life cycle assessment (LCA)

How it is used

Carried out according to ISO 14040 and 14044. Analysts define the system boundary, such as cradle to gate (up to the factory gate) or cradle to grave (including use and disposal). An LCA is the basis for product carbon footprints and Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs).

Example sentences

1. The life cycle assessment showed that most of the bottle's impact comes from producing the glass.

2. We need a cradle-to-grave life cycle assessment before we make any claims about the new material.

Common collocations

• carry out a life cycle assessment
• cradle to grave
• cradle to gate
• system boundary
• Environmental Product Declaration

Related terms

• carbon footprintThe total amount of greenhouse gases caused by a person, product, company or event, usually given in tonnes of CO2 equivalent.
• circular economyAn economic model that keeps products and materials in use for as long as possible through reuse, repair, remanufacturing and recycling, instead of making, using and throwing away.
• water footprintThe total volume of fresh water used to produce a product, or used by a person, company or country, including the water used along the whole supply chain.
• environmentally friendlyDescribing products, services or activities that cause little or no harm to the environment, for example because they use less energy or create less waste.

More terms: Sustainability and Circular Economy

• sustainability
• sustainable development
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
• resource efficiency