Life Cycle Analysis Step 1: Goal and Scope

Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) - Step 1: Goal and Scope

• The first step in an LCA requires answering four main questions: Why, Who, What, Where?
• The "Why" defines the specific objectives of the study, relating to sustainability-related decisions such as assessing environmental and health impacts, improving design, making procurement decisions, achieving compliance, and enhancing brand value.
• The "Who" identifies the target audience for the LCA study, determining whether it is for internal use, design teams, suppliers, the public, or other stakeholders.
• The "What" defines the function of the product being analyzed and clarifies the purpose of the product or its components.
  • Functions are expressed as a verb followed by complements.
  • Two levels of function are distinguished:
    • Basic functions: The primary purpose of the product (e.g., sitting, writing, reading).
    • Additional functions: Secondary or supplemental functionalities (e.g., moving quickly, storing belongings, ergonomic comfort).
• The "What" also defines the functional unit (FU), which quantifies the performance of the product system being analyzed. The FU should relate to a quantity of service provided rather than a physical quantity of the product.
• Common mistakes when defining the FU include:
  • Assuming that the same physical quantity equals the same function.
  • Being overly restrictive.
  • Incorrectly using technical standards or legal requirements.
• The "Where" defines the system boundaries, which distinguish the studied product system from the surrounding economy (technosphere) and environment (ecosphere).
  • System boundaries determine the unit processes used to quantify environmental impacts.
• The "Where" also defines:
  • LC phases: Cradle to Gate, Cradle to Grave, and Cradle to Cradle.
  • The level of scrutiny: Cut-off rules, which can be based on physical measure (weight), cost or revenue contribution, or environmental aspects contribution.
  • The location of the study.

Example of an LCA Study on Hand Dryers

• "Why": To compare the life cycle environmental impact of hand-drying systems under different manufacturing and use scenarios, identify impact drivers, and inform product design decisions.
• "Who": The target audience is Dyson engineers and the general public, with the study commission by Dyson to inform public claims about their Airblade hand dryer.
• "What": The function is to "dry hands" and the FU is the number of hand-drying cycles.
• "Where": The study considers a cradle-to-grave perspective, with manufacturing in China and use in the United States, making specific assumptions about the location of processes and transportation.

This quiz explores the first step in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), focusing on defining the goals and scope of the study. Participants will learn to answer critical questions such as 'Why, Who, What, Where?' to effectively assess environmental and health impacts. Aimed at professionals and students, this quiz highlights the importance of understanding the purpose of products in sustainability efforts.