According to ISO 14044, life cycle assessment is compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system through its life cycle. There are four main phases in LCA;
- Goal and scope definition
An LCA starts with an explicit statement of the goal and scope of the study, which sets out the context of the study and explains how and to whom the results are to be communicated. This is a key step and the ISO standards require that the goal and scope of an LCA be clearly defined and consistent with the intended application.
- Life cycle inventory analysis
Phase of life cycle assessment involving the compilation and quantification of inputs and outputs for a product through its life cycle
- Life cycle impact assessment
Phase of life cycle assessment aimed at understanding and evaluating the magnitude and significance of the potential environmental impacts for a product system throughout the life cycle of the product.
- Life cycle Interpretation
Phase of life cycle assessment in which the findings of either the inventory analysis or the impact assessment, or both, are evaluated in relation to defined goal and scope in order to reach conclusions and recommendations.
LCA Malaysia
LCA Malaysia was created in 2008, in connection with the National LCA Project for the establishment of the national life cycle assessment (LCA) related database.This whole effort has been mandated to SIRIM Berhad by the Government of Malaysia under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (2005-2010) to support cleaner production approach in the country's industrial activities.
Source: Excerpt from the Ninth Malaysian Plan (RMKe9)
The ultimate goal is to bring together the different players namely as practitioners, software developers, users, decision-makers, students and public at large in LCA activities for sustainability development.
(Link to LCA webpage; http://lcamalaysia.sirim.my)
