Cleaner Production Tools -- Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
[ Description | Links ]
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) attempts to provide a systematic approach to measuring resource consumption and environmental releases to air, water and soil associated with products, processes and services. It takes into consideration that all product life-cycle stages (extracting and processing raw materials, manufacturing, transportation and distribution, use/reuse, and recycling and waste management) have environmental and economic impacts.
LCA is a decision-making tool for governments and businesses. It is used to measure and compare the environmental impacts of products and services, frequently using computer modeling software tools. Most LCA measurements are made by summing the units of energy consumed in the extraction of raw materials, transport, manufacture, distribution and final disposal of a product or service. Additional calculations are made of emissions to air, land or water resulting from the creation and disposal of the product or service. LCA is also used to identify points within a product's life cycle where the greatest reduction in resource requirements and emissions can be achieved.
According to the ISO 14040 series standards, LCA should assess the potential environmental aspects and potential aspects associated with a product or service by:
-
compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs,
-
evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs,
-
interpreting the results of the inventory and impact phases in relation to the objectives of the study.
LCA has some limitations. For example, a great deal of basic research must be completed to establish baselines against which to compare environmental impacts. Also, impacts will vary by region, so it can be very difficult to compare products made in different countries.
The ISO is currently developing a standard on LCA. This standard is ISO 14040 series, which is part of the broader ISO14000 environmental standard. See http://www.tc207.org/ for more information.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Links
ŠNDRC 2000-2006