Life cycle inventory

Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) is a process in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) that involves the quantification of inputs and outputs for a product throughout its lifecycle. The LCI provides the data for the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with the production, use, and disposal of a particular product.

Overview

The LCI is an essential part of the LCA, which is a method used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. The LCI quantifies the energy and raw material inputs and environmental releases associated with each stage of the product life cycle.

Methodology

The LCI methodology involves the following steps:

1. Goal Definition and Scoping: Define the product, process or activity of interest. Determine the boundaries and assumptions of the study.
2. Inventory Analysis: Identify and quantify energy, water and materials usage and environmental releases (e.g., air emissions, water effluents, solid waste).
3. Impact Assessment: Evaluate the potential human and ecological effects of energy, water, and materials usage and environmental releases identified in the inventory analysis.
4. Interpretation: Evaluate results to make informed decisions.

Applications

LCI data is used in many ways, including:

• To identify opportunities to improve environmental performance.
• To support policy and regulatory decisions.
• To support product development and improvement.
• To develop environmental product declarations.

See Also

• Life Cycle Assessment
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Sustainability Metrics and Indices
• Industrial Ecology

References

Life cycle inventory Resources
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