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calculate_standard

Calculate environmental impacts for Ecoinvent activities.

Purpose

Run Life Cycle Assessment calculations using Ecoinvent database and standard impact assessment methods.

Parameters

Parameter Type Required Description
database string Yes Database version (e.g., "ecoinvent-3.11-cutoff")
activity_code string Yes Activity code from search_activities
quantity float Yes Amount to analyze (must be > 0)
method_specification string Yes Full impact method specification

Method Specification Format

"ecoinvent-3.11 > IPCC 2013 > climate change > global warming potential (GWP100)"

Must be exact - use search_methods or validate_method first.

Returns

{
  "task_id": "task_abc123",
  "status": "queued",
  "calculation_type": "standard",
  "estimated_wait_time": 15,
  "message": "Calculation started for activity abc123"
}

Use task_id with get_task_status to retrieve results.

Example Usage

Prompt: 

Calculate the carbon footprint of 1000 kWh of solar electricity 
using IPCC 2013 GWP100 method

Workflow

  1. Search: Find activity with search_activities
  2. Calculate: Submit calculation with activity code
  3. Check: Use get_task_status until complete
  4. Result: Environmental impact value

Tips

  • Validate method specification before calculating
  • Typical calculation time: 10-30 seconds
  • Quantity must match activity unit
  • Save task_id for status checks

See Also