Scope definition

Scope definition in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a critical first step in understanding the environmental impacts of a product or service. It involves defining the boundaries of the system being analysed, including the functional unit, system boundaries, and data quality requirements.

The functional unit is the specific quantity and quality of the product or service being studied. The system boundaries define the limits of the system being analysed, including the inputs, outputs, and environmental impacts of the system. Data quality requirements specify the level of accuracy and reliability needed for the data used in the LCA.

Defining the scope of the LCA is important because it provides a clear understanding of what is being analysed and what is not. This allows organisations to identify areas of environmental impact and prioritise actions to reduce those impacts. It also helps ensure that the LCA is conducted in a consistent and transparent manner, allowing for accurate comparisons between different products and services.