Ecological balance sheet

Fig. 9 Phases of an ecological balance sheet (IKP, Stuttgart University)...

The ecological considerations involved cover what is referred to as the ecological balance sheet, which is therefore a subcategory of LCE. 

The series of standards DIN/ISO 14040 ff. placed a number of procedures for formulating ecological balance sheets on an international basis. 

As shown in Fig. 10, an ecological balance sheet must contain definitions of the objective and the framework of the investigation, the databased balance, the impact... 

How recycling flows are treated in an ecological balance sheet is basically a question of allocation, since every recycling process influences whether and to what extent burdens resulting from the primary production of a material can be... 

Therefore, the following impact categories, recognized as essential to the international discussion, are currently considered a useful practical basis for formulation of ecological balance sheets ... 

The treatment of wastes (waste incineration, deposition, etc.) should be integrated in the system under consideration for ecological balance sheets and their environmental effects should be described in terms of the known impact categories. If this is not possible, the wastes can be documented in the groups spoil, ore compounding residues, household wastes, and special wastes. 

In the evaluation, the results of the impact analysis and databased balance are analyzed, leading to conclusions and recommendations. A further aspect is the transparent presentation of the ecological balance sheet results. 

Ecological balance sheet. For the purpose of evaluating how well the forest-related objectives have been achieved, internal follow-up has been done since 1993 in the... 

Precommercial thinning was included in the ecological balance sheet starting in 1998 It is important for tying together the foUow-up of stand management during the entire rotation period. 

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