What is the most important step to perform when conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

The most crucial step in conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the goal and scope definition. This stage sets the foundation for the entire assessment, as it clearly outlines the purpose of the LCA and the specific objectives it aims to achieve. By defining the goal, practitioners can determine which life cycle stages to include, the boundaries of the assessment, and the type of data required. This step ensures that the assessment remains focused and aligned with the intended questions or issues being addressed.

Additionally, the scope defines the system boundaries, functional unit, and key assumptions underlying the analysis. It helps to establish what will be analyzed and what will be excluded, which is essential in obtaining meaningful and relevant results. Without a well-defined goal and scope, the results of the LCA may be misleading or not useful for decision-making. Thus, this initial step is critical for guiding the subsequent phases of data collection, impact assessment, and interpretation of results.