Page 82 - Materials Chemistry, Second Edition

Chapter 7
Goal Definition

Anders Bjørn, Alexis Laurent, Mikołaj Owsianiak
and Stig Irving Olsen

Abstract The goal definitionis the first phase of an LCA and determines the
purpose of a study in detail. This chapter teaches how to perform the six aspects of a
goal definition: (1) Intended applications of the results, (2) Limitations due to
methodological choices, (3) Decision context and reasons for carrying out the
study, (4) Target audience, (5) Comparative studies to be disclosed to the public and
(6) Commissioner of the study and other influential actors. The instructions address
both the conduct and reporting of a goal definition and are largely based on the
ILCD guidance document (EC-JRC in European Commission—Joint Research
Centre—Institute for Environment and Sustainability: International Reference Life
Cycle Data System (ILCD) Handbook—General Guide for Life Cycle Assessment
—Detailed Guidance. Publications Office of the European Union, Luxembourg
2010).

Learning Objectives
After studying this chapter, the reader should be able to:
• Define the goal of any LCA study.
• Explain the six goal aspects and their relevance for the subsequent LCA phases.

A. Bjørn (&) A. Laurent M. Owsianiak S.I. Olsen
Division for Quantitative Sustainability Assessment,
Department of Management Engineering, Technical University of Denmark,
Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
e-mail: anders.bjoern@polymtl.ca
A. Bjørn
CIRAIG, Polytechnique Montréal, 3333 Chemin Queen-Mary,
Montreal, QC, Canada
© Springer International Publishing AG 2018 67
M.Z. Hauschild et al. (eds.), Life Cycle Assessment,
DOI 10.1007/978-3-319-56475-3_7