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Circular EconomyAlso: Life-cycle analysisAlso: Cradle-to-grave analysis

What Is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?

Definition

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology for evaluating the environmental impact of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle — from raw material extraction through production, use, and end-of-life disposal.

What Is LCA?

LCA quantifies environmental impacts at every stage: material sourcing, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal/recycling. It follows ISO 14040/14044 standards.

Four Phases of LCA

  1. Goal & Scope Definition: Define what you're assessing and the boundaries
  2. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI): Collect data on all inputs and outputs
  3. Impact Assessment (LCIA): Evaluate environmental significance
  4. Interpretation: Draw conclusions and recommendations

Applications

LCA is used for product design, procurement decisions, EPD creation, and regulatory compliance. It helps avoid burden-shifting (solving one problem while creating another).

Related Terms

Carbon Footprint

A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases (including CO₂ and methane) generated by an individual, organization, event, or product, usually expressed in tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e).

Scope 1, 2, and 3 Emissions

Scope 1, 2, and 3 are categories defined by the GHG Protocol that classify greenhouse gas emissions by their source: direct operations (Scope 1), purchased energy (Scope 2), and value chain activities (Scope 3).

Circular Economy

A circular economy is an economic model that eliminates waste and pollution by keeping products and materials in use for as long as possible, then regenerating natural systems at end of life.

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