Integrating Input-Output and Life Cycle Assessment: Mathematical Foundations

Input-output (IO) and Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) modeling share a strikingly similar mathematical foundation and formulation, yet melding the two frameworks is not completely straightforward. In particular, the boundaries of the two systems must be brought into alignment carefully, so as to avoid double counting. In this document, the two frameworks and their mathematical foundations are presented in brief, and the salient issues that enter into procedures integrating the two are highlighted.