Life Cycle Analysis : Goal

The first step is defining the goal to give the aim and what it encompasses. There are two types of LCA objectives: (1) descriptive and (2) change-oriented. The descriptive types look at broader aspects of an issues, e.g., how much of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions are derived from commuters (light duty vehicles). These broader environmental questions fall within the domain of descriptive LCAs. The second type of LCA is change-oriented, in which two options for fulfilling a function are compared. Typical examples of change-oriented LCAs are paper vs. plastic, flying vs. driving, and gas vs. electric heating. These types of studies can guide the choice of methods to reduce environmental impacts. The intended audience is another part of the goal and scope. The audience may include interest groups such as policy makers, company marketing groups, or product development teams. Additionally, interest groups should be identified. These include companies, funding sources, target audiences, and expert reviewers. It is noted that the intended use of the LCA may be different from the end use because the information may be relevant to other decisions and analyses beyond the original intent.

One specific LCA to compare two products is a “comparative assertion disclosed to the public”. In this type of study, “environmental claims regarding the superiority or equivalence of one product vs a competing product which performs the same function” are communicated. These types of studies must follow ISO 14044 standards with the nine steps for a “comparative assertion”