Key Takeaways
Essential principles for lifecycle thinking
Core Principles
1. Systems Thinking
Consider all lifecycle stages to avoid burden shifting (e.g., an efficient product with toxic disposal)
2. Functional Unit
Always compare products/services based on equivalent function (1000 bags, not 1kg plastic vs 1kg paper)
3. Data Quality
Primary data > secondary databases. Document sources, assumptions, and uncertainty
4. Transparency
Disclose boundaries, allocation methods, and cutoff criteria so studies can be reproduced
5. Hotspot Identification
Focus improvement efforts where they matter most—usually 80% of impact comes from 20% of processes
When to Use LCA
✅ Good For:
- • Comparing product alternatives
- • Identifying process hotspots
- • Supporting eco-design
- • Environmental Product Declarations
❌ Not Good For:
- • Absolute sustainability claims
- • Local pollution assessment
- • Social impact evaluation
- • Economic feasibility
Complete This Module
You've mastered lifecycle assessment fundamentals!