What are the benefits of conducting an LCA?

Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) helps to identify the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life cycle.

A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic approach to evaluating the environmental aspects and potential impacts associated with a product, process, or service. It provides a 'cradle to grave' analysis, covering extraction and processing of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, use, recycling, and final disposal.

One of the main benefits of conducting an LCA is that it provides a comprehensive view of the environmental aspects of the product or process and a sound basis for improving the environmental performance. It helps to identify hotspots where improvements can be made, and can also help to avoid shifting environmental problems from one life cycle stage to another. For example, it might be that a product is very energy efficient in use, but the manufacturing process is very energy intensive. An LCA would highlight this.

Another benefit is that it can help to inform decision-making. For example, it can help companies to develop their environmental strategy, select environmentally friendly materials, or improve their manufacturing processes. It can also help consumers to make more informed choices about the products they buy.

Furthermore, an LCA can support marketing claims about the environmental performance of a product. It provides a scientifically based, quantitative approach to assessing and communicating the environmental performance of a product. This can help to build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Finally, conducting an LCA can help to identify potential cost savings. For example, it might highlight opportunities to reduce energy use, minimise waste, or improve efficiency. This can help to reduce costs as well as improving environmental performance.