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Life cycle assessment (LCA)

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life cycle, from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling

Life cycle assessment (LCA)

The main phases of an LCA study

An LCA study typically consists of four main phases:

  1. Goal and scope definition - The goal and scope define the study's purpose and boundaries.

  2. Inventory analysis - The inventory analysis quantifies the inputs and outputs of the product system.

  3. Impact assessment - The impact assessment evaluates the potential environmental impacts.

  4. Interpretation - The interpretation phase summarizes the findings and recommendations.

ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards guide on LCA studies

ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 are international standards that provide a framework and principles for conducting LCA studies. ISO 14040 defines the principles and framework, while ISO 14044 specifies the requirements and guidelines for the life cycle inventory analysis and impact assessment phases. These standards ensure consistency, transparency, and credibility in LCA methodology.

Importance

LCA is a crucial tool for assessing the environmental impacts of products, processes, or services throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal or recycling. It helps identify hotspots and opportunities for improvement, supports decision-making for eco-design and product development, and enables environmental labeling and marketing claims. LCA promotes a holistic, cradle-to-grave approach to sustainability, avoiding problem-shifting between different life cycle stages or impact categories.

Reference

What is life cycle assessment (LCA)?

One of the most common methodologies for quantifying sustainability is life cycle assessment (LCA). An LCA is a systematic analysis of environmental impact over the course of the entire life cycle of a product, material, process, or other measurable activity. LCA models the environmental implications of the many interacting systems that make up industrial production. When accurately performed, it can provide valuable data that decision-makers can use in support of sustainability initiatives.

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Life-cycle assessment

Life cycle assessment (LCA), also known as life cycle analysis, is a methodology for assessing environmental impacts associated with all the stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process, or service. For instance, in the case of a manufactured product, environmental impacts are assessed from raw material extraction and processing (cradle), through the product's manufacture, distribution and use, to the recycling or final disposal of the materials composing it (grave)

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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

LCA is defined by the ISO 14040 as the compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle. Along the lines of this standard and with the main aim to support LCA practitioners in operationalizing LCA, other codes of practice have been developed. In the EU context, the Joint Research Centre of the European Commission has released the International reference Life Cycle Data system handbook.

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Resources

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LCA, Simplified | Why, What and How of Life Cycle Assessment?

Newtral

Jul 1, 2023

LCA, Simplified | Why, What and How of Life Cycle Assessment?

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a way to measure the environmental impact of a product, process, or service from start to finish. It looks at everything from the extraction of raw materials to the disposal of waste. LCA can help us to understand how our choices impact the environment and make informed decisions about the products we buy and use.

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