What is LCA – Life Cycle Assessment?
LCA according to ISO 14040 (2006) is a technique for assessing environmental aspects and potential environmental impacts throughout the life cycle of a product – from cradle to grave.
Life Cycle Assessment is a tool that measures environmental impacts on various levels according to an established standard operating procedure. The LCA process involves collecting inputs and outputs for a product, then evaluating them and determining the potential environmental impact over the entire life cycle covering production, use and disposal. A life cycle assessment of a product consists of examining five stages: product extraction, manufacturing and packaging, transportation and distribution, consumer use, and end-of-life and disposal.
Not only specific products, but also services, processes and technologies used, the activities of an organization, such as an industrial plant, or the economy of a specific country, among others, can be subjected to an LCA study.
What is the LCA analysis tool used for?
The LCA analysis aims to reduce the negative impact of the subject under study on the environment, promote conscious management of resources, and support the design process with particular concern for user comfort and the environment. Such analysis makes it possible to identify environmentally inefficient design solutions, materials and elements with the greatest contribution to CO2 production, and estimating water and energy consumption over the lifetime of the product.
An example is a company that manufactures photovoltaic panels. When evaluating the life cycle of photovoltaic panels, aspects such as sourcing and processing of raw materials, panel production, transportation, use and final disposal are taken into account. The LCA analysis identifies areas where greener technologies or processes can be applied to reduce the carbon footprint, as well as other negative environmental impacts.
Why is LCA important not only for companies but also for the consumer?
LCA-based energy consulting is extremely valuable for companies seeking to improve their sustainable operations. Conducting a full life cycle analysis identifies potential areas for optimization. This allows companies to make informed investment decisions, implement green technologies and contribute to environmental protection.
It is worth noting that LCA is also an important tool for consumers, who are becoming increasingly concerned with ensuring that their consumer choices are sustainable. Information about the environmental impact of products obtained from LCA analysis can help them make more responsible purchasing decisions.
Life Cycle Assessment provides reliable and specific information supported by calculations, based on verified and widely used databases and information sources.
In summary, LCA is an extremely important tool in today’s world, where sustainability and environmental concerns are becoming increasingly important. By supporting companies in optimizing their production processes and choosing greener solutions, LCA analysis contributes to reducing the negative impact on the planet. That’s why it’s worth taking advantage of LCA-based energy consulting to work together toward a better future for people and the environment.
Our services
We offer comprehensive LCA analysis of specific products, services, processes, investments applying for European Funds financing and operations within organizations. Feel free to contact us directly by e-mail or use the contact form below.