Step 2: Visualising Results

This video walks you through how to visualise your model’s results in XYCLE. You’ll learn how to identify impact hotspots, interpret impact categories, and compare scenarios using dynamic chart tools. This is a key step in translating your LCA data into insights for decarbonisation and sustainability decision-making.

What You’ll Learn in This Video

• How to generate and read a waterfall chart

• How to select and change impact categories (e.g., Climate Change, Acidification)

• How to interpret visualised data (e.g., material-level emissions contributions)

• How to identify high-impact hotspots like Aluminium or Electricity

• How to group results by:

  • Unit process

  • Region

  • Characterisation method

  • Scope

  • Category

• How to compare multiple scenarios using the “Add Comparison” feature

Using the Visualisation Interface

On the left-hand panel, you’ll see several options for filtering and configuring the chart:

• Impact Category: Choose from any of the LCA-calculated categories, including Climate Change, Acidification, Water Use, and more.

• Group By: Adjust how results are grouped—for example, by Unit Process to see which steps in your system are most impactful.

• Scenario & Reference Product: Select your baseline or alternate scenarios for comparison.

• Functional Unit: Make sure your results are normalised to a consistent unit (e.g., 1 g Pencil Sharpener).

The results are shown in a visual waterfall chart. The height of each bar corresponds to the contribution of that input (e.g. Aluminium, Electricity, Steel) to the selected impact category. For instance, in the Climate Change category, Aluminium might appear as a significant hotspot, revealing where decarbonisation efforts should be focused.

Comparing Scenarios

If you’ve built multiple scenarios (e.g., Wooden vs. Metal Pencil Sharpener), use the “Add Comparison” feature. You’ll be able to:

• Set multiple scenarios side by side

• Keep a consistent functional unit

• Quickly contrast total or component-level impacts across scenarios

Pro Tips

• Aluminium and Electricity are often hotspots—consider decarbonising these areas first.

• Use the “Market for electricity” background data to reflect grid mix reality.

• Switching between impact categories (e.g., Water Use or Acidification) can uncover different patterns.

• Comparisons are especially useful for product iteration, regulatory compliance, and eco-design optimisation.

Next Steps

Now that you know how to visualise and interpret impact results in XYCLE, you’re ready to refine your model and start exploring deeper modelling features.

In the next video, we’ll cover how to model co-products — an essential part of LCA when your system includes multiple sold outputs. You’ll learn how to define co-products, apply the right allocation methods, and use system expansion to account for shared impacts. This ensures your results remain scientifically robust and aligned with LCA best practices.