Reliable LCA inputs need to match the product, site and period being assessed. Agree the data collection template with your LCA specialist before different departments supply information.
Record products and material inputs
Prepare production quantities, formulations or material composition, raw and auxiliary materials and packaging. Record units and reference quantities. Distinguish purchasing, inventory changes and actual consumption where they differ during the assessment period.
Allocate energy, transport and residues
Collect the agreed information on electricity, fuels, water, transport, waste and other relevant flows. Where several products share production facilities, document available measurements and allocations. Agree the assessment approach with your LCA specialist.
Document period and quality
For each dataset, state its period, site and source, such as meter readings or operational reports. Identify unusual production conditions. Acceptable periods and data quality depend on the applicable rules; do not choose earlier-year values without agreement.
Resolve gaps and supplier inputs
Request supplier information with a clear product reference and period. Identify missing data and estimates, explain their basis and have their suitability assessed. Do not independently replace unknown values with zero.