Life cycle assessment (LCA)

An LCA analyzes the entire environmental impact of a product or service along its entire life cycle - from raw material extraction, production and use to end-of-life. In addition to CO₂ emissions, it considers other environmental aspects such as water consumption, acidification and eutrophication.

The most important standard is ISO 14040/14044, which describes the methodology for data collection, assessment and interpretation of environmental impacts. For specific applications, there are supplementary standards such as ISO 14067 (carbon footprint) or EN 15804 (construction products).

While a PCF only considers the climate impact (CO₂ equivalents), an LCA analyzes a variety of environmental aspects, including water scarcity, ozone depletion or toxicity. An LCA is therefore more comprehensive and offers a holistic environmental assessment.

An LCA requires detailed input and output data from the entire supply chain, e.g. energy consumption, use of raw materials, production processes, transportation, use and disposal. Databases such as ecoinvent, GaBi or ELCD help with modeling.

ISO 14040 and 14044 form the basis for the preparation of life cycle assessments. They serve as the basis for other standards such as ISO 14067 (carbon footprint of products) and support companies in quantifying and assessing their environmental impact.

In addition to ISO 14040/14044, there are specific requirements in the EU such as EN 15804 for construction products or the requirements of the EU taxonomy. Companies often have to submit a verifiable environmental assessment through an LCA for sustainable financing.