What are some methods and tools to identify and collect data for your LCA system boundary expansion?

1 Review existing studies

One way to inform your system boundary expansion is to review existing LCA studies on similar or related products, services, or systems. This can help you identify relevant processes, inputs, outputs, and impacts that you may have overlooked or underestimated in your initial system boundary. You can also compare and contrast different system boundary choices and assumptions made by other researchers and practitioners, and justify your own decisions based on your specific context and objectives. You can find existing LCA studies in databases, journals, reports, or standards.

2 Use process flow diagrams

Another way to identify and collect data for your system boundary expansion is to use process flow diagrams (PFDs) to map out the physical and functional relationships between the processes and activities in your system. PFDs can help you visualize the system structure, identify data gaps, and determine the level of detail and aggregation needed for your analysis. You can use software tools, such as SimaPro, GaBi, or openLCA, to create and edit PFDs for your LCA.

3 Apply cut-off criteria

A third way to identify and collect data for your system boundary expansion is to apply cut-off criteria to exclude processes or activities that have negligible or insignificant environmental impacts. Cut-off criteria can help you simplify your system boundary, reduce data collection efforts, and focus on the most relevant aspects of your system. However, you should also consider the potential trade-offs and uncertainties associated with applying cut-off criteria, and document and justify your choices. You can use quantitative or qualitative cut-off criteria, such as mass, energy, cost, or relevance.

4 Conduct sensitivity analysis

A fourth way to identify and collect data for your system boundary expansion is to conduct sensitivity analysis to test how different system boundary choices affect your results and conclusions. Sensitivity analysis can help you assess the robustness and reliability of your LCA, identify key drivers and hotspots of environmental impacts, and explore alternative scenarios and options. You can use software tools, such as SimaPro, GaBi, or openLCA, to perform sensitivity analysis for your LCA.

5 Consult stakeholders

A fifth way to identify and collect data for your system boundary expansion is to consult stakeholders, such as customers, suppliers, regulators, or experts, who have relevant knowledge, experience, or interest in your system. Stakeholders can provide valuable insights, feedback, and data sources that can help you refine your system boundary, address data gaps and uncertainties, and ensure that your LCA meets the expectations and needs of your intended audience. You can use methods, such as surveys, interviews, workshops, or focus groups, to engage with stakeholders for your LCA.