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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Definition
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic analytical method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, service, or process across all stages of its life: from raw material extraction through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. LCA is standardised under ISO 14040:2006 (Principles and Framework) and ISO 14044:2006 (Requirements and Guidelines). LCA quantifies impacts across multiple environmental categories: climate change (GHG emissions), water use, land use, eutrophication, acidification, toxicity, and resource depletion. LCA provides the methodological foundation for product carbon footprints (ISO 14067) and eco-design requirements.
Source
ISO 14040:2006 (LCA Principles and Framework); ISO 14044:2006 (LCA Requirements and Guidelines); ISO 14067:2018 (Carbon Footprint of Products); ESRS E1–E5.
Practical Explanation (Compliance Context)
LCA is increasingly required for regulatory compliance: Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) under EU environmental claims; ESRS E1–E5 value chain impact disclosures; Digital Product Passport (DPP) environmental data; and eco-modulation of EPR fees. Manufacturers should build LCA capabilities — either in-house or via specialist partners — and develop cradle-to-gate carbon footprint data for their products. LCA data is also essential for substantiating environmental claims under the EU’s Green Claims Directive.