Life cycle thinking

Stages of a LCA

The LCA approach includes four key phases: (i) goal and scope definition, (ii) inventory analysis, (iii) impact assessment, and (iv) interpretation, as established by the international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.

• The goal establishes the purpose of the assessment and its audience.

• The scope defines the boundary of the assessment and the impact categories (what to include and exclude) and how to report it.

• Inventory analysis is data collection and calculation.

• Impact assessment converts data relating to material and energy flows into the associated environmental impacts. Consistency with the preceding steps must be monitored and adjusted if necessary.

• Finally, interpretation is required to present an accurate evaluation of the assessment.