2. Methodology

2.1 Definition of the object of study

As with all environmental assessment approaches, the first step in an emergent study is to clearly define the object of the study and its scope. It is important to consider both the spatial boundaries and the time scales characteristic of the system under study and its environment.

To delimit the system under study, it is necessary to consider a time horizon much longer than the characteristic internal storage time of its main physical and energy flows, in order to take into account secondary support and maintenance elements.