line. The first box is green and has the description “Life cycle stage” written to its right. The second box is teal and has the annotation “Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway”.

This figure represents a screen capture of the graphic modelling of the life cycle of the product system for corn-based bioethanol of the Model in openLCA.

On a white background, in the centre of the figure, the processes implicated in the modelling are present. The processes are listed from top to bottom and each of them is individually circled. The processes appear in the following order:

• 1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant
• 2-Bioethanol distribution, to end-user
• 3-Bioethanol combustion, at end-user

In both the left and right corners of each frame, the sign “-“ appears, wherever there is a connection with an arrow. All these processes are framed in a green box, indicating that it involves a unit process of the Fuel Pathway.

To the left of these processes, other processes serving as inputs are listed one below the other and each one is individually circled. The processes are displayed as such:

• Corn, at bioethanol plant
• Natural gas combustion
• Hydrogen production, at producer
• Train transport, diesel
• Bioethanol combustion

The process “Corn, at bioethanol plant” is encircled by a green box, indicating that it involves a unit process that is part of the Fuel Pathway. The following four processes from this list are encircled with a blue box, indicating that it involves linked processes from the Data Library and other sources.

In the right corner of each frame, the sign “-“ appears.

The first three elements, titled “Corn, at bioethanol plant”, “Natural gas combustion,” and “Hydrogen production, at producer,” are, for their part, connected to the process “1- Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant”. A grey arrow connects “Train transport, diesel” to “2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user,” whereas another grey arrow connects “Bioethanol combustion” to “3-Bioethanol combustion, at end-user”. These grey arrows indicate that the flow from the first process serve as an input to the second.

To the right of the unit process “Corn, at bioethanol plant,” two other processes whose flows serve as inputs are shown. These processes appear individually encircled and are shown one below the other as follows:

• Corn, at farm
• Truck transport, diesel, 45 tonnes

In the right corner of each frame, the sign “-“ appears

A grey arrow symbolizing the flow from each process leaves from each of them and is oriented towards “Corn, at bioethanol plant”.

To the right of the figure, the unit process “Bioethanol CI from Feedstock A” from the fuel production line is framed by a green box. In the box, below the title of the process, a table listing the inputs and outputs of the process is shown. The table appears as such:

Three grey arrows from the processes “1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant,”2-Bioethanol distribution, to end-user,” and “3-Bioethanol combustion, at end-user” located at the center of the figure, point towards the following entries listed in the table to the right of the figure respectively:

• 1-Bioethanol from Corn
• 2-Bioethanol distribution, to end-user
• 3-Bioethanol combustion, at end-user

In the lower right corner of the figure, a legend consists of a box with a blue outline and the annotation “Linked processes from Data Library and other sources” on its right side. Just below is a box with a green outline with the annotation “Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway” to its right. Below, the final element of the legend is a grey arrow with the statement “Flow of input/output (Quantified with applicant data or predefined amounts)” to its right.

This figure illustrates the modelling of the production and transport of corn in the Model.

At the top of the figure, the unit process “Feedstock at bioethanol plant” of the Fuel Pathway is written in bold characters in a box with a red border and a turquoise interior.

Two black arrows located one below the other are positioned to the left of the box and are directed towards the latter. The following annotations are associated with each of the arrows: “1 kg of corn” and “Truck transport (150km)”.

A bold, black arrow is positioned to the right of the box and is directed towards the right. The annotation “1 kg of corn transported to the bioethanol facility (dry mass)” is shown in bold, at the point of the arrow.

Immediately below, the following equation is presented:

Transport Amount (kg.km) = distance (km) * (1 kgdry-basis/ (1-Moisture contentfeedstock))

In the lower left corner, a legend consists of a box with a red outline and a turquoise interior and the annotation

“Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway” to its right. Just below is a black arrow with the statement “Flow (input/output)” to its right. Below, a bold, black arrow with the statement “Reference flow” to its right.

This figure represents the table of process inputs “Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant” once the desired process has been added.

In the upper right-hand corner of the screen capture, the tabs “Welcome” and “Feedstock A, at biodiesel plant” appear on a grey and white background respectively, each with its own icon. Immediately to the right of the text “Feedstock A, at biodiesel plant” is the “*” symbol, indicating the changes to the process are not yet saved. On the right of the window, the icons for minimizing and maximizing the window is visible.

Immediately below, to the left, the description “Inputs/Outputs: Feedstock A, at bioethanol plant” is displayed in bold characters indicating that the table “Inputs/Outputs” of this process is open. To the left of the title is a purple icon resembling a rectangle and gear. To the right, a reload icon is visible.

Below, on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold characters, and a small, downward pointing arrow is positioned immediately to the left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown.

Below, the following table presenting the characteristics of the flows entering the process is shown:

This figure represents the table of inputs and outputs of the process “Corn, at bioethanol plant” once certain values and titles have been updated.

In the upper left corner of the screen capture, the tab “Corn, at bioethanol plant” is shown, on a white background, with a purple icon to the left resembling a rectangle with a gear. The tab is framed in red. In the upper right corner, the icons to reduce or increase the window size are visible.

Immediately below, to the left, the title “Inputs/Outputs: Corn, at Bioethanol plant” is attached, in bold characters indicating that the tab “Inputs/Outputs” of this process is open. To the left of the title, a purple icon resembling a rectangle and a gear is shown. On the right, the reload icon is visible.

Below, on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing downwards is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown.

Next, the table presenting the characteristics of the process’s input flows is listed as such:

The column elements “Amount” and “Unit” associated with the flow “Turck transport, diesel” is framed in red.

Below, on the left, the word “Outputs” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow oriented downwards is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown.

Next, the table presenting the characteristics of the process’s output flows is listed as such:

All of elements shown in the table are in bold characters and the title of output flows, “Corn, at bioethanol plant” is circled in red.

At the bottom of the window, the tabs “General information,” “Inputs/outputs,” “Administrative information,” “Modelling and validation,” “Parameters, “Allocation”, “Social aspects,” and “Direct impacts” appear from left to right.

This figure illustrates the modelling of the production of bioethanol in the Model.

At the top of this figure, the unit process “1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant” of the Fuel Pathway is written in bold characters in a box with a blue outline and a turquoise blue interior.

Three black arrows situated one below the other are positioned to the left of the box and are pointing towards the latter. These arrows symbolize the input flows to this process. The following annotations are associated with each of the respective arrows “275 000 t of feedstock,” “350 TJ of natural gas,” and “1 350 t of hydrogen”.

Two black arrows are positioned to the right of the box and are situated one below the other. These arrows point towards the right and the higher one is in bold. The higher, bold arrow symbolizes the reference flow of the process whereas the lower one represents an outlet flow of the process. The annotations “100 million liters of ethanol” and “38 000 t of animal feed (15% moisture content)” are associated with the upper and lower arrows respectively, with the first written in bold characters.

A black arrow positioned on top of the box and pointing towards the right indicates:

Process emissions

0.05 g CH₄/MJ of fuel

0.01 g N₂O/MJ of fuel

Immediately below, the calculations related to the conversion of units of corn, hydrogen, ethanol and co-products are shown on a grey background. The calculations appear one below the other as follows:

• The title “Corn unit conversion”, which is underlined, with the following calculation shown directly below:
  Quantity (kg dry mass) = Wet mass (kg) * (1-Moisture Content)
  Moisture content: 14%
• The title “Hydrogen unit conversion”, which is underlined, with the following calculation shown directly below:
  Quantity (MJ) = Mass (kg) * HHV (MJ/kg)
  HHV (hydrogen) = 141.92 MJ/kg
• The title “Ethanol unit conversion”, which is underlined, with the following calculation shown directly below:
  Quantity (MJ) = Volume (L)* HHV (MJ/L)
  HHV (bioethanol) = 23.42 MJ/L
• The title “Co-product unit conversion”, which is underlined, with the following calculation shown directly below:
  Quantity (MJ) = Mass (kg, wet basis) * (1-Moisture content) * HHV (MJ/kg)
  HHV (animal feed) = 21.75 MJ/kg (dry basis)

In the lower left corner of the figure, a legend illustrates the different elements of the figure. Each element of the legend is separated by a light grey horizontal line.

The legend contains a box with a blue outline and a turquoise blue interior and the annotation “Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway” to its right. Just below, there is a black arrow with the statement “Flow (input/output)” to its right. Below, the final element of the legend is given, a bold black arrow with, on its right, the statement “Reference flow”.

This figure represents the input and output tables of the process “Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant” once all inputs and outputs are added.

Immediately below, to the left, the title “Inputs/Outputs: 1- Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant” is listed in bold characters indicating that the tab “Inputs/Outputs” of this process is open. To the right the reload icon is visible.

Below, on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold text, and a small arrow oriented downwards is positioned immediately to its right. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown. These actions reference the flows listed in the Inputs table.

Next, the following table presents the characteristics of the input flows of the process:

All table elements shown in the columns “Flow,” “Category,” “Amount,” and “Unit” are shown in a red box.

Below, on the left, the word “Outputs” introducing the table of output is written in bold text, and a small arrow oriented downwards is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown. These actions reference the flows listed in the Outputs table.

Next, the table presenting the characteristics of the output flows of the process is displayed as such:

All elements from the table showing in the columns “Flow,” “Category,” “Amount,” and “Unit” are framed in red. The table row associated with the flow “Bioethanol from Corn” is in bold characters.

At the bottom of the window, the tabs “General information,” “Inputs/outputs,” “Administrative information,” “Modelling and validation,” “Parameters, “Allocation”, “Social aspects,” and “Impact Analysis” appear from left to right.

Each tab is grey, except for the “Input/Outputs” tab which is white, indicating that it is currently open.

This figure represents the allocation tables for the “1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant,” processes, highlighting, in particular, the table of physical and economic allocations.

On the top left, the title “Allocation: 1-Bioethanol production, at bioethanol plant” is shown in bold characters indicating that the tab “Allocation” for this process is open. To the right, the reload icon is visible.

Below, to the left, “Default method” is written on a white background, with a rectangle to its right in which the word “Physical” is framed in red. An arrow pointing downwards, in the right corner of the rectangle indicates the presence of a drop-down menu allowing the selection of the default method. To the right of the rectangle, “Calculate factors” appears.

Below, on the left, “Physical & economic allocation” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing downwards is positioned immediately to its left.

Next, in the figure is a four-column table, with the last column being empty. The first three columns contain the characteristics of the physical and economic allocation of the process, as follows:

All the elements in the columns “Product” and “Physical” are framed in red.

Below, on the left, “Causal allocation” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing downwards is positioned immediately to its left.

The rest of the section is presented in a nine-column table of the characteristics of the causal allocations:

At the bottom of the window, the tabs “General information,” “Inputs/outputs,” “Administrative information,” “Modelling and validation,” “Parameters, “Allocation”, “Social aspects,” and “Impact Analysis” appear from left to right.

Each tab is grey, except for the tab “Allocation,” which is white, also indicating that it is presently open.

This figure illustrates the modelling of bioethanol distribution in the Model.

At the top of this figure, the unit process “2-Bioethanol distribution, to end-user” of the fuel pathway, is written in bold characters in a turquoise blue box with a yellow outline.

A black arrow positioned to the left for the box is directed towards the latter. This arrow symbolizes an input flow for this process. The annotation “Train transport 450 km” is associated with this arrow.

A bolded arrow is positioned to the right of the box and it points towards the right. This arrow symbolizes the reference flow of the process. The annotation “1 MJ of bioethanol distributed to the end user” is associated with this arrow and is shown in bold characters.

Immediately below, the calculation related to the transportation amount is shown on a grey background that extends across the length of the figure. The expression is as follows:

Transport amount (kg*km) = distance (km) * 1/(HHV_bioethanol)

HHV (bioethanol) = 29.67 MJ/kg

In the lower left corner of the figure, a legend illustrates the different elements of the figure. Each element of the legend is separated by a light grey horizontal line.

The legend features a turquoise blue box with a yellow outline and the annotation “Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway” to its right. Just below, is a black arrow with the statement “Flow (input/output)” to its right. Below, the final element of the legend is a bold, black arrow with the statement “Reference flow” to its right.

This figure represents the input table for the process “2-Bioethanol distribution, to end-user” once completed.

In the top left corner, the title “Inputs/Outputs: 2- Bioethanol distribution, to end-user” is displayed, in bold characters indicating that the tab “Inputs/Outputs” of this process is open. To the right, the reload icon is visible.

Below, on the left, “Inputs” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing downwards is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus, a red “x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown. These actions reference the flows listed in the Inputs table.

Next, the following table showing the characteristics of the input flows of the process are shown:

The column elements “Flow,” “Amount” and “Unit” are framed in red, highlighting them. 

This figure illustrates the modelling of bioethanol combustion in the Model.

At the top of the figure, the unit process “3-Bioethanol combustion, to end-user” of the Fuel Pathway is written in bold characters in a blue box with a green outline.

A black arrow positioned to the left of the box points towards the latter. The arrow symbolizes an input flow to this process. The annotation “Combustion emissions” is associated with this arrow.

A bolded arrow is positioned to the right of the box and points towards the right. This arrow symbolizes the reference flow of the process. The annotation “1 MJ of bioethanol combusted at end-user” is associated with this arrow and is shown in bold characters.

Immediately below, in the lower left corner of the figure, a legend illustrates the different elements of the figure. Each element of the legend is separated by a light grey horizontal line.

The legend features a blue box with a green outline and the annotation “Unit process part of the Fuel Pathway” to its right. Just below is a black arrow with the statement “Flow (input/output)” to its right. Below, the final element of the legend is shown, a bold black arrow with the statement “Reference flow”.

This figure represents the table for entries for the process “3-Bioethanol combustion, at end-user” once completed.

In the upper left corner of the screen capture, the tab “3- Bioethanol Combustion, at end-user” is shown, on a white background with a distinct icon. In the upper right corner, the icons that reduce and increase the window size are visible.

Immediately below, to the left, “Inputs” is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing downwards is positioned immediately to its left. On the right, three small, coloured icons (a green plus sign, a red ”x” and black numbers) representing the actions “create new,” “delete section,” and “display values” are shown. These actions reference the flows listed in the Inputs table.

Next, the following table presenting the characteristics of the process input flows is shown:

The elements shown in the columns “Flow,” “Amount” and “Unit” are framed in red, highlighting them.

This figure represents the tab “Impact analysis” of the process product system “Bioethanol CI from corn”

At the top, to the left, the title “Bioethanol CI from corn” is displayed, in bold characters.

The remaining portion of the figure is divided into two sections on a white background, displayed one after the other. In the upper left corner of the first section, the term “Impact analysis: FuelLCAModelCIA_AR5”is written in bold characters, and a small arrow pointing downwards is positioned immediately to its left. Immediately below, to the left, the statement “Sub-group by:” is shown with options “Flow” and “Process” to the right, each with a radio button directly to the left. The button associated with “Processes” is marked with a black dot.

To the right of the option “Process,” the statement “Don’t show” is followed by a white rectangle with the number “1” affixed. Inside the rectangle, in the right corner, two arrows are positioned, one above the other. One points upwards and the other points downwards. These arrows allow the user to modify the number on the rectangle by clicking upward or downward. To the right of the rectangle is the symbol “%,” indicating that the current figure shown in the rectangle represents a percentage.

Just below, the second section, presented in a five-column table, is the carbon intensities of all the elements included in the process “Bioethanol CI from corn”

All of the elements of the table are framed in red, highlighting them.

At the bottom of the window, the tabs “General information,” “Inventory results,” “Impact analysis,” “Process results,” “Contribution tree,” “Groupings,” “Locations,” “Sankey diagram” and “LCIA Checks” appear from left to right.