Life-Cycle Analysis (LCA)
Definition
Life-cycle analysis
The evaluation of a product’s environmental impact across five stages: pre-production, production, distribution, use, and disposal.
The Five Stages of Life-Cycle Analysis
- Raw Material Extraction
- Mining, farming, or harvesting of materials (e.g., metals, wood, oil).
- Impact: habitat destruction, soil pollution, energy use.
- Manufacturing and Production
- Materials are refined and assembled into products.
- Impact: high energy consumption, toxic waste, air and water pollution.
- Distribution and Transportation
- Movement of materials and products around the world.
- Impact: carbon emissions from trucks, ships, and planes.
- Use and Maintenance
- How the product is used by the consumer.
- Impact: electricity use, maintenance, emissions (e.g., cars, appliances).
- End-of-Life Disposal
- What happens after the product is no longer useful.
- Impact: landfill waste, recycling challenges, toxic leakage.
Key Considerations in Life-Cycle Analysis
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Global Warming Potential | How much greenhouse gas a product emits across its life (measured in CO₂ equivalent). |
| Air Pollution | Emissions like carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulates. |
| Water & Soil Pollution | Chemical leaks or waste during manufacturing and disposal. |
| Ecotoxicity | Harmful effects on ecosystems and wildlife from toxins. |
| Resource Depletion | Use of non-renewable resources like fossil fuels or rare earth metals. |
