> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://knowledge.co2ai.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://knowledge.co2ai.com/provide-product-emissions-data/what-are-life-cycle-stages.md).

# What are life cycle stages?

Understand GHG Protocol classification to input data at “Life Cycle level” in CO2 AI Product Ecosystem

#### Customer

Company requesting a PCF on CO2 AI Product Ecosystem

#### Tier 1 supplier

Company submitting its PCF data on CO2 AI Product Ecosystem

#### Tier 2 supplier

Company providing the supplier with raw material (or packaging) needed to manufacture the studied product

**Life Cycle stages – GHG Protocol classification**

#### Material acquisition & pre-processing

Starts with resources extraction, ends with product components entering production facility of tier 1 supplier. Includes between others:

* Mining/extraction of material (e.g., natural resources)
* Cultivation and harvesting of trees or crops
* Application of fertilizers
* Pre-processing (processing of material by tier 2 suppliers)
* Transportation from tier 2 to tier 1 suppliers

#### Production

Starts with product components entering production facility of tier 1 supplier, ends with finished product exiting production facility. Includes between others:

* Energy consumed from manufacturing activities
* Energy consumed from preparation activities (for distribution), e.g., packaging
* Fugitive emissions from production process (e.g., physical or chemical processing) – Not included in calculator prototype
* Treatment of waste created during production – Not included in calculator prototype
* Transport of semi-finished products between manufacturing processes – Not included in calculator prototype

#### Distribution & storage

Starts with finished product exiting production facility of tier 1 supplier, ends with product entering customer hands. Includes between others:

* Storage heating or refrigeration – Not included in calculator prototype
* Transportation from production facility to storage location
* Transportation between storage locations
* Transportation from tier 1 supplier to customer