Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs (see Exchanges) and the potential environmental Impacts of a Product system throughout its life cycle, as defined in ISO 14040 clause 3.2.
At its core, LCA provides a systematic framework for quantifying and assessing the environmental burdens associated with a product, process, or service across all stages of its existence. This cradle-to-grave perspective encompasses raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life treatment or disposal. By examining the complete life cycle, LCA reveals environmental hotspots that might otherwise remain hidden if analysis focused solely on a single life stage.
The methodology systematically catalogues all exchanges between human activities and the environment. These exchanges include material and energy inputs drawn from nature, as well as emissions to air, water, and soil. Through characterisation and impact assessment, these exchanges are translated into meaningful measures of potential environmental impacts, such as climate change, ecotoxicity, resource depletion, and human health effects.
An important aspect of LCA, as clarified in the ISO 14001 definition of Environment, is its comprehensive scope. Whilst the term "environmental" might suggest a focus purely on biophysical impacts, LCA actually encompasses social, biophysical, and economic impacts. This broader interpretation recognises that the environment includes not only natural resources, flora, and fauna, but also humans and their interrelations. Therefore, a complete LCA considers impacts on human wellbeing, social structures, and economic systems alongside traditional ecological concerns.
The standardised framework provided by ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 ensures consistency and transparency in LCA practice, making results comparable across studies and supporting evidence-based decision-making in product development, policy formulation, and sustainable procurement.
