Life Cycle Analysis
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an essential tool in sustainability whose objective is to study the environmental performance of a product, process or activity throughout its life cycle (from cradle to grave).
It consists of collecting, assessing inputs (resource use) and outputs (emissions, discharges, waste) and analyzing environmental impacts, considering all stages of their life cycle, from extraction and processing of raw materials, through production, transportation and distribution, to use, maintenance, reuse, recycling and final landfill disposal.
What is the Objective of the LCA?
Life Cycle Assessment allows to determine the environmental impacts related to a product, process or facility, to obtain an analysis of alternatives, and to implement environmental criteria in business strategies.
The objective of LCA is to increase the efficiency of a product, process or facility from a sustainable perspective.
Benefits of performing a Life Cycle Analysis
More and more companies are recognizing the multiple advantages of implementing a Life Cycle Assessment approach in their organization or product design, while at the same time we find consumers more committed to sustainability and more demanding legislation.
Find out why you may need to perform a Life Cycle Assessment in your company.
Phases for the elaboration of a Life Cycle Analysis
01
Definition of objective and scope
It is necessary to know the objectives pursued with the study and the definition of the scope consists of defining the breadth, depth and detail of the study.
02
Inventory analysis
All inputs (consumption of resources and materials) and all outputs (emissions to air, soil, water and waste generation) are identified and quantified. In this phase, data will be collected and calculation procedures will be defined for the quantification of environmental impacts.
03
Impact assessment
The impacts generated are classified and evaluated. Using data from the inventory analysis, the significance of potential impacts is evaluated.
04
Interpretation of results
Conclusions and recommendations are obtained that contribute to decision making. This is probably the critical and most important part of the whole Life Cycle Analysis.
Reference methodology
In Eurofins Environment Testing Spain we perform Life Cycle Assessment based on international reference standards.
In all our Life Cycle Assessments we rigorously apply the ISO 14040:2006 standard, which is the most relevant normative framework for the realization of a Life Cycle Assessment, both for products and services.
ISO 14044:2006 describes the principles and framework for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Within this ISO normative framework for Life Cycle Assessment, the following are included:
Advanced Technology
In Eurofins Environment Testing Spain we have a highly qualified team for the realization of Life Cycle Assessment, (Engineers, physicists, among other technical profiles), since all Life Cycle Assessment is based on the application of complex calculations that require a level of experience and training.
Our team of specialists in Life Cycle Analysis uses one of the most recognized Life Cycle Analysis software in the market to perform the calculations, with an extensive and qualified database.
What differentiates us from our competitors
- Multidisciplinary and specialized technical team
- Consultants with technical profiles (engineers, physicists, biologists, chemists) and proven experience.
- Company with more than 35 years of experience in the environmental sector.
- 360º services in sustainability and environment
- Direct contact
- Wide geographical distribution
Sectors in which a Life Cycle Analysis can be applied
Life Cycle Analysis is such a versatile tool that it can be applied in any type of industry.
INDUSTRY
PRODUCT MANUFACTURER
TEXTIL
FOOD
PACKAGING MANUFACTURERS
CONSTRUCTION
BUILDING
PUBLIC SECTOR
TOURISM
RESTORATION
LOGISTICS
TRANSPORTS
Life Cycle Analysis Tips
To perform a life cycle analysis:
- Have a reliable data source and recognized inventories.
- Use internationally recognized software.
- Correct application of the LCA methodology and correct definition of the scope.
- Validation and review of data quality by specialists.
- Performed by technicians with the necessary experience and training to deal with the complexity of the data.