Life-cycle assessment

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PhasesOfLifeCycleAnalysis

Life-cycle assessment (LCA), also known as life-cycle analysis, cradle-to-grave analysis, or eco-balance, is a methodology for assessing the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of the life cycle of a commercial product, process, or service. LCA is used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling.

Overview

LCA is a comprehensive method that considers a wide range of environmental impacts, including global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion. The goal of LCA is to compare the full range of environmental effects assignable to products and services by quantifying all inputs and outputs of material flows and assessing how these material flows affect the environment.

Phases of LCA

The LCA process is typically divided into four main phases:

1. Goal and Scope Definition

In this phase, the purpose of the study is defined, and the system boundaries and level of detail are determined. This includes specifying the functional unit, which is a measure of the function of the studied system and provides a reference to which the inputs and outputs can be related.

2. Inventory Analysis

The inventory analysis phase involves data collection and calculation procedures to quantify relevant inputs and outputs of a product system. This includes the collection of data on energy, water, and materials usage, as well as emissions to air, water, and soil.

3. Impact Assessment

During the impact assessment phase, the potential environmental impacts are evaluated using the inventory data. This phase involves classification, characterization, normalization, and weighting of the impacts.

4. Interpretation

The interpretation phase involves analyzing the results, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations based on the findings. This phase aims to identify significant issues, evaluate the completeness, sensitivity, and consistency of the data, and provide a basis for decision-making.

Applications

LCA is used in various fields, including product design, policy making, environmental management, and supply chain management. It helps organizations identify opportunities to improve the environmental performance of their products and processes, support strategic planning, and communicate environmental performance to stakeholders.

Related Concepts

• Sustainable development
• Environmental impact assessment
• Carbon footprint
• Circular economy
• Greenhouse gas emissions

See Also

• Environmental management system
• Sustainable design
• Eco-label
• Environmental product declaration
• ISO 14000

External Links

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