A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic approach to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. The life cycle of a product or service typically includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, use, and disposal.
An LCA takes into account all of the inputs, outputs, and environmental impacts associated with each stage of the life cycle, including energy and material inputs, emissions to air, water, and soil, and the use of land and water resources. It can also consider the social and economic impacts of the product or service throughout its life cycle.
The purpose of an LCA is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts of a product or service, so that informed decisions can be made to reduce its negative impacts and improve its sustainability. LCA results can be used to identify opportunities to reduce the environmental impact of a product or service, compare different product or process alternatives, and communicate environmental performance to stakeholders.
The LCA methodology is based on standardized principles and guidelines, such as the ISO 14040 series of standards, which provide a framework for conducting LCA studies. LCA can be a powerful tool for promoting sustainable development by identifying opportunities for reducing the environmental impact of products and services throughout their entire life cycle.
The ESG space is changing day by day, creating more uncertainty for decision makers
