1. Scope

1.1

This Standard establishes an assessment methodology for the evaluation of potential environmental impacts of the production phase of the pulp and paper life cycle in Canada. The methodology is intended to be used for internal evaluations, so as to guide improvement in environmental performance.

1.2

The recommendations and requirements are intended to help end users (eg, mill managers or their staff) identify opportunities for pollution prevention and resource conservation. This Standard (a) establishes a common framework for conducting a life cycle impact assessment of the pulp and paper production phase (LCIA-PPPP); (b) defines system boundaries for conducting a LCIA-PPPP; (c) describes the stressors and associated metrics to be included in the impact assessment; (d) describes the potential impact chains associated with the select ed stressors; (e) presents a data inventory method for stressor and metric evaluation; (f) provides direction on the valuation of the results; and (g) enables the end user to communicate the pulp and paper mill's re lative improvement in environmental performance over time.

1.3

The LCIA-PPPP method focuses on ""impact assessment"", only one of four phases of life cycle assessment (LCA), and on only one of four stages in the pulp and paper life cycle. The methodology is not intended to be used for external comparisons to other mills, or for product marketing purposes. It is intended to serve within the mill as a decision-making tool. Note: It is recognized that, despite the limited applications of the LCIA-PPPP methodology, impact assessment results may be used for purposes other than those described within the Scope of this Standard. Appendix B sets out the ethical considerations that should be addressed in such cases.

1.4

This Standard describes goal and scope definition, as well as a method for collecting the inventory data required to conduct a LCIA-PPPP. However, these are not intended to replace the initiation and inventory phases of LCA, as described in CSA Standards Z760 and CAN/CSA-ISO 14040. This Standard should be used in conjunction with analysis and improvement tools that apply to all stages of the product life cycle.