Life Cycle Assessment
Definition
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. LCA helps identify the most significant environmental hotspots and improvement opportunities.
Why It Matters
LCA is increasingly used by companies to substantiate environmental claims and avoid greenwashing allegations. It provides the data foundation for eco-design, circular economy strategies, and credible product-level sustainability communication.
Related Terms
Carbon Footprint
A carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions caused directly and indirectly by an individual, organisation, event, or product. It is usually expressed in tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). The measurement encompasses emissions across an entity's entire value chain.
Circular Economy
A circular economy is an economic model that aims to eliminate waste and the continual use of resources through designing for durability, reuse, remanufacturing, and recycling. It contrasts with the traditional linear model of take-make-dispose. The goal is to keep products, materials, and resources in use for as long as possible.
ISO 14001
ISO 14001 is an internationally recognised standard for environmental management systems (EMS) published by the International Organization for Standardization. It provides a framework for organisations to systematically manage their environmental responsibilities, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency. Certification requires third-party auditing and ongoing compliance.
Greenwashing
Greenwashing is the practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about the environmental benefits of a product, service, or company practice. It can range from vague or irrelevant green claims to outright fabrication of environmental credentials. Greenwashing undermines consumer trust and diverts resources from genuinely sustainable alternatives.