Z760-94 (R2001)

Scope 1.1 General This Guideline provides a method for conducting environmental life cycle analysis and assessment. It guides industry formulation of product life cycle process stages, stage screening and problem definition, inventory analysis, and evaluation of environmental burdens for possible improvements. This Guideline addresses the life cycle assessment (LCA) components concerning (a) initiation for screening and problem definition; (b) inventory of energy, water, and materials, consumption, and all environmental releases; (c) impact analysis; and (d) improvement development. 1.2 Objectives The objectives of this Guideline are to (a) establish a common framework for life cycle inventory; (b) describe options for life cycle impact analysis; (c) identify opportunities for improvement analysis; and (d) identify gaps in information. 1.3 Applicability The intent of this Guideline is primarily to assist in making decisions with respect to the environmental performance of products, processes, and services. It provides procedural guidance to help environmental analysts and consultants use established assessment methods consistently, and to present data and results in a like manner. It must be recognized, however, that this Guideline is only one of many tools designed to aid in the decision-making process. Use of the Guideline should ultimately lead to improved environmental performance from the products, processes, and services analysed. 1.4 Defined Terms Terms introduced for the first time are in bold type. 1.4 Metric Units The values in SI (metric) units are the standard. The values in parentheses are for information only.