LCA

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is the systematic calculation of a product's environmental impacts across all stages from raw-material extraction to end of life. ISO 14040 defines the principles and framework, and ISO 14044 the requirements and guidelines. Carbon and water footprint studies are single-impact-category forms of LCA.

The aim is to see where the environmental impact is concentrated and to direct improvement to the right point. LCA's most valuable output is usually not the total figure but the breakdown showing which stage the impact arises in.

• Manufacturers preparing an EPD
• Product-development and ecodesign teams
• Brands that will make an environmental claim
• Suppliers required to show environmental performance in public procurement
• Companies deciding on packaging and material selection

• Stage 1 — Goal and scope definition: functional unit, system boundaries, impact categories
• Stage 2 — Inventory analysis (LCI): compiling all input and output flows
• Stage 3 — Impact assessment (LCIA): classification, characterisation, and optional normalisation and weighting
• Stage 4 — Interpretation: identifying significant issues, and checking consistency and completeness
• Allocation rules and how multi-functional processes are handled
• Data-quality requirements and database selection
• Sensitivity and uncertainty analysis
• Critical review (mandatory for comparative assertions disclosed to the public)

• ISO 14040
• ISO 14044
• ISO 14067
• ISO 14046
• ISO 14025
• EN 15804 (construction products)

• ISO 14040
• ISO 14044
• ISO 14067
• ISO 14046
• ISO 14025
• EN 15804 (construction products)

1. 1Definition of Goal and ScopeThe goal of the study, the functional unit and the system boundary (cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave) are defined. These two definitions directly determine the result.
2. 2Identifying the Product Category RulesWhere an applicable PCR or sector rule exists it is taken as the basis; comparability is possible only when the same rules are followed.
3. 3Inventory AnalysisInput and output flows across the life cycle are collected: energy, raw materials, transport, waste and emissions. Data quality requirements are applied.
4. 4Allocation and Modelling DecisionsFor multi-output processes, the allocation method, the recycling approach and the treatment of biogenic carbon are decided with their justification.
5. 5Impact AssessmentInventory data are computed against the selected impact categories: global warming potential for the carbon footprint, catchment-based indicators for the water footprint.
6. 6Interpretation and Sensitivity AnalysisThe results are interpreted together with an uncertainty and sensitivity analysis, showing how far each assumption moves the result.
7. 7Critical Review or VerificationWhere the result is to be disclosed publicly, an independent critical review is carried out; for an EPD this step is mandatory.

In LCA, assurance is provided by an independent CRITICAL REVIEW. ISO 14044 requires a critical review where the result will be disclosed publicly, and especially where a comparative assertion will be made; for comparative assertions, the review is expected to be carried out by a panel of experts. This step is not mandatory for studies intended for internal use, but it markedly increases the reliability of the result.

• Details of the practitioner conducting the study and of the reviewing expert
• Goal, functional unit and system boundary
• Standard applied and, where relevant, the product category rules
• Data sources, data quality and reference year
• Allocation method and modelling assumptions
• Impact assessment results
• Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis
• Critical review statement, where one was carried out

A footprint result depends on the functional unit and system boundary defined; if those definitions change, so does the result. Two studies prepared with different system boundaries or different product category rules cannot be compared. The result is not a declaration of conformity: a low or high figure does not show that the product does or does not comply with legislation.

Greenhouse gas verification and validation activities are accredited under ISO 14065; the verification itself is performed to ISO 14064-3 and the competence of verification personnel is defined by ISO 14066. Assurance engagements, by contrast, are governed by assurance standards such as ISAE 3000 and do not fall within accredited certification. In both frameworks the impartiality rule is decisive: the party that performs the calculation cannot verify that same calculation. EUROLAB holds internationally recognised accreditation from accreditation bodies that are signatories to the ILAC and IAF mutual recognition arrangements; which verifications can be offered within accredited scope is confirmed in writing at the quotation stage.

• Product Carbon Footprint
• Water Footprint
• EPD