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Table 6 Summary of quantitative and qualitative results

From: Integrating life cycle analysis into system dynamics: the case of steel in Europe

Quantitative

Qualitative

Criterion

Reproduced LCA?

Reproduced SD?

Criterion

Integration evaluation

Emissions

Yes

–

SD improves LCA’s circularity analyses

Considerable/minor improvement: more detailed gate-to-cradle dynamics

Biophysical depletion of iron ore

–

Yes

SD improves LCA’s long-term perspective

Substantial/major improvement: allows for full timespan flexibility

Steel scrap generation and consumption

Yes

Yes

SD improves LCA’s macro analyses potential

Substantial/major improvement: allows for the tracking of multiple elements while multiple variables are interacting or changing simultaneously, not only OFAT

Liquid steel output

Yes

Yes

LCA improves SD’s stakeholder involvement identification

Substantial/major improvement: more precise depiction of flows, stocks and roles as per LCA requirements

Iron circularity

–

Yes

LCA improves SD’s analysis reliability

Substantial/major improvement: increased reliability and granularity due to data disaggregation and objectivity

Steel input into economy

Yes

Yes

LCA improves SD’s applicability across managerial levels

Considerable/minor improvement: analyses can range from operational to strategic levels, but depend on how the model is built