Life Cycle Assessment
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is a systematic mapping and assessment of environmental and resource impacts throughout the life cycle of a product/product system.
An LCA assesses the entire life cycle, from raw material extraction, production, transport, use phase to disposal or reuse. "Cradle to grave", or preferably "cradle to cradle"
Method:
- Mapping
Emissions are calculated - Classification
Emissions are categorized - Characterization
Environmental impacts are calculated - Innovation
Analyze how the life cycle of the product can be improved
LCA can be used in early-stage concept studies where the environmental impact of various concept choices / technical alternatives must be accounted for. It can also be used as a tool to find the most environmentally friendly solutions during a project, or it can be used to document any environmental savings upon delivery.
Life cycle assessment is also used to develop EPDs for products.
EPD (Environmental Product Declaration) or “environmental declaration” is a concise document that describes the environmental impact of a product or service.
LCA can provide answers to:
- What are the main environmental problems for a system?
- Where in the life cycle do the most important environmental problems arise?
- What is the greatest potential for product improvement of a system from an environmentally efficient point of view?
- Documentation of the total environmental impact associated with your product if the customer wants to compare with a competing product?
