LCI

LCI is an acronym that can refer to several terms depending on the field, but it is most commonly associated with Life Cycle Inventory in environmental science. A Life Cycle Inventory collects data on the energy and material inputs and environmental releases associated with a product or process across its life cycle, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life disposal. The LCI phase focuses on quantifying inputs and outputs such as energy use, water consumption, emissions to air, water, and soil, and generation of wastes. The results feed into Life Cycle Impact Assessment to evaluate environmental burdens and to identify opportunities for improvement. LCI data are typically compiled from primary measurements, process data, and, when necessary, secondary data from literature or databases. The quality and granularity of the data influence the reliability of the assessment, and various standards and databases (such as ISO 14040/14044 guidelines and databases like Ecoinvent) guide the process.

In other contexts, LCI may refer to terms used in different disciplines, but the Life Cycle Inventory meaning is the most widely used in environmental assessment and sustainability reporting. Users should verify the intended meaning from contextual cues, documentation, or glossary when encountering the acronym in a text.