Chapter 07 · Materials & footprintsLife Cycle Assessment & Product Footprinting
Characterization factor
Definition
A characterization factor is a coefficient used in life cycle impact assessment to convert an inventory flow into a common impact category indicator.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Characterization factor” is defined and used.
Overview
What it means in practice
Characterization factor should be read as a life-cycle and product-footprinting term. Its meaning depends on the study goal, scope, data source, method and interpretation context.
In practice, users should state the boundary, baseline, data source and method. That keeps characterization factor useful as a reference without overstating the result.
Why it matters
Characterization factor matters because footprinting language determines what is counted, compared and communicated. Clear definitions make assumptions visible and reduce the risk of misleading comparisons.
Common misconception
A common error is to treat Characterization factor as a neutral technical label. The stronger approach is to explain the modelling choice and how it changes the result.
Review questions
What boundary, baseline or comparison is being used? What evidence supports the term? What assumption or limitation would change how a reader interprets it?
How it is used
The term appears in product design, procurement, footprinting, material selection, production and end-of-life decisions, where designers, manufacturers, procurement teams, life-cycle practitioners and waste managers use it to classify, assess or communicate a coefficient used in life cycle impact assessment to convert an inventory flow into a common impact category indicator.
Its correct use depends on the product system, life-cycle stages, functional unit, geography, timeframe and measurement method.