Which statement best describes a comprehensive purpose of life-cycle assessment in environmental policy?

• A. LCA only assesses economic costs.
• B. LCA only focuses on greenhouse gas emissions.
• C. It includes resource use, emissions, and waste across the product's life cycle to inform policy.
• D. LCA ignores waste management.

Answer: (C)

Life-cycle assessment looks at the environmental footprint of a product or service across its entire life, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life management. It collects data on resource use, emissions to air, water, and soil, and waste generation at each stage and brings them together to compare options and identify hotspots. This broad view lets policymakers evaluate how different choices affect the environment overall, not just one aspect like cost or a single pollutant. It also incorporates waste management as part of the end-of-life stage, ensuring policies address what happens after use. By capturing the full chain, LCA informs decisions on design, regulation, and standards that reduce environmental impacts across the product’s life cycle.