4. Compare the innovative product with the initial product

Thus constructed, the product classes form the models of the initial products, i.e. those fitted with the replaced module. To form the products with the innovative module, it is necessary on the one hand to carry out the LCAs of the replaced and innovative modules, and on the other hand to go through the invariant modular base model. The latter is obtained by subtracting from the values of the environmental indicators of the product models, those calculated by the LCA of the replaced module, provided that the functional units match. Let's take an example from the automotive sector, that of the front bumper. To carry out LCAs for their vehicles, automakers generally define the functional unit that meets the following service requirement: "Transport of people and goods over X kilometers (e.g. 150,000) for Y years (e.g. 10) according to standardized driving cycle Z". The functional unit of...