What part of the LCA process involves making decisions based on results?

The interpretation of results is a crucial step in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) process where decisions are made based on the findings from previous phases. This stage synthesizes the collected data and evaluates it against defined objectives to understand the environmental impacts associated with a product or system across its life cycle. It allows stakeholders to identify significant aspects that warrant attention and improvement.

During interpretation, various scenarios can be analyzed, and trade-offs may be assessed, enabling informed decision-making about product design, process modifications, or strategic improvements. This is essential for ensuring that the LCA not only captures data but also translates that data into actionable insights that can guide sustainable practices and policies.

In contrast, the other stages like gathering data, goal definition, and system boundary selection focus on establishing the framework and collecting necessary information rather than making decisions based on that information. Therefore, while those stages are essential for the overall LCA process, the interpretation phase is specifically tailored to deriving conclusions and making informed choices based on the analysis performed.