Goal and scope phase

Jana Gerta Backes

Chapter 85 in Elgar Encyclopedia of Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment, 2026, pp 318-320 from Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: The Goal and Scope phase is the first step in a sustainability assessment and lays the foundation for the entire analysis. In this phase, the objectives, system boundaries, functional units, and other key elements are defined to ensure a structured and targeted investigation. It clarifies what is being assessed, for whom the assessment is being carried out, and which decisions are to be supported. At the product level, the analysis focuses on the environmental impacts of an individual product and often covers the entire life cycle of the product. The results are aimed specifically at product developers or environmental managers. At the company level, on the other hand, the overall environmental performance of the company is assessed, for example, by recording CO₂ emissions across the entire value chain. This analysis is aimed at managers and investors who make strategic decisions.

Keywords: Objective; Limitation; Relevant parameters; Iterative; Precision (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
ISBN: 9781035309887
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