Manage the environmental impacts of a product and its supply chain, with a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
What is a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) helps you take the first step in managing the environmental impact of your products, by reporting on the environmental sustainability of your product’s supply chain and life cycle. Resource consumption results in environmental impact at each stage, so we thoroughly investigate processes, emissions and data across the product’s life cycle.
Firstly, we calculate the inputs of resources consumed and outputs of environmental emissions, at each life cycle stage. Then we can analyse the environmental impact of a product from cradle to grave. You can then successfully reduce a product’s impacts, by directing your environmental management efforts more accurate. Finally, we can produce Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) following LCA.
A Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) will...
- Help you meet sustainability regulations.
- Highlight the environmental impact of a product or process over its full life cycle, display hotspots and allow you to direct carbon reduction efforts.
- Enable you to report on the environmental performance of products and processes with confidence.
- Compare your products and processes with alternatives.
Frequently Asked Questions about Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
- How much does a Life Cycle Assessment cost?
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Firstly, the cost depends on the scope and complexity of any LCA project. It’s relatively affordable to complete simple, streamlined LCAs, whereas complex comparative LCAs take more time and will incur more cost. But we can offer solutions to meet most clients’ requirements.
- How long does an LCA take?
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Typically, from kick-off to completion, an LCA project will take between three-to-six months. For the most part, gathering the primary data on the products and processes being studied takes the majority of this time. LCA software is then used to model the LCA, and, finally the LCA report is prepared.
- Why should I prepare an LCA?
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There are various reasons to produce an LCA. Occasionally it is because of external drivers, such as the need to meet compliance and regulations, or a customer requirement. More often though, LCA answers questions related to internal decision making, for example which packaging to use, or to answer ‘what-if’ scenarios (e.g. what if Scenario A was replaced with Scenario B) etc.
Why choose Blue Marble for your LCA?
- Firstly, we are Life Cycle Assessment consultants with extensive experience in sustainability and carbon footprinting.
- We offer a range of LCA services, including a streamlined LCA, comparative LCAs, and through to third-party verified LCA in accordance with ISO 14044.
- We also manage the sustainability and carbon impacts of a broad range of businesses, their supply chains and products.
Additional Case Studies
Life Cycle Assessment of Neuron’s N3 Dockless e-Scooter
Sep 02, 2024
In 2022, Neuron Mobility commissioned Blue Marble to conduct a life cycle assessment of its N3 e-scooter – purpose built to a commercial grade, specifically for the sharing economy.
Frobishers chooses a life cycle assessment (LCA) for products
Jul 04, 2024
South West drinks brand Frobishers has an ambitious plan to make its products carbon neutral. Managing director David Pearce explains why it has chosen to carry out a life cycle assessment (LCA) with Blue Marble.
The Complete Guide to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Mar 12, 2025
Discover the complete guide to Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), including a helpful checklist to help you prepare for your own LCA. Whether you’re new to the concept, or looking to learn more about what to expect from the process, our handbook will help.
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