Lifecycle assessment is a systematic method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process or service across its entire life, from raw-material extraction through manufacture, distribution, use and end-of-life disposal or recycling. By accounting for inputs and outputs such as energy, materials, emissions and waste at every stage, it identifies where the greatest impacts occur and prevents burden-shifting between life-cycle phases. It underpins eco-design, carbon accounting and credible sustainability claims, and is governed by international standards to ensure comparability.
- Lifecycle assessment evaluates the environmental impact of a product or service across its whole life, from raw materials to disposal. A method within Environmental Sustainability and Sustainability, it underpins Carbon Accounting and credible ESG claims by quantifying impacts at every stage.
Overview
- The technique follows four phases: defining goal and scope, compiling a life-cycle inventory of inputs and outputs, assessing the resulting impacts, and interpreting the findings. By covering the entire Supply Chain it avoids burden-shifting, where reducing impact in one stage simply moves it to another.
- Results highlight environmental hotspots and inform Eco-Design decisions, material substitution and a transition toward a Circular Economy. Standardised methodology makes assessments comparable and defensible against accusations of greenwashing.
Key aspects
- Cradle-to-grave (or cradle-to-cradle) system boundaries.
- Life-cycle inventory of energy, materials, emissions and waste.
- Impact categories spanning climate, water, toxicity and resource use.
- Avoidance of burden-shifting between phases.
- Standardised, comparable methodology supporting Carbon Footprint claims.
Applications
- Comparing product designs to choose the lowest-impact option.
- Substantiating ESG and Carbon Neutrality disclosures.
- Driving Circular Economy strategies for reuse and recycling.
- Informing procurement across a complex Supply Chain.