Lifecycle assessment compares environmental burdens for a stated function and boundary. For CCU, CO₂ sourcing, energy supply, coproduct allocation, displaced production and the product’s eventual fate can materially change the answer. AssessCCUS LCA process
Make the comparison reproducible
Record the functional unit, geography, year, reference scenario, allocation method, system boundary and data confidence. Cradle-to-gate and cradle-to-grave results cannot be compared as if they covered the same stages. Report sensitivity to electricity sourcing and end-of-life assumptions.
Avoid counting the same captured tonne as both an avoided upstream emission and a removal credit without a consistent accounting framework. Atmospheric origin and durable retention are necessary considerations for removal, while fossil-source utilization may instead substitute fossil feedstock or defer release.
Analyst reading rule: ask for a carbon-flow diagram and the counterfactual. If the product releases CO₂ during use, that release cannot simply disappear beyond a conveniently chosen boundary. Net benefit remains unverified until the complete comparison supports it.