What is the purpose of a life-cycle assessment (LCA)?

The purpose of a life-cycle assessment (LCA) is to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction, production, and usage to disposal or recycling. This comprehensive analysis helps to identify areas where environmental impacts can be minimized, facilitating more sustainable product development and consumption practices. By quantifying resource use and emissions at each stage, LCA provides critical information that can guide decisions toward reducing a product’s ecological footprint.

This understanding is vital for industries seeking to improve their environmental performance and for consumers making informed choices about the products they use. Focusing solely on financial performance, employee satisfaction, or sales growth misses the core intent of LCA, which is dedicated specifically to assessing environmental sustainability.