What is LCA?

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. And 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 as a basis for developing 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 own product if the customer wants to compare with a competing product?

Production impacts on environment.

Various environmental impact categories

GWP

Global Warming Potential

ODP

Stratospheric ozone depletion (ozone layer)

POCP

Photochemical oxidation