Topic 2 Introduction to Life Cycle Assessment

– Definition & Meaning –

Life Cycle Assessment – compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system1 throughout its life cycle. (ISO 14040:2006)

Life Cycle Assessment is a process of evaluating the effects that a product1 has on the environment over the entire period of its life thereby increasing resource-use efficiency and decreasing liabilities. (European Environment Agency – Glossary)

“LCA addresses the environmental aspects and potential environmental impacts (e.g. use of resources and the environmental consequences of releases) throughout a product’s life cycle from raw material acquisition through production, use, end-of-life treatment, recycling and final disposal (i.e. cradle-to-grave)”. (ISO 14040:2006)

• an internationally standardised methodology
• a science-based method of appraising the environmental impact of a product
• takes into account the full life cycle of the product
• does not address the economic or social aspects of a product
• designed to support decisions, not for decision-making

It might also be called: Environmental Life Cycle Assessment, Life Cycle Analysis, Life Cycle Assessment study (LCA study), Cradle-to-Grave Analysis or Eco-Balance