Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. This holistic approach considers all stages, including material acquisition, manufacturing, distribution, use, and eventual disposal, to provide a complete picture of the environmental burdens and potential consequences. LCA is a systematic and quantitative tool that helps designers, manufacturers, and decision-makers identify opportunities for improvement and make informed choices to minimize negative environmental effects. It involves collecting and analyzing data on energy and resource consumption, emissions, and waste generation at each stage of the life cycle. By assessing multiple environmental impact categories, such as global warming potential, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion, LCA provides a comprehensive understanding of the trade-offs and potential shifts in environmental burdens across different life cycle stages. This information is crucial for guiding product design, process optimization, and material selection decisions to reduce the overall environmental footprint. LCA also enables comparative assessments between alternative products or processes, helping to identify the most environmentally preferable options. The results of an LCA study can be used to support eco-design strategies, environmental labeling and certification, and sustainable procurement practices. By adopting a life cycle perspective, designers and manufacturers can proactively address environmental challenges and contribute to the development of more sustainable products and systems.
environmental impact, sustainable design, eco-design, product life cycle, environmental assessment
CITATION : "Robert Anderson. 'Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).' Design+Encyclopedia. https://design-encyclopedia.com/?E=432171 (Accessed on June 07, 2025)"
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