In a typical life cycle assessment, which stage directly follows distribution?

• A. Use phase.
• B. Raw material extraction.
• C. Manufacturing.
• D. End-of-life/disposal.

Answer: (D)

In a life cycle assessment, stages progress from getting materials to the product’s actual use and then to what happens at the end of its life. After distribution, the next stage is the use phase, where the product is operated, consumes energy, and delivers its function. This is usually where the majority of environmental impacts occur during the product’s active life. End-of-life/disposal happens last, after the use phase, when the product is discarded, recycled, or disposed of. So the stage directly following distribution is the use phase.