What is Life Cycle Assessment?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an analytical method used to evaluate the environmental impact of a product, process or service during its entire life cycle, from production to disposal.
LCA includes evaluation of greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water pollution, soil pollution, use of natural resources, and waste.
LCA provides a more comprehensive and holistic view of the impact of a product on the environment compared to conventional approaches which only focus on the production stage. LCA also helps decision makers in developing more effective environmental impact reduction strategies.
4 Stages of Life Cycle Analysis
LCA consists of four stages, namely:
Formulation of Goals and Scope
The purpose and scope formulation stage is the initial stage in the life cycle analysis. At this stage, the researchers determine the purpose of the analysis, scope boundaries, and units of function. The functional unit is the basic unit used to compare the product, process or service alternatives being analyzed.
Inventory
In the inventory stage, researchers identify and collect data related to all stages of the life cycle of a product, process, or service. These data include the resources used, emissions produced, and waste generated during all stages of the life cycle. These data are then analyzed and summarized in an inventory table.
Impact Evaluation
In the impact evaluation stage, researchers evaluate the environmental impacts resulting from each stage of the life cycle, including greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, water pollution, land pollution, use of natural resources, and waste. The environmental impact is then calculated using predetermined mathematical methods.
Interpretation
At the interpretation stage, researchers evaluate and analyze the results of the life cycle analysis, and develop recommendations and strategies for reducing environmental impacts that are more effective.
Benefits of LCA
LCA has very broad benefits, including:
Better Decision Making
LCA can help decision makers make better decisions regarding the environmental impact of a product, process or service. By using LCA, decision makers can determine the environmental impact of each life cycle stage and choose the most sustainable alternative.
Identify Potential Improvements
LCA can help identify potential improvements to a product, process, or service that can help reduce environmental impacts. By knowing the sources of environmental impact, improvements can be made at certain stages so as to reduce the overall environmental impact.
Reducing Costs
LCA can help in reducing costs related to waste management, energy use, and use of natural resources. By knowing the environmental impact of a product, process or service, it is possible to reduce the resources used thereby reducing the costs incurred.
Improving Corporate Image
LCA can help improve a company’s image by showing that the company has high environmental awareness and is responsible for its environmental impacts. This can increase consumer confidence in the products produced by the company.
Support Environmental Policy
LCA can help support environmental policy by providing relevant information regarding the environmental impact of a product, process or service. This can assist the government in establishing more effective environmental policies.
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