**7. Conclusions**

Attributional and consequential LCA respond to different questions: what part of the global environmental impacts is associated with the product investigated, and how does the product affect the global environmental impacts? In most applications and for most study objects, the choice between ALCA and CLCA is open. Since the two types of LCA have different advantages and disadvantages, it cannot be unequivocally stated that one is better than the other [32]. Roughly stated, the CLCA is more accurate, while ALCA have advantages when it comes to all other criteria. However, what kind of study is easiest to understand and most inspiring will vary between different decision-makers.

To ensure that the study is perceived as relevant, it is a good idea to, if possible, discuss the goal and scope of the study with the client before deciding on what type of LCA to carry through. To make the study as legitimate as possible, it might also be useful to discuss with other stakeholders. In such a discussion, it is important to carefully explain what type of information is provided by an ALCA and a CLCA. **Figure 2** can be used in that explanation. It is also important to make clear the limitations of the different methods. Only then can the client and other stakeholders decide on the type of study they want.

As should be clear from this chapter, the actual effects of a decision on the global environmental impacts are in most cases highly uncertain. We will never know how close the CLCA results are to reflect the actual consequences. For this reason, CLCA should probably not be presented as a method to estimate the actual consequences. Instead the results are the consequences foreseeable within the methodological framework we choose to use in the study.

The risk that the study will be abused will also vary from case to case. Here, it does not help to consult the client. The LCA practitioners must instead use their own judgment and decide what kind of LCA is the most appropriate. In this decision, it may be good to consult with colleagues and/or to discuss with other stakeholders. The decision to make an ALCA or a CLCA should therefore be taken by the LCA practitioner after discussions with the client and possibly with other stakeholders and colleagues.
