Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
A systematic method for evaluating the environmental impact of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle - from raw material extraction to disposal.
SustainabilityLife Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a standardized methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service across its entire life cycle - often described as “cradle to grave.”
The Four Phases (ISO 14040/14044)
- Goal and scope definition: What is being assessed, system boundaries, and functional unit.
- Life cycle inventory (LCI): Quantifying all inputs (energy, water, materials) and outputs (emissions, waste) at each stage.
- Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA): Translating inventory data into environmental impact categories (climate change, acidification, eutrophication, etc.).
- Interpretation: Identifying significant issues, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations.
Life Cycle Stages
- Raw material extraction: Mining, farming, logging.
- Manufacturing: Processing, assembly, packaging.
- Distribution: Transport and logistics.
- Use phase: Energy consumption, maintenance, repairs.
- End of life: Recycling, landfill, incineration, composting.
Software Tools
Common LCA tools include SimaPro, GaBi, openLCA, and Ecoinvent (database). These enable practitioners to model complex supply chains and compare design alternatives.
Career Relevance
LCA skills are valued in product development, packaging design, sustainability consulting, and environmental compliance. Demand is growing as companies need to quantify the environmental impact of their products for regulatory and marketing purposes.