Key Concepts to Cover:

1. Introduction to LCA:
• Define LCA and its significance in sustainability assessment.
• Explain the goal and scope of an LCA study.
• Discuss the four main stages of an LCA: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact
assessment, and interpretation.
2. Inventory Analysis:
• Describe the process of conducting inventory analysis, including data collection,
classification, and characterization.
• Introduce the concept of life cycle inventory (LCI) and its components: inputs, outputs, and
system boundaries.
• Provide examples of inventory data sources and databases commonly used in LCA studies.
3. Impact Assessment:
• Explain impact assessment methodologies and their role in translating inventory data into
environmental impact indicators.
• Discuss the main impact categories addressed in LCA, such as global warming potential,
acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion.
• Present characterization factors and their role in quantifying the environmental impacts of
different emissions and resource uses.
4. Interpretation and Uncertainty Analysis:
• Discuss the importance of interpreting LCA results and communicating findings to
stakeholders.
• Explain sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis techniques used to assess the robustness
and reliability of LCA results.
• Provide guidance on how to conduct scenario analysis to explore different scenarios or
design alternatives and their environmental implications.
5. Functional Unit and System Boundaries:
• Define the functional unit and its significance in defining the unit of analysis for an LCA
study.
• Discuss the importance of setting appropriate system boundaries to ensure the
comprehensiveness and relevance of the assessment.
• Explain how functional units and system boundaries influence the scope and outcomes of an
LCA study.
6. Formulas and Calculations:
• Provide formulas for key calculations in LCA, such as:
• Calculation of environmental impact scores using characterization factors.
• Normalization of LCA results to reference values or benchmarks.
• Interpretation of LCA results in relation to functional units and system boundaries.

Conclusion:

LCA is a powerful tool for evaluating the environmental performance of products, processes, and
systems throughout their life cycle. By understanding the principles, methodologies, and calculations
involved in LCA, stakeholders can make informed decisions to promote sustainability and minimize
environmental impacts across various industries and sectors.