This article describes the functional units used per each model available in Pilario
A functional unit in a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a key concept that serves as a reference point for the entire analysis. It defines the qualitative and quantitative aspects of the functions and services provided by the evaluated product. The definition of the functional unit answers the questions: What?, How much?, How?", and For how long?
In Pilario, each model can use a different unit to perform calculations according to a specific standard. The table below indicates the functional unit (the How much?, unless otherwise specified) used in each of the available models.
| Model | Functional Unit | Comment |
| Packaging |
User can select from:
|
More information in the article: The functional unit in the Packaging model |
| PEFCR Water | 100 ml d'eau | |
| PEFCR Soda | 1 litre de boisson | |
| PEFCR Beer | 1 hectolitre de bière | |
| FEBE | More information in the article: The functional unit in the FEBE model |
Example: suppose we want to compare a 0.5-litre PET bottle with a 0.75-litre glass bottle. Since these bottles have different volumes, a direct comparison of their performances would not be valid. To enable an accurate comparison, we define the functional unit as "packaging for 1 litre of product." This approach allows us to evaluate both packaging options on the same basis: it would take 2 PET bottles and approximately 1.33 glass bottles to fulfil the functional unit of 1 litre. In this scenario, one PET bottle contributes half of the functional unit, so you would enter 0.5 in the primary packaging volume, and Per litre as the functional unit of choice; and for the glass bottle, you would enter 0.75 in the primary packaging volume, and Per litre as the functional unit of choice.