In a life cycle assessment, which phase defines goals and scope?

• A. Inventory analysis
• B. Impact assessment
• C. Goal and scope definition
• D. Interpretation

Answer: (C)

Defining goals and scope sets the purpose, boundaries, and unit of measurement for the study. This initial step determines what will be included or excluded, what functional unit represents the service or product, the system boundaries (how far the life cycle is followed), data quality requirements, and any assumptions or allocation rules. By fixing these elements up front, every later task—data collection, modeling choices, and impact categories—stays aligned with the intended questions and decisions the assessment is meant to inform.

In an LCA, the other phases serve different roles: inventory analysis gathers and organizes all relevant inputs and outputs; impact assessment translates those flows into environmental impact indicators; and interpretation reviews the results, discusses uncertainties, and draws conclusions and recommendations.