The product, functional unit and reference flows in LCA

Excerpts of Summary

The subject of this guideline is some of the first elements of a life cycle study, typically following immediately after the definition of the goal of the study (see also figure 2), namely:
• the determination of relevant product functions and product alternatives (i.e the object of the study),
• the definition of the functional unit, and the determination of the reference flows.

These elements can often be decisive for the results of a specific life cycle assessment. Therefore, it is important that these elements are performed with diligence.

The purpose of this guideline is to provide an unambiguous procedure for these elements of life cycle assessments.
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