Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
LCA is a structured and internationally standardized tool that allows quantifying the potential environmental impacts associated with a system throughout its entire life cycle: raw material extraction and processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life (recycling or disposal).
LCA Objectives:
- Identify inputs (resources, energy) and outputs (emissions, waste).
- Assess environmental impacts such as climate change, acidification, or eutrophication.
- Provide useful information to make environmental improvement decisions.
LCA Phases:
- Goal and Scope Definition: Defines the purpose and system boundaries.
- Inventory Analysis (LCI): Collects data on resources used and emissions generated.
- Impact Assessment (LCIA): Analyzes inventory data to assess environmental impacts.
- Interpretation: Conclusions and recommendations are drawn based on the results.
LCA Applications:
- Eco-design: Creating products with lower environmental impact.
- Alternative Comparison: Analyzing different options to choose the most sustainable one.
- Sustainability Strategies: Identifying critical points in the value chain.
- Environmental Declarations: Basis for eco-labels or verified product declarations (EPD).
The use of LCA allows organizations to understand the true environmental impact of their products or services and make decisions based on objective data, thus supporting more sustainable management.
Learn how we can help you here.