LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is the only standardized, scientific tool for mapping environmental impacts throughout the entire life cycle, from cradle-to-grave o cradle-to-cradle.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
LCA: analysis and consulting
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is an internationally recognized and standardized methodology (ISO 14040 and ISO 14044) used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product, process or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes everything from raw material extraction through production, distribution and use, to end-of-life and back to the “cradle” for circular processes.
Through an LCA it is possible to quantify a multi-domain set of indicators, including:
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- Climate change impacts (Carbon Footprint)
- Resource and energy consumption
- Impacts on air, water and soil quality
The goal is to provide scientific data to improve environmental performance and support strategic decision-making based on robust, quantified evidence.
LCA Consulting & Research
How Life Cycle Assessment works
An LCA analysis evaluates the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle by analyzing all input and output flows exchanged with the environment. This process involves a comprehensive Life Cycle Inventory (LCI), which accounts for factors such as raw material consumption, waste generation and greenhouse gas emissions.
#1 Step
Goal and Scope definition (what are we analyzing?)
In this stage, we define the objective, system boundaries and the specific life cycle stages to be included in the study.
#2 Step
LCI Inventory (The “Shopping list”)
By integrating the input-output data of your processes, we cross-reference LCA with LCC (Life Cycle Costing). This approach provides companies with comprehensive overview of both environmental and economic performance, transforming raw data into a powerful tool for strategic decision-making.
#3 Step
Impact Assessment (the calculation)
We evaluate the potential environmental impacts of the products system to quantify its footprint.
#4 Step
Interpretation and Strategy (the action)
We present clear, data-driven results while identifying critical hotspots and improvement actions to be implemented.
Simplified LCA
Are you looking for a quick analysis to identify exactly where to focus your improvement efforts?
An LCA Screening provides a preliminary assessment of your main environmental impacts and identifies the key hotspots that require priority action.
Ideal for:
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- companies looking to begin their sustainability journey with a limited investment and immediate, actionable results.
Strategy and ROI
LCA and strategic sustainability
An LCA study is more than just a technical analysis; it is a strategic investment that delivers measurable financial returns (ROI).
- operational cost reduction, lowering expenses related to production, sourcing and end-of-life management
- regulatory and market readiness, anticipating evolving legislation and shifting market demands
- strengthening ESG performance, providing robust data to support Environmental, Social and Governance policies
- competitive advantage, gaining access to new markets, public tenders and sustainable supply chains
Rather than an opportunity a necessity
LCA analysis? A voluntary necessity
Conducting an analysis according to ISO 14040 and 14044 standards is not an academic exercise, but it’s a business-critical requirement:
- Tool compliance: it is the indispensable foundation for obtaining certification such as EPD or Ecolabel and for meeting Green Public Procurement (GPP) requirements in public tenders.
- Real world ecodesign: it enables you to engineer products that use fewer materials, ultimately driving down costs.
- Defense against greenwashing: with an LCA in hand, your claims are beyond reproach. Your data is ironclad, backed by rigorous science.
Have you already conducted an LCA study on your company’s products?
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LCA & LCA Ecodesign
The difference between LCA and Ecodesign
LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) and Ecodesign are complementary tools that serve different purposes.
LCA is the X-ray, Ecodesign is the surgery.
LCA
Measure and analyze
LCA is a standardized analytical framework used to scientifically quantify the environmental impacts of a product, process or service across its entire life cycle. It evaluates critical factors such as emissions, energy consumption and environmental stressors on air, water and soil.
Ecodesign
Measure and analyze
Ecodesign is a design methodology that leverages LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) results to rethink products and processes through the lens of sustainability. It focuses on minimizing resource consumption, boosting efficiency, extending product lifespans and simplifying the recycling process.
THE BENEFITS
Why perform an LCA for your business
From LCA analysis to EPD certification
EPDs: a genuine competitive edge
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a voluntary certification that provides transparent, detailed data on the environmental impact of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle.
To achieve EPD certification, a formal LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) is required. By communicating reliable and transparent environmental data to consumers, suppliers and stakeholders, your company gains a measurable strategic advantage.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) software
ImpACT: the cloud-based solution for LCA studies
ImpACT is an all-in-one cloud platform featuring integrated modules for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Ecodesign, EPDs, Carbon Footprint and VSME. It transforms environmental data from products and business operations into strategic insights and sustainable decisions. With pre-configured workflows, the software simplifies data collection and accelerates the entire calculation process.
- Lower data collection costs
- Streamline the emission calculation process
- Rely on a prove methodology
FAQ
How long does an LCA take?
On average, a full LCA takes 4 to 8 weeks, depending on product complexity and data availability. LCA screening can be completed within 2 to 3 weeks.
Is an LCA mandatory?
No, it is voluntary. However, it is increasingly requested by costumers, supply chains and public tenders as a core component of ESG strategies.
How much does an LCA cost?
Costs vary depending on the complexity of the product and the scope of the analysis. Contact us for a custom quote.
Is LCA only for environmental purpose?
No, it is also a powerful tool for optimizing costs, refining processes, enhancing design and boosting overall corporate competitiveness.
Are LCA and EPD the same thing?
No. An LCA is the “behind-the scenes” scientific study, while an EPD is the certified public document used to communicate the results of that study.
Can i conduct an LCA in-house?
It is possible, but it requires specialized expertise, professional software and access to up-to-date databases. External consultancy ensures faster, more accurate results that are ready for third-party verification.
Related services
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