March 2004 • NREL/SR-550-35620 

AthenaTM Sustainable Materials Institute 

Merrickville, Ontario, Canada 

U.S. LCI Database Project 

Quarterly Progress Reports, 2003 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

1617 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 

NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory 

Operated by Midwest Research Institute • Battelle 

Contract No. DE-AC36-99-GO10337 
March 2004 • NREL/SR-550-35620 

U.S. LCI Database Project 

Quarterly Progress Reports, 2003

AthenaTM Sustainable Materials Institute 

Merrickville, Ontario, Canada 

NREL Technical Monitor: M. Deru 

Prepared under Subcontract No. LDC-3-32452-01 

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

1617 Cole Boulevard 

Golden, Colorado 80401-3393 

NREL is a U.S. Department of Energy Laboratory 

Operated by Midwest Research Institute • Battelle 

Contract No. DE-AC36-99-GO10337 
NOTICE

This report was prepared as an account of work sponsored by an agency of the United States 

government. Neither the United States government nor any agency thereof, nor any of their employees, 

makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, 

completeness, or usefulness of any information, apparatus, product, or process disclosed, or represents 

that its use would not infringe privately owned rights. Reference herein to any specific commercial 

product, process, or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise does not necessarily 

constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the United States government or any 

agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect 

those of the United States government or any agency thereof. 

Available electronically at http://www.osti.gov/bridge

Available for a processing fee to U.S. Department of Energy 

and its contractors, in paper, from: 

U.S. Department of Energy 

Office of Scientific and Technical Information 

P.O. Box 62 

Oak Ridge, TN 37831-0062 

phone: 865.576.8401 

fax: 865.576.5728 

email: reports@adonis.osti.gov 

Available for sale to the public, in paper, from: 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

National Technical Information Service 

5285 Port Royal Road 

Springfield, VA 22161 

phone: 800.553.6847 

fax: 703.605.6900 

email: orders@ntis.fedworld.gov 

online ordering: http://www.ntis.gov/ordering.htm

Printed on paper containing at least 50% wastepaper, including 20% postconsumer waste
iii

Acknowledgments 

This work was completed in close cooperation with Franklin Associates, Ltd. and 

Sylvatica Corporation. We would like to acknowledge the funding provided by the U.S. 

Department of Energy, the General Services Administration, the Environmental 

Protection Agency, and the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, which made this 

project possible. We also want to thank Paul Torcellini and Michael Deru of the National 

Renewable Energy Laboratory for their support throughout the project. 
iv

Table of Contents 

QUARTERLY REPORT (JANUARY – MARCH 2003).......................................................................... 1

QUARTERLY REPORT (APRIL – JUNE 2003) AND (JULY – SEPTEMBER 2003)....................... 10

QUARTERLY REPORT (OCTOBER – DECEMBER 2003)............................................................... 18

Acronym List 

APC - American Plastics Council 

CML - Leiden University, Netherlands 

CMU - Carnegie Mellon University 

CORRIM - Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials 

e-GRID - Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database 

GREET - Greenhouse gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Transportation 

LCA - Life-cycle Assessment 

LCI - Life-cycle Inventory 

LPG - Liquified Petroleum Gas (Propane) 

MEIT - Missing Inventory Estimation Tool 

OSB - Oriented Strand Board 

SAIC - Science Applications International Corporation 

SETAC - Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry 

TRACI - Tool for the Reduction and Assessment of Chemical and other Environmental 

Impacts 

VRP - Vehicle Recycling Partnership 
1 

U.S. LCI Database Project 

Quarterly Report 

January - March 2003 
2 

Table of Contents 

 

1 INTRODUCTION..............................................................................................................................................3

2 SUMMARY OF PROGRESS TO MARCH 31, 2003 .....................................................................................3

2.1 TASK 1: DEVELOPMENT PLAN, REPORTING, AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT..................................................3

2.2 TASK 2: DATABASE FORMAT......................................................................................................................3

2.3 TASK 3: ADDITIONS TO DATA DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES/REPORT ON REVIEW OF GUIDELINES & 

DATABASE .................................................................................................................................................................3

2.4 TASK 4: DATA COLLECTION .......................................................................................................................4

2.5 TASK 5: USER’S GUIDE...............................................................................................................................5

3 WORK PROGRAM ELEMENTS AND SCHEDULE...................................................................................5

3.1 TASK 2 ........................................................................................................................................................5

3.2 TASK 3 ........................................................................................................................................................7

3.2.1 Input screening tool ...............................................................................................................................7

3.2.2 Elementary flow reporting guidelines....................................................................................................7

3.2.3 Extensive guidelines testing and revision ..............................................................................................7

3.3 TASK 4 ........................................................................................................................................................7

3.3.1 Fuels, Energy, and Transportation........................................................................................................7

3.3.2 Other Materials .....................................................................................................................................8

3.3.3 Transformation Processes .....................................................................................................................9

3.3.4 End-of-Life.............................................................................................................................................9

3.4 DATABASE USER’S GUIDE...........................................................................................................................9
3 

1 Introduction 

As discussed in the 1st Quarterly Report and Development Plan Update: December 2002 for the 

U.S. LCI Database Project1

, quarterly progress reports serve two functions. First, they provide 

an overview of the progress made during the quarter. Second, the quarterly reports provide an 

opportunity to update and adjust the project development plan to accurately reflect the planned 

focus for the subsequent quarter. 

In the next section, we present a brief overview of progress since January 1, 2003. Updates to 

the work program and timeline are then discussed in Section 3. 

2 Summary of Progress to March 31, 2003 

2.1 Task 1: Development plan, reporting, and project management 

The U.S. LCI Database Data Development Guidelines2 have been completed and will be updated 

as necessary in this and future quarterly reports. 

2.2 Task 2: Database format 

1. Based on discussions with European database developers and feedback from life-cycle 

assessment (LCA) tool developers, the project team and NREL jointly agreed to use a 

streamlined version of the EcoSpold format. This format will serve the needs of those 

submitting to the database as well as the needs of the majority of North American 

database users. It was agreed that the ability to use the full detailed EcoSpold format 

should also be preserved to facilitate data exchanges with European databases, and for 

use by tool developers requiring that level of detail. 

2. A draft streamlined EcoSpold format spreadsheet has been developed and is being tested 

as a template, using LCI data for coal production. 

3. Work is underway to convert other completed databases to the agreed format. 

2.3 Task 3: Additions to the Data Development Guidelines/report on 

review of guidelines & database 

1. The sections dealing with co-product allocation have been expanded and revised to 

clarify the treatment of waste and scrap materials and to expand on the subject of 

economic allocation. The final guidelines revisions will be completed and the guidelines 

reissued and posted to the web site when the emissions characterization factors have been 

prepared (item 2, below). 

2. Emission characterization factors are being collected for use in the list of required 

emissions. 

 

1

 U.S. LCI Database Project information available at: http://www.nrel.gov/lci

2

 Formerly U.S. LCI Database Project Research Protocol 
4 

2.4 Task 4: Data collection 

Specific fuels and energy database work was undertaken, as follows: 

• Electricity Generation — The cooperative work between the project team and SAIC 

(Science Applications International Corporation), a contractor to the Environmental 

Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) National Risk Management Research Laboratory, was 

essentially completed. SAIC had been commissioned to produce a U.S. electricity 

database for the national average fuel grid for a base year of 1999. One of EPA’s 

objectives for this work was to produce data that could be used in the U.S. LCI Database. 

The database project team participated through conference calls, and through an 

exchange and review of data between Franklin Associates, Ltd., and SAIC. Several data 

sets provided by Franklin Associates were included in SAIC’s electricity model, 

including data sets for the mining and processing of three types of coal and all steps in 

the production of nuclear fuel. Franklin Associates utilized SAIC’s data documentation 

format for transparency. 

SAIC’s work product, a draft electricity model consisting of multiple (about 60) linked 

unit-process worksheets includes data sets for the extraction, processing, and delivery of 

fuels such as natural gas, residual oil, coal, and nuclear fuel. The combustion of fossil 

fuels in utility boilers is also included. Due to budget and time constraints and the lack of 

readily available data, SAIC was not able to develop and include data on the operation 

and maintenance of utility plants (other than the combustion of the primary fuel), nor on 

environmental burdens associated with the generation of electricity via hydropower, 

wind, geothermal, biomass, and other non-fossil generating technologies. 

The SAIC electricity model contains data sets for many of the unit processes in the fuels 

and energy database that Franklin Associates is currently developing. Franklin is also 

using e-GRID, or “Emissions and Generation Resource Integrated Database,” data for the 

year 2000 to develop electricity generation data for three regional grids in addition to the 

national grid. SAIC’s well-documented data sets on fuel production and transportation 

and fuel combustion in utility boilers will serve as a useful starting point for Franklin’s 

review and update of corresponding data sets for the fuels and energy database. 

Data sources, methodology, and assumptions used by SAIC to develop each data set will 

be evaluated and supplemented with additional data sources identified by Franklin 

Associates. Work is also ongoing to improve the transparency of the calculation of precombustion energy and emissions burdens. Pre-combustion energy is the energy required 

to extract, process, and deliver fuels used for process energy, transportation energy, and 

electricity generation. Transparency is difficult to maintain because these calculations 

are circular and iterative in nature; for example, electricity is used in the production of 

coal, and coal is used to generate electricity. 

• Crude Oil — Production and distribution data are now complete and entered in the 

EcoSpold format. 

• Coal — Production and distribution data are now complete for three distinct types of coal 

(anthracite, bituminous, and lignite). Data for coal combustion in utility boilers has been 
5 

developed and documented. Data for coal combustion in industrial boilers is 90% 

complete. 

• Uranium — Production and processing data are now complete and entered in the 

EcoSpold format. 

• Natural Gas — Production and distribution data are now complete. 

• Refinery Fuels — Data for the production and distribution of refinery fuels (residual fuel 

oil, distillate fuel oil, gasoline, and liquefied petroleum gas) are 90% complete. 

• Transformation Processes — Part of the data for aluminum casting technologies for 

complex parts like engine blocks has been received from the Vehicle Recycling 

Partnership (VRP) of the U.S. Car Project (Ford, General Motors, and Daimler Chrysler). 

2.5 Task 5: User’s guide 

An outline of the User’s Guide has been developed and discussed. The Guide will provide users 

of the database with important information about the data and use of the modules in LCA. 

3 Work Program Elements and Schedule 

Table 1 details the work program by task elements. The thicker bars indicate periods of 

relatively more intensive work on specific task elements, while the thinner bars indicate periods 

of less intensive or uncertain activity. The chart shows the program on a more detailed monthly 

basis for the next quarter, and on a quarterly basis for the remainder of the project term. The 

remainder of this section provides a more detailed description of key elements for the main tasks 

listed in the Table. 

3.1 Task 2 

This task has taken longer than anticipated but is now essentially complete with the streamlined 

EcoSpold format being tested with actual data. Testing will be ongoing throughout the next 

quarter. A summary document explaining how EcoSpold differs from, and complies with, ISO 

14048 is in preparation and will be included in the User’s Guide (see Section 3.4).
6 

Nov Dec 1st Quarter Apr May Jun 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 1st Quarter 2nd Q

Task 1 - Planning, reportingPrioritize Fuels and Energy data modulesReview/prioitize other data for material modules

Develop/up-date work programDevelop/up-date cash flow projections

Final project report 

Task 2 - Database/web formatsReview of recent format developments Survey of tool developersInitial web format development (with NREL)Provision of test data to NRELOngoing development/testing (with NREL)Task 3 - Protocol revisions/annexesDevelop input screening toolStandardize substance nomenclature Develop elementary flow reporting guidelinesDevelop economic allocation annexReview and revise protocol as requiredTask 4 — Data collection & analysisFuels, Energy, Transport — High PriorityFuels, Energy, Transport — Lower PriorityOther materialsTransformation ProcessesEnd of LifeTask 5 — Database User's GuidePreparation of initial versionRevision and up-dating as necessary

Legend: More intensive work program

Less intensive or uncertain program

Outside funding -- does not affect NREL budget

Dimmed headings are completed tasks.

2002 2003 

Table 1. Work Program by Task Elements 
7 

3.2 Task 3 

Progress on this task has been slower than anticipated. 

3.2.1 Input screening tool 

The input-screening tool to help analysts screen for missing inputs to a product class, to 

identify the relevance or potential environmental significance of small inputs to a unit 

process, and to test for the potential influence of missing flows, was to have been 

completed during this quarter. However, the Missing Inventory Estimation Tool (MEIT) 

developed by CML (Leiden University, Netherlands) has not yet been updated to cover 

500 sectors of the U.S. economy. The current 100-sector version of the tool is considered 

too highly aggregated to meet the objective of testing for missing flows using 

Input/Output (I/O) techniques and U.S. I/O and environmental data. 

As indicated in the previous version of the work program, our approach will be to directly 

use the CML tool as feasible, augmenting it with Sylvatica’s OpenLC software where 

necessary and where the benefits are significant. The most cost-effective approach is to 

wait for CML to complete its work rather than duplicating the effort. The tool will then 

be used to determine the total upstream environmental burden (e.g., via TRACI, CML 

method, and Eco-Indicator 99 method) associated with each input to each of 500 sectors 

in the U.S. I/O model. That information, in turn, will be provided in a document that data 

providers can download from the Web site and use as a checklist. We now anticipate 

completing this task by the end of the second quarter, assuming there are no further 

delays in CML’s release of the updated tool. 

3.2.2 Elementary flow reporting guidelines 

The guidelines annex and the related standard substance nomenclature will be completed 

during the second quarter. Other related work described in the December 2002 quarterly 

report and development plan update (i.e., undertaking life-cycle characterization analysis 

for selected process types, ranking inventory flows by percentage contribution to each 

impact category, and determining the flows that must be included in each supply chain in 

order to account for at least 99% of the impact in each category) will be postponed 

indefinitely, primarily because of funding restrictions. This work, which is desirable but 

not essential, will be rescheduled when funding permits. 

3.2.3 Extensive Guidelines Testing and Revision 

An extensive review and revision of the Guidelines is still planned for after the first 

round of data collection. This work will be completed by the end of 2003. 

3.3 Task 4 

3.3.1 Fuels, Energy, and Transportation 

The highest priority was attached in Phase I to modules related to fuels and energy, 

including fuels extraction, processing, and transportation; fuel combustion effects; 

electricity generation; and transportation fuel use and emissions by mode. The more 

detailed prioritization of the specific fuels and energy modules shown on the next page 
8 

was presented in the December 2002 quarterly report. Here, the modules that are either 

complete or very close to completion have been dimmed. 

Work is ongoing on the remaining high priority fuel uses, with the schedule unchanged. 

However work on the remaining second priority fuels may have to be postponed until the 

next fiscal year because of funding constraints. 

Investigations of various databases have led to a decision to use the GREET (Greenhouse 

gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy use in Transportation) database developed by 

Argonne National Laboratory under contract to the U.S. Department of Energy Office of 

Transportation Technologies as the foundation for the mobile energy use modules. 

3.3.2 Other Materials 

Work has been started and will continue on the adaptation of existing Athena Institute 

databases, with the priority on those that already have a U.S. component or that can be 

readily adapted in a manner consistent with the research guidelines. The immediate 

priority will be to extract a basic steel production data module that can be linked to 

selected energy production modules (e.g., coal production) for the purpose of developing 

and testing the data format and web site (see Section 3.2). As well, data on various wood 

building products developed through the Consortium for Research on Renewable 

Industrial Materials (CORRIM) project have now been examined in detail, adjusted, and 

made ready for entry in the streamlined EcoSpold format. 

Table 2. Data Module Priorities 

Highest Priority Second Priority

Primary Fuel Production Primary Fuel Production 

Coal: Bituminous Residual oil 

Coal: Anthracite Distillate oil 

Coal: Lignite Gasoline 

Natural Gas LPG 

Crude Oil Jet fuel (kerosene) 

Uranium Other-Hydropower 

Electricity Generation Other-Biomass 

Primary Fuel Consumption Other-Wind 

Coal in utility boilers Other-Ethanol 

Coal in industrial boilers Other-Geothermal 

Residual oil in utility boilers

Residual oil in industrial boilers 

Distillate fuel oil in utility boilers

Distillate fuel oil in industrial boilers 

Natural gas in utility boilers

Natural gas in industrial boilers 

Natural gas in industrial equipment 

Diesel powered industrial equipment 

Gasoline powered industrial equipment 

LPG in industrial boilers 
9 

Wood in industrial boilers 

Uranium fuel use 

Mobile Sources 

Tractor-trailer (gasoline)

Tractor-trailer (diesel) 

Single-unit truck (gasoline) 

Single-unit truck (diesel) 

Locomotive (diesel) 

Barge (diesel) 

Barge (residual fuel oil) 

Ocean freighter (diesel) 

Ocean freighter (residual) 

Airplane (kerosene) 

In general, however, the Table 1 schedule for other materials has been delayed as 

indicated. In the December 2002 quarterly report, we anticipated a period of more 

intensive activity during this first quarter with less intensive activity during the second 

and third quarters in order to maintain the focus on high priority energy and 

transportation modules. The reality is that we have had to slow the entire ‘Other 

Materials’ program, with an expectation of more intensive activity starting in the third 

quarter and continuing in the fourth quarter. 

3.3.3 Transformation Processes 

As indicated in Section 2.4, some of the aluminum casting data is now in hand and has 

been reviewed. Aggregation and conversion to the EcoSpold format is awaiting receipt 

of the remaining data from the VRP. The more intensive study team work on this task 

has therefore been shifted in Table 1 to the end of the second quarter. Future VRP work 

will focus on other transformations of interest to the automobile industry, with painting 

and other casting processes as possibilities. Table 1 shows a shift in the more intensive 

transformation process work toward the end of the second quarter, with less intensive or 

uncertain activity after. 

We should also note that, while the intention is to provide data modules for the database 

project, there still has to be ultimate approval from senior auto industry management 

before data will be released for public use. 

3.3.4 End-of-Life 

The development of end-of-life process modules related to recycling or ultimate disposal 

of products or materials remains as an uncertain activity for 2004 for the reasons noted in 

the December work program. 

3.4 Database User’s Guide 

This task has been delayed, but an outline has been developed and discussed as noted in 

Section 2.5. Completion of a full draft is now scheduled for the end of May. The guide 

will then be reviewed, revised, and updated as a routine ongoing activity throughout the 

rest of the project period. 
10 

U.S. LCI Database Project 

Quarterly Report 

(April – June 2003) 

and 

(July – September 2003) 
11 

Contents 

1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................12

2 SUMMARY OF PROGRESS TO SEPTEMBER 30, 2003 ..........................................................................12

2.1 TASK 1: DEVELOPMENT PLAN, REPORTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT.................................................12

2.2 TASK 2: DATABASE FORMAT....................................................................................................................12

2.3 TASK 3: ADDITIONS TO DATA DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES.......................................................................12

2.4 TASK 4: DATA COLLECTION .....................................................................................................................13

2.5 TASK 5: USER’S GUIDE.............................................................................................................................14

3 WORK PROGRAM ELEMENTS AND SCHEDULE.................................................................................14

3.1 TASK 2 ......................................................................................................................................................14

3.2 TASK 3 ......................................................................................................................................................14

3.2.1 Input screening tool.............................................................................................................................14

3.2.2 Elementary flow reporting guidelines..................................................................................................14

3.2.3 Extensive data development guidelines testing and revision ...............................................................14

3.3 TASK 4 ......................................................................................................................................................16

3.3.1 Fuels, Energy and Transportation.......................................................................................................16

3.3.2 Other Materials ...................................................................................................................................17

3.3.3 Transformation Processes ...................................................................................................................17

3.3.4 End of Life ...........................................................................................................................................17

3.4 TASK 5 ......................................................................................................................................................17
12 

Quarterly Reports 

April – June 2003 and July – September 2003 

1 Introduction 

As discussed in the December 2002 Quarterly Report and Development Plan, quarterly 

progress reports serve two functions. First, they provide an overview of the progress 

made during the quarter. Second, the quarterly reports provide an opportunity to update 

and adjust the project development plan to accurately reflect the planned focus for the 

subsequent quarter. 

This report covers two quarters, and in the next section we present a brief overview of 

progress since April 1, 2003. Updates to the work program and timeline are then 

discussed in Section 3. 

2 Summary of Progress to September 30, 2003 

2.1 Task 1: Development plan, reporting and project 

management 

The development plan will be updated as necessary in this and future quarterly reports. 

2.2 Task 2: Database format 

1. The streamlined EcoSpold format spreadsheet has been finalized based on several 

months of discussions with NREL and external experts. 

2. A test module, using LCI data for bituminous coal production, has been developed 

and is being used to test functionality. 

3. Work is underway to convert other completed databases to the agreed format. 

2.3 Task 3: Additions to Data Development Guidelines 

1. The Data Development Guidelines section dealing with co-product allocation has 

been revised, and an economic allocation annex has been prepared. The final guideline 

revisions will be completed and the guidelines reissued and posted to the website when 

items listed in 2 and 3 below are completed. 

2. The most recent National Toxic Inventory, Toxic Release Inventory and criteria air 

pollutants have been collected, and the data is currently being analyzed to develop a list 

of required emissions. 

3. A comprehensive nomenclature system is being developed based on a review of the 

nomenclature lists of existing tools, the SETAC working group document and EcoSpold. 

4. A testing strategy has been developed to investigate the feasibility and pitfalls of 

attempting to use IO-LCA as a method for estimating required emission flows and for 
13 

estimating flows that are missing for specific processes. This exploratory investigation 

will compare data sets with different levels of aggregation (Portland cement, aluminum 

casting and bituminous coal) using either the Missing Inventory Estimation Tool or the 

Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) tool. The results will be posted on the website as a 

working paper to show findings related to the treatment of missing flows and the 

development of minimum sets of required emissions. 

2.4 Task 4: Data collection 

Specific fuels and energy database work was undertaken, as follows: 

• Coordination with SAIC Consulting 

The SAIC electricity model contains data sets for many of the unit processes in 

the fuels and energy database that are currently being developed for the U.S. LCI 

database. SAIC’s data are transparent and well-documented on a module-bymodule basis. However, it is very difficult to trace all links among the modules in 

order to evaluate the accuracy of the final outputs. 

As a method for validating its own data on primary fuels production, Franklin 

Associates compared its data with SAIC’s data. In cases where similar data 

sources are used, the data are in agreement. In cases where different data sources 

are used, there are discrepancies between the Franklin and SAIC data. For 

instance, differences were identified in data sources used to develop crude oil and 

natural gas data sets. The project team is discussing a decision process to use 

when there are multiple data sources presenting different values for the same 

environmental data. 

A fuels and energy issue that is problematic in terms of transparency for the U.S. 

LCI database is the calculation of precombustion energy and emissions burdens. 

SAIC’s electricity model uses a complex series of links between spreadsheets to 

incorporate precombustion calculations; however, these linked calculations are 

extremely difficult to trace and verify. Therefore the SAIC precombustion model 

will not be adopted; rather the Franklin Associates model, which involves 

conducting precombustion calculations in a separate set of spreadsheets, will be 

used. 

• Primary Fuel Production. Eleven unit processes are complete, including crude 

oil, natural gas, anthracite coal, bituminous coal, lignite coal, uranium, residual 

fuel oil, distillate fuel oil, gasoline, liquefied petroleum gas and jet fuel. (See 

Table in Section 3.3.1.) 

• Primary Fuel Combustion. The data for the combustion of primary fuels in 

utility and industrial boilers is nearing completion. Data is still being collected 

for wood combustion and coal-fired industrial boilers. 

• Mobile Sources. The GREET transportation model was reviewed and it was 

concluded that it is transparent and uses reliable sources. Data development is 
14 

nearing completion for combination and single-unit trucks, locomotives, barges, 

ocean freighters and airplanes. 

• Precombustion. A description of Franklin Associates’ precombustion 

methodology (including a flow diagram showing the relationships among unit 

processes) was developed to improve the transparency of precombustion data. 

2.5 Task 5: User’s guide 

Work is still proceeding on a draft User’s Guide. The Guide will provide users of the 

database with important information about the data and use of the modules in LCA. 

3 Work Program Elements and Schedule 

Table 1 details the work program by task elements. The thicker bars indicate periods of 

relatively more intensive work on specific task elements, while the thinner bars indicate 

periods of less intensive or uncertain activity. The chart shows the program on a more 

detailed monthly basis for the next quarter, and on a quarterly basis for the remainder of 

the project term. The remainder of this section provides a more detailed description of 

key elements for the main tasks listed in the Table. 

3.1 Task 2 

This task took longer than anticipated but is now complete and being tested with actual 

data. Testing will be ongoing throughout the next quarter. 

3.2 Task 3 

Progress on this task to date has been slower than anticipated, but all of the components 

of Task 3 are scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2003. 

3.2.1 Input screening tool 

This task has not been high priority because there have not been outside data providers to 

date. As discussed in Section 2.3, an exploratory investigation will be undertaken and 

finished by the end of 2003. Because MIET is now a commercial tool, the focus is more 

closely on the CMU tool. 

3.2.2 Elementary flow reporting guidelines 

This task has taken longer than anticipated. Work is currently ongoing to finish the 

research data development guidelines annex and the related standard substance 

nomenclature. The nomenclature portion will be completed by the end of October 2003, 

while the rest of this task will be finalized by the end of 2003. 

3.2.3 Extensive Data Development Guidelines testing and revision 

A review and revision of data development guidelines has been undertaken during the 

first round of data collection rather than upon its completion [an example is the revision 

of Section 14]. No further revisions are planned before the end of 2003. 
15 

Table 1: Work Program Elements and Schedule 

Nov Dec 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter Oct Nov Dec 1st Quarter 2nd Q

Task 1 - Planning, reportingPrioritize Fuels and Energy data modulesReview/prioritize other data for material modulesDevelop/update work programDevelop/update cash flow projectionsFinal project report 

Task 2 - Database/web formatsReview of recent format developmentsSurvey of tool developersInitial web format development (with NREL)Provision of test data to NRELOngoing development/testing (with NREL)Task 3 - Protocol revisions/annexesDevelop input screening toolStandardize substance nomenclatureDevelop elementary flow reporting guidelinesDevelop economic allocation annexReview and revise protool as requiredTask 4 - Data collection & analysisFuels, Energy, Transport -- High PriorityFuels, Energy, Transport -- Low PriorityOther materialsTransformation ProcessesEnd of LifeTask 5 - Database User's GuidePreparation of initial versionRevision and updating as necessary

Legend: More intensive work program

Less intensive work programOutside funding -- does not affect NREL budget

Dimmed headings are completed tasks.

2002 2003 
16 

3.3 Task 4 

3.3.1 Fuels, Energy and Transportation 

Data for fuel combustion in mobile sources will be finished in the fourth quarter of 2003. Once 

the transportation data is complete, electricity and precombustion data will be finalized. The 

more detailed prioritization of the specific fuels and energy modules shown below was presented 

in the December 2002 work program. Completed modules or those very close to completion 

have been dimmed. These completed modules will be put into the finalized EcoSpold format 

and provided to NREL for inclusion on the website over the next quarter. Work on the 

remaining second priority fuels was postponed until 2004 because of funding constraints. 

HIGHEST PRIORITY SECOND PRIORITY

Primary Fuel Production Primary Fuel Production 

Coal: Bituminous Residual oil 

Coal: Anthracite Distillate oil 

Coal: Lignite Gasoline 

Natural Gas LPG 

Crude Oil Jet fuel (kerosene) 

Uranium Other-Hydropower 

Electricity Generation Other-Biomass 

Primary Fuel Consumption Other-Wind 

Coal in utility boilers Other-Ethanol 

Coal in industrial boilers Other-Geothermal 

Residual oil in utility boilers

Residual oil in industrial boilers

Distillate fuel oil in utility boilers

Distillate fuel oil in industrial boilers

Natural gas in utility boilers

Natural gas in industrial boilers

Natural gas in industrial equipment

Diesel powered industrial equipment

Gasoline powered industrial equipment

LPG in industrial boilers

Wood in industrial boilers

Uranium fuel use

Mobile Sources 

Tractor-trailer (gasoline)

Tractor-trailer (diesel)

Single-unit truck (gasoline)

Single-unit truck (diesel)

Locomotive (diesel)

Barge (diesel)

Barge (residual fuel oil)

Ocean freighter (diesel)

Ocean freighter (residual)

Airplane (kerosene)
17 

3.3.2 Other Materials 

Work has been started and will continue on the adaptation of existing Athena Institute databases, 

with the priority on those that already have a U.S. component or that can be readily adapted in a 

manner consistent with the data development guidelines. Now that the streamlined EcoSpold 

format is finalized, data on various wood building products developed through the CORRIM 

project will be entered, starting with plywood and lumber in the next quarter and continuing with 

OSB and Laminated Veneer Lumber in the first quarter of 2004. 

3.3.3 Transformation Processes 

A few final issues with the aluminum casting data sets are being resolved and then they will be 

finalized and submitted for inclusion in the database. VRP is in the process of collecting steel 

stamping and iron casting data, so the next focus will be on those data sets as they are provided. 

Table 1 shows more intensive transformation process work in the next two quarters, with less 

intensive or uncertain activity thereafter. 

3.3.4 End of Life 

The development of end of life process modules related to recycling or ultimate disposal of 

products or materials remains as an uncertain activity for 2004 for the reasons noted in the 

December work program. 

3.4 Task 5 

Completion of a final draft of the User’s Guide is scheduled for the end of October 2003. The 

guide will then be reviewed, revised and updated as a routine ongoing activity throughout the 

rest of the project period. 
18 

U.S. LCI Database Project 

Quarterly Report 

 (October – December 2003) 
19 

Contents 

1 INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................................................20

2 SUMMARY OF PROGRESS TO DECEMBER 31, 2003............................................................................20

2.1 TASK 1: DEVELOPMENT PLAN, REPORTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT.................................................20

2.2 TASK 2: DATABASE FORMAT....................................................................................................................20

2.3 TASK 3: ADDITIONS TO DATA DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES.......................................................................20

2.4 TASK 4: DATA COLLECTION .....................................................................................................................20

2.5 TASK 5: USER’S GUIDE.............................................................................................................................22

3 WORK PROGRAM ELEMENTS AND SCHEDULE.................................................................................22

3.1 TASK 2: DATABASE FORMAT.....................................................................................................................22

3.2 TASK 3: ADDITIONS TO DATA DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES........................................................................22

3.2.1 Input screening tool .............................................................................................................................22

3.2.2 Elementary flow reporting guidelines..................................................................................................23

3.2.3 Extensive data development guidelines testing and revision ...............................................................23

3.3 TASK 4: DATA COLLECTION ......................................................................................................................23

3.3.1 Fuels, Energy and Transportation.......................................................................................................23

3.3.2 Other Materials ...................................................................................................................................23

3.3.3 Transformation Processes ...................................................................................................................24

3.3.4 End of Life ...........................................................................................................................................24

3.4 TASK 5: USER’S GUIDE..............................................................................................................................24
20 

U.S. LCI Database Project: 

Quarterly Report and Development Plan Update 

1 Introduction 

As discussed in the December 2002 Quarterly Report and Development Plan, quarterly progress 

reports serve two functions. First, they provide an overview of the progress made during the 

quarter. Second, the quarterly reports provide an opportunity to update and adjust the project 

development plan to accurately reflect the planned focus for the subsequent quarter. 

This report covers the last quarter of 2003, and in the next section we present a brief overview of 

progress from October 1, 2003 through December 31, 2003. Updates to the work program and 

timeline are then discussed in Section 3. 

2 Summary of Progress to December 31, 2003 

2.1 Task 1: Development plan, reporting and project management 

The development plan will be updated as necessary in this and future quarterly reports. 

2.2 Task 2: Database format 

 The streamlined EcoSpold format spreadsheet has been modified over the quarter in 

conjunction with NREL and external experts to resolve design issues and further enhance 

the spreadsheet. 

 The bituminous coal module was submitted to NREL for input into the database and is 

being used to test the functionality of the website. 

2.3 Task 3: Additions to Data Development Guidelines 

 A partial list of required emissions has been developed and is in use. 

 A comprehensive nomenclature system is being developed based on a review of the 

nomenclature lists of existing tools, the SETAC working group document and EcoSpold. 

2.4 Task 4: Data collection 

1. The following modules were submitted to NREL, including a streamlined spreadsheet, 

working papers and data details (mini-report) for each: 

Primary Fuel Production 

Coal (Anthracite) Production 

Coal (Bituminous) Production 

Coal (Lignite) Production 

Crude Oil Extraction 
21 

Natural Gas Extraction 

Natural Gas Processing 

Petroleum Refining-Distillate Oil 

Petroleum Refining-Gasoline 

Petroleum Refining-Kerosene 

Petroleum Refining-LPG 

Petroleum Refining-Residual Oil 

Uranium Fuel Production 

Coal Combustion 

Anthracite combustion in utility boilers 

Bituminous combustion in utility boilers 

Lignite combustion in utility boilers 

Anthracite combustion in industrial boilers 

Bituminous combustion in industrial boilers 

Lignite combustion in industrial boilers 

Non-Coal Fuel Combustion 

Distillate oil combustion in industrial boilers 

Distillate oil combustion in utility boilers 

Residual oil combustion in industrial boilers 

Residual oil combustion in utility boilers 

Natural gas combustion in utility boilers 

Natural gas combustion in industrial boilers 

Natural gas combustion in industrial equipment 

LPG combustion in industrial boilers 

Uranium consumption by nuclear utilities 

Diesel combustion in industrial equipment 

Gasoline combustion in industrial equipment 

Transportation 

Diesel barge transport 

Residual oil barge transport 

Diesel combination truck transport 

Gasoline combination truck transport 

Diesel single-unit truck transport 

Gasoline single-unit truck transport 

Diesel locomotive transport 

Widebody air cargo transport 

2. Specific fuels and energy database work was undertaken, as follows: 

• Transportation Emissions. Emissions data for the combustion of fuels in the following 

mobile sources were developed from the GREET transportation model: tractor-trailer 

(diesel), single-unit truck (diesel), locomotive (diesel), barge (diesel and residual fuel 

oil), and ocean freighter (diesel and residual fuel oil). Emissions data for gasoline 

combustion in tractor-trailer and single-unit trucks are not available in the GREET 

transportation model because they represent a small portion of the transportation 
22 

industry; data for these transportation modes were estimated from data for similar 

processes.

• Transportation Fuel Requirement Factors. Fuel requirement factors for all modes of 

transportation except ocean freighter have been completed. 

• Industrial Boiler Emissions. Data for the combustion of coal and wood in industrial 

boilers have been completed and were reviewed internally. 

• Pre-combustion. Pre-combustion calculations are ongoing. Once the electricity 

generation module has been completed, the pre-combustion calculations will be 

completed. 

• Electricity Generation. The most recent version of the E-GRID database was sorted to 

determine the fuel profiles for electricity generation for utilities and non-utilities in 

different regions of North America. The sorted database was reviewed and discrepancies 

within the database are being resolved. 

• Alternative Fuels. Research began on alternative energy technologies (hydropower, 

biomass, wind, ethanol, and geothermal energy). 

2.5 Task 5: User’s guide 

A draft of the User’s Guide was completed during the quarter and underwent further editing and 

modification. Once completed, it will be posted on the website to provide data providers and 

users of the database with important information about the data, the data format and use of 

modules in LCA. 

3 Work Program Elements and Schedule 

Table 1 details the work program by task elements. The thicker bars indicate periods of 

relatively more intensive work on specific task elements, while the thinner bars indicate periods 

of less intensive or uncertain activity. The chart shows the program on a more detailed monthly 

basis for the next quarter, and on a quarterly basis for the remainder of the project term. The 

remainder of this section provides a more detailed description of key elements for the main tasks 

listed in the figure. 

3.1 Task 2: Database format 

Testing of the format will be ongoing throughout the next quarter. 

3.2 Task 3: Additions to data development guidelines 

As discussed in the last quarterly report, progress on this task to date has been slower than 

anticipated. However, a revised version is scheduled to be posted to the web site early in the first 

quarter of 2004. Further revisions will be posted later in the year as data development work 

proceeds and comments are received from users. 

3.2.1 Input screening tool 

This task has not been high priority. The exploratory investigation about using IO-LCA as a 

method for estimating required emission flows and for estimating flows that are missing for 
23 

specific processes has been on hold with the expectation that work will start during the first 

quarter of 2004. 

3.2.2 Elementary flow reporting guidelines 

This task has taken longer than anticipated. Work currently ongoing to finish the standard 

substance nomenclature system is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2004. 

3.2.3 Extensive Data Development Guidelines testing and revision 

As stated above, the data development guidelines will be reissued in the first quarter of 2004 and 

thereafter as required. 

3.3 Task 4: Data collection 

Table 2 shows the delivery dates and progress for upcoming modules. This section provides a 

more detailed description of the data collection work program in upcoming quarters. 

3.3.1 Fuels, Energy and Transportation 

Electricity and precombustion data are currently being researched, and are expected to be 

completed in the first quarter of 2004. All other high priority and second priority nonrenewable 

data modules have been completed as noted in Section 2. Work on second priority renewable 

energy has been deferred as shown in the chart. 

3.3.2 Other Materials 

Work has been started and will continue on the adaptation of existing Athena Institute databases, 

with the priority on those that already have a U.S. component or that can be readily adapted in a 

manner consistent with the data development guidelines. To ensure transparency, data from the 

CORRIM project cannot be posted for use in the Database Project until March 2004, when the 

detailed CORRIM reports will be made available on the CORRIM web site. At that time, data 

on various wood building products developed through the CORRIM project will be entered, 

starting with plywood and lumber and continuing with OSB and Laminated Veneer Lumber. 

Work will also start in the upcoming quarter on adapting steel data for use in the Database 

Project. 

Work on commodity materials will begin in February 2004 and continue at a more intensive 

level into the second quarter of 2004. These modules include limestone mining, soda ash 

mining, salt mining, chlorine/caustic soda production and aluminum production. 

Recently, an American Plastics Council (APC) project has gotten underway with the intention of 

providing data on basic polymer production to the Database Project. The initial project kickoff 

meeting was held in Kansas City on October 22, 2003. The meeting involved APC staff and 

broad representation of the industry. APC is recruiting companies to commit to participate in the 

project by providing primary data. Franklin Associates staff has requested input from the 

attending company representatives regarding the LCI data collection forms and the flow 

diagrams for the various resins to be studied (14). The flow diagrams and data collection forms 

will be finalized in January 2004, and data gathering is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 

2004. 
24 

3.3.3 Transformation Processes 

The following aluminum casting unit process modules have been put in EcoSpold format and 

submitted to the Vehicle Recycling Partnership (VRP) for final review: semi-permanent 

molding, precision sand casting and lost foam. Pending approval by VRP, the modules will be 

submitted in the first quarter of 2004. VRP is currently in the process of collecting data on steel 

stamping and iron casting, but has not yet submitted any data on these processes to the Athena 

team. 

3.3.4 End of Life 

The development of end of life process modules related to recycling or ultimate disposal of 

products or materials remains as an uncertain activity for 2004 for the reasons noted in the 

December 2002 work program. 

3.4 Task 5: User’s guide 

The User’s Guide will be posted to the web site during the first quarter, and will be reviewed and 

revised as a routine ongoing activity throughout the rest of the project period. 
25 

Table 1: Work Program Elements and Schedule

Nov Dec 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Jan Feb Mar 2nd Q

Task 1 - Planning, reportingPrioritize Fuels and Energy data modulesReview/prioritize other data for material modulesDevelop/update work programDevelop/update cash flow projectionsFinal project report 

Task 2 - Database/web formatsReview of recent format developmentsSurvey of tool developersInitial web format development (with NREL)Provision of test data to NRELOngoing development/testing (with NREL)Task 3 - Protocol revisions/annexesDevelop input screening toolStandardize substance nomenclatureDevelop elementary flow reporting guidelinesDevelop economic allocation annexRevise data development guidelines as requiredTask 4 - Data collection & analysisFuels, Energy, Transport -- High PriorityFuels, Energy, Transport -- Low PriorityOther materialsTransformation ProcessesEnd of LifeTask 5 - Database User's GuidePreparation of initial versionRevision and updating as necessary

Legend: More intensive work program

Less intensive work programOutside funding -- does not affect NREL budget

Dimmed headings are completed tasks.

2002 2003 
26 

Table 2: Progress and Delivery Schedule for Unit Processes 

Progress Expected Delivery Date

PRIMARY FUEL COMBUSTION

Wood in industrial boilers Ready to submit 1/31/2004

MOBILE SOURCES

Ocean freighter (diesel) Currently being researched 2/29/2004

Ocean freighter (residual) Currently being researched 2/29/2004

ELECTRICITY GENERATION Research nearing completion 1/31/2004

FUEL PRECOMBUSTION Awaiting completion of electricity 

generation data

2/15/2004

ALTERNATIVE FUELS

Hydropower Research beginning 3/31/2004

Biomass Initial research completed 2/29/2004

Wind Start date postponed 9/30/2004 (Tentative)

Solar Start date postponed 9/30/2004 (Tentative)

Geothermal Start date postponed 9/30/2004 (Tentative)

MATERIALS USED IN THE MANUFACTURE OF AUTOMOBILES/OTHER DURABLES

Steel Currently being researched 3/31/2004

Aluminum Production Research beginning 3/31/2004

Plastic Resins - Basic Polymers Work at preliminary stages

BUILDING AND CONSTRUCTION PRODUCTS

Structural Wood Awaiting CORRIM reports 4/30/2004

Structural Steel Currently being researched 3/31/2004

COMMODITY CHEMICALS/MATERIALS

Limestone Mining Research beginning 3/31/2004

Soda Ash Mining Research beginning 3/31/2004

Salt Mining Research beginning 3/31/2004

Chlorine/Caustic Soda Production Research beginning 2/29/2004

TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES

Lost Foam Aluminum Casting Undergoing final review at VRP 2/29/2004

Precision Sand Aluminum Casting Undergoing final review at VRP 2/29/2004

Semipermanent Mold Aluminum Casting Undergoing final review at VRP 2/29/2004

Iron Casting VRP currently collecting data

Steel Stamping VRP currently collecting data

Note: Shading indicates 3rd party data production effort

Dataset
REPORT DOCUMENTATION PAGE Form Approved 

 OMB NO. 0704-0188 

Public reporting burden for this collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington, VA 22202-4302, and to the Office of Management and Budget, Paperwork Reduction Project (0704-0188), Washington, DC 20503. 

1. AGENCY USE ONLY (Leave blank) 2. REPORT DATE

March 2004 

3. REPORT TYPE AND DATES COVERED 

Subcontract Report 

January 1 – December 31, 2003 

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

U.S. LCI Database Project: Quarterly Progress Reports, 2003 

6. AUTHOR(S) 

Athena Sustainable Materials Institute 

5. FUNDING NUMBERS

LDC-3-32452-01 

BEC3.3004 

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES) 

Athena Sustainable Materials Institute 

Merrickville, Ontario, Canada

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION 

REPORT NUMBER 

9. SPONSORING/MONITORING AGENCY NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

National Renewable Energy Laboratory 

1617 Cole Blvd. 

Golden, CO 80401-3393

10. SPONSORING/MONITORING 

AGENCY REPORT NUMBER

NREL/SR-550-35620 

11. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

NREL Technical Monitor: M. Deru 

12a. DISTRIBUTION/AVAILABILITY STATEMENT

National Technical Information Service 

U.S. Department of Commerce 

5285 Port Royal Road 

 Springfield, VA 22161

12b. DISTRIBUTION CODE

 

13. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 words)

Summary of progress on LCI Database project for 2003. 

15. NUMBER OF PAGES

14. SUBJECT TERMS 

LCI Database Project; Athena Institute; Quarterly reports; 2003 16. PRICE CODE

17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 

OF REPORT

Unclassified 

18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 

OF THIS PAGE

Unclassified

19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 

OF ABSTRACT

Unclassified

20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACT

UL 

 NSN 7540-01-280-5500 Standard Form 298 (Rev. 2-89) 

Prescribed by ANSI Std. Z39-18 

298-102