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VALORE-EU

Waste VALOrisation & Resource Evaluation (EU)

ClimateHealthEconomyEnvironmentsustainabilitywasteLife cycle assessmentLife cycle costingExternalitiesRecyclingCircular economy

Quality & Transparency

Quality

Model uncertainties

Models are by definition affected by uncertainties (in input data, input parameters, scenario definitions, etc.). Have the model uncertainties been quantified? Are uncertainties accounted for in your simulations?

yes
The model contains input-data with uncertainty. The model has the feature to propagate the (input-data) uncertainty on the result. The parametrized input data underlying the model contain uncertainty ranges that can be used to perform uncertainty calculations. The model provides the feature to perform global sensitivity analysis in line with BR toolbox, using either analytical or stochastic uncertainty (Montecarlo). Relevant analysis described in Goetze et al., 2016 (pp 51-56) concluded, notably, that uncertainty ranges related to physical and chemical waste composition can regularly shift life cycle assessment results from environmental benefit to burden or vice versa, which is especially critical. The quantification of physico-chemical properties of waste materials is of fundamental importance for environmentally sound decisions in waste management planning. However, a recent, reliable, widespread quantification of physico-chemical properties of waste materials in the EU has not been done, and such data is not available to VALORE.

    Sensitivity analysis

    Sensitivity analysis helps identifying the uncertain inputs mostly responsible for the uncertainty in the model responses. Has the model undergone sensitivity analysis?

    yes
    The model handles sensitivity and uncertainty in a GLOBAL SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS (GSA) according to the state-of-the-art. However, such analysis was only done back in 2016.

      Have model results been published in peer-reviewed articles?

      yes

        Has the model formally undergone scientific review by a panel of international experts?

        Please note that this does not refer to the cases when model results were validated by stakeholders.

        no
        No dedicated external expert review has been done. However, model results have been published in peer reviewed scientific papers twice.

          Model validation

          Has model validation been done? Have model predictions been confronted with observed data (ex-post)?

          no
          The model was used to assess the impacts of changes in waste shipment and plastic packaging policies in the EU, however, it was not verified whether the simulated impacts of policy changes have actually been achieved. For critical model assumptions, for example regarding the physico-chemical properties of waste fractions, insufficient data is available to validate the model.

            Transparency

            To what extent do input data come from publicly available sources?

            This may include sources accessible upon subscription and/or payment

            Based on both publicly available and restricted-access sources

            Is the full model database as such available to external users?

            Whether or not it implies a specific procedure or a fee

            no

              Have model results been presented in publicly available reports?

              Note this excludes IA reports.

              yes

              Have output datasets been made publicly available?

              Note this could also imply a specific procedure or a fee.

              no

                Is there any user friendly interface presenting model results that is accessible to the public?

                For instance: Dashboard, interactive interfaces...

                no

                  Has the model been documented in a publicly available dedicated report or a manual?

                  Note this excludes IA reports.

                  yes

                  Is there a dedicated public website where information about the model is provided?

                  no

                    Is the model code open-source?

                    no

                    Can the code be accessed upon request?

                    not applicable