More about LCA

The life cycle analysis (LCA) is the most important part of a climate declaration. To find out the climate impact of a product the whole life cycle has to be included in the calculations. The methodology used for such calculations is a so-called life cycle or LCA.

An example of a life cycle: 1) the extraction of raw materials, 2) the processing of the materials, 3) manufacturing, 4) use, 5) recycling, landfill

Life cycle analysis is used for calculating the environmental impact of a product - from extraction of raw materials, manufacture, use and recycling. The analysis compiles data on volumes and quantities of materials, energy and chemicals, and emission of pollutants and waste resulting from these various life stages.

Potential environmental impact of products

An important part of the life cycle analysis is the assessment of the potential environmental impact of the product. You could say that the assessment consists of a summary of different types of common effects on the environment. This will include, for example, emissions of greenhouse gases presented in CO2 equivalents, a commonly accepted unit for greenhouse potential or GWP (Global Warming Potential).

Comparisons can be made between different products climate impact by comparing their GWP values, but only if they are in the same product category.

Methodology

The methodology of life-cycle analysis is internationally standardized. The standards are the requirements and guidance for the methods to be used when performing a life cycle. To ensure quality and to ensure that the data is reliable and credible, it also recommended that an independent review of the life cycle analysis is perfomed.