Glossary

System Boundary

Written by one to ONE Holdings | Jan 23, 2026 2:35:34 AM

The system boundary defines which processes are included or excluded in a Life Cycle Assessment and sets the spatial and temporal limits of the study.

Clearly establishing this boundary, whether Gate-to-Gate or Cradle-to-Grave, ensures that carbon footprints and energy demands remain comparable and transparent. Without well-defined boundaries, there is a risk of carbon leakage and data inconsistencies in industrial optimization.

Key Takeaways for Industrial Analysis:

  • Transparency: Prevents the omission of high-impact environmental "hotspots."
  • Consistency: Essential for benchmarking across different manufacturing sites.
  • Decision Support: Defines exactly where a factory's responsibilities begin and end.