A Policymakers’ guide to Life Cycle Assessment - Policy Brief

This policy brief outlines how Life Cycle Assessment studies are applied to inform early problem definition and policy framing by evaluating inputs, outputs and environmental impacts across all stages of a product system, from raw material extraction to disposal. It explains that this approach enables identification of impact hotspots, trade-offs and priority areas across value chains and sectors, supporting more coherent and efficient policy design. The document also describes the use of such assessments at both product and economy-wide levels to highlight high-impact activities and guide action. It further sets criteria for assessing study quality, including methodological standards, scope alignment, completeness and transparency, to ensure reliable interpretation for policymaking.