6.2.2 Missing or incomplete information
If any relevant information is missing or incomplete, the necessity of such information for satisfying the goal and scope of the LCA or LCI study shall be considered.
If this information is considered unnecessary, the reason for this should be recorded, after which it is possible to proceed with the evaluation.
If any missing information is considered necessary for determining the significant issues, the preceding phases (LCI, LCIA) should be revisited, or alternatively the goal and scope definition should be adjusted.
This finding and its justification shall be recorded.
6.3 Sensitivity check
6.3.1 Objective
The objective of the sensitivity check is to assess the reliability of the final results and conclusions by determining whether they are affected by uncertainties in the data, allocation methods or calculation of category indicator results, etc.
This assessment shall include the results of the sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis, if performed in the preceding phases (LCI, LCIA), and may indicate the need for further sensitivity analysis.
6.3.2 Recommendations for conducting a sensitivity check
The level of detail required in the sensitivity check depends mainly upon the findings of the inventory analysis and, if conducted, the impact assessment.
In a sensitivity check, consideration shall be given to:
a) the issues predetermined by the goal and scope of the LCA or LCI study;
b) the results from all other phases of LCA or LCI study and;
c) expert judgements and previous experiences.
The output of the above sensitivity check determines the need for more extensive and/or precise sensitivity analysis as well as apparent effects on the study results.
The inability of a sensitivity check to find significant differences between different study alternatives does not automatically lead to the conclusion that such differences do not exist. The differences may exist but cannot be identified or quantified due to uncertainties related to the data and methods used.
The lack of any significant differences may be the end result of the study.
When an LCA is used to support a comparative assertion that is disclosed to the public, the evaluation element shall include interpretative statements based on detailed sensitivity analysis.
6.4 Consistency check
6.4.1 Objective
The objective of the consistency check is to determine whether the assumptions, methods and data are consistent with the goal and scope.