System Boundaries
Defining what to include in your analysis
🔍 Interactive: Boundary Comparison
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Cradle-to-Gate
From raw material extraction to factory exit
✓ Includes:
- • Raw material extraction
- • Material processing
- • Component manufacturing
- • Assembly
- • Transportation to factory
✗ Excludes:
- • Distribution
- • Retail
- • Product use
- • End-of-life
Best Use Case:
Business-to-business environmental product declarations (EPDs)
💡 Key Principle
Consistency matters more than comprehensiveness. A narrow but well-defined boundary yields more useful comparisons than an ambitious scope with poor data quality. Always document your boundaries clearly so others can interpret results correctly.