Life Cycle Assessment

Abstract

Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology is a standardized method for assessing the potential environmental impact of a product or service throughout its lifetime (ISO 14040). As such, it represents a valuable tool by which researchers and organizations can identify, and avoid, unnecessary environmental burdens that have a negative impact on the ecological health of the globe. Environmental sustainability challenges mainly stem from humanity’s current production and consumption habits. In this regard, there is a need to develop production practices and consumption behaviors that support sustainable development. It is imperative that we find solutions by which we can reduce environmental impacts and resource use within production chains. The first ISO standard for LCAs was published in 1996, and updated versions 14040 and 14044 were published in 2006. These LCA standards act as valuable guidelines and standards by which practitioners can reduce their carbon footprint and product environmental footprint. It also acts as a tool that can support decision-making pertaining to various questions related to the environmental impacts of products and systems.