On the decomposition of total impact multipliers in a supply and use framework

This note describes a simple technique of decomposing total impact multipliers derived from input–output analysis. The approach uses a generalised supply and use table framework, explicitly distinguishing between industries and products. Contributions to total impact multipliers can be shown by either industry origin (answering the question: Where is the source of impacts and how large is the impact from that particular source?) or product embodiments (answering the question: What are the life cycle impacts of those products that are directly used in the production of a good or service?). Such information is routinely used in life cycle assessments and (hybrid) input–output analyses. A practical example of decomposing carbon footprint intensities of renewable electricity generation technologies is presented, and an Excel worksheet and MATLAB code accompany this note as Additional files 1 and 2.