Life cycle analysis (LCA).
Life cycle analysis (LCA) is an increasingly common tool for directing a business towards the sustainability goals that have been set. In a complex world, it is difficult to determine how the choice of materials, manufacturing and distribution affects a product’s footprint in various aspects – such as energy, raw materials and other environmental impacts.
In order for our choices to be possible to overview, these must be broken down into parts. To understand the full impact of a product or service, the entire life cycle – from innovation to recycling – needs to be mapped. One such survey is called Life Cycle Analysis, LCA.
Higher demands on sustainability place demands on standardized working methods. An example of this is EDP; Environmental Product Declaration. The life cycle analysis is a prerequisite for establishing an EPD.
For increased circularity and reduced climate impact, LCA is almost a necessity. A well-executed LCA can respond to:
- Which part of the value chain accounts for the greatest climate impact?
- What need should the product cover? One or more needs?
- How is the material consumption reduced during production?
- Which materials should be completely avoided or replaced?
- What percentage of recycled material can be used?
- Can all materials be traced to their source?
- Is it environmentally beneficial to choose local suppliers?
- How can production be done with less waste?
- Which parts of the production can be made more energy efficient?
- Can distribution be made smarter and with less packaging material?
- Can the packaging material be recycled or reused?
Answering these questions requires expertise in, among other things, industrial ecology, circular economy and material- and energy flow analysis.
