Summary for selection of case method
| Dimension . | LCA . | WFA . | Hybrid approach . |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of indicators | Multiple indicators of impact (e.g., global warming, ecosystem health, and human health) | Focused only on freshwater consumption | Water withdrawals and hot spots analysis |
| Types of water | Blue water only (surface and groundwater withdrawals) | Blue water, green water, and grey water | Blue water withdrawals and green water for crops that are sometimes irrigated |
| Scope of the life cycle | All significant processes from “cradle to grave” | Most studies are “cradle to consumer” | All significant processes from “cradle to grave” |
| Truncation rules | All constituents, typical cut-off rules are 1–5% or less of impacts or by mass/energy | Only major constituents by mass | Omits only minimal processes or those without water use |
| Reporting basis | Functional Unit | Total impacts of production | Total lifetime impacts |
| Dimension . | LCA . | WFA . | Hybrid approach . |
|---|---|---|---|
| Scope of indicators | Multiple indicators of impact (e.g., global warming, ecosystem health, and human health) | Focused only on freshwater consumption | Water withdrawals and hot spots analysis |
| Types of water | Blue water only (surface and groundwater withdrawals) | Blue water, green water, and grey water | Blue water withdrawals and green water for crops that are sometimes irrigated |
| Scope of the life cycle | All significant processes from “cradle to grave” | Most studies are “cradle to consumer” | All significant processes from “cradle to grave” |
| Truncation rules | All constituents, typical cut-off rules are 1–5% or less of impacts or by mass/energy | Only major constituents by mass | Omits only minimal processes or those without water use |
| Reporting basis | Functional Unit | Total impacts of production | Total lifetime impacts |