ISO 14040

LCA is the "compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs, and potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle."

• Goal and Scope

• Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)

• Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)

• Interpretation

• Stages: Sections of the product life cycle (e.g., extraction, transport, use, disposal).

• Phases: Parts of the LCA process (e.g., inventory analysis, impact assessment).

1. Guidance for product, process, or element selection.

2. Evaluates environmental burden across life cycle stages.

3. Focuses on a functional unit.

4. Iterative process using results from other phases.

• Conversion of inventory data into environmental impacts.

• Classification into impact categories.

• Characterization using factors to assess impact potential.

• Global warming potential (kg CO₂ equivalents)

• Acidification (kg SO₂ equivalents)

• Eutrophication (kg PO₄³⁻ equivalents)

• Resource depletion

The functional unit is a quantified measure of the function delivered by a product or system, used to compare alternatives on an equivalent basis.

• LCA only includes environmental issues identified in the goal and scope.

• Data gaps and system boundaries limit completeness.

• Results are subject to uncertainty.

• To identify opportunities for environmental performance improvement.

• To inform decision-making.

• For marketing purposes (e.g., ecolabel).

1. It does not measure product performance.

2. It does not address compliance with laws.

3. It is not a risk assessment or provide specific actions.