Step 2: Inventory Analysis
In this step, the energy and raw materials used and the emissions to
atmosphere, water, and soil are quantified for each step in the
process, then combined in the process flow chart and related back to
the functional unit—an inventory of all the inputs and outputs to and
from the production system is prepared as part of the inventory
analysis. Thus, products and processes can be compared and
evaluated using Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) results. If the results of LCI
are consistent, which means that a product performs well or poorly
in all environmental burdens, there is no need to carry out Step 3:
Impact Assessment. However, if the LCI results are inconsistent, Step
3 becomes essential.