Life cycle interpretation is a systematic technique to identify, quantify, check, and evaluate information from the results of the LCI and the LCIA, and communicate them effectively. Life cycle interpretation is the last phase of the LCA process. The ISO has defined the following objectives of life cycle interpretation:
- Analyze results, reach conclusions, explain limitations, and provide recommendations based on the findings of the preceding phases of the LCA and to report the results of the life cycle interpretation in a transparent manner.
- Provide a readily understandable, complete, and consistent presentation of the results of an LCA study, in accordance with the goal and scope of the study (ISO 1998b).
It is not always possible to use an LCA as the basis for starting, as one alternative is better than the others. This does not imply that efforts have been wasted. Uncertainty in the final results notwithstanding the LCA process still provides decision‐makers with a better understanding of the environmental and health impacts associated with each alternative, where they occur (locally, regionally, or globally), and the relative magnitude of each type of impact potentially attributed to each of the proposed alternatives investigated. This information more fully reveals the pros and cons of the alternatives.
The purpose of conducting an LCA is to better inform decision‐makers by providing a particular type of information (often unconsidered), with a life cycle perspective of environmental and human health impacts associated with each product or process. However, LCA does not take into account technical performance, cost, or political and social acceptance. Therefore, it is recommended that LCA be used in conjunction with these other parameters.
Key Steps to Interpreting the Results of the LCA
The guidance provided thus far summarizes the information on life cycle interpretation in the ISO draft standard Environmental Management – Life Cycle Assessment – Life Cycle Interpretation (ISO 1998b). The ISO draft standard covers the following steps in conducting a life cycle interpretation:
- Identify significant issues
- Evaluate the completeness, sensitivity, and consistency of the data
- Draw conclusions and recommendations
Figure 6.5 illustrates the steps of the life cycle interpretation process in relation to the other phases of the LCA process.
Leave a Reply