What is the primary purpose of life cycle assessment (LCA)?

The primary purpose of life cycle assessment (LCA) is to assess environmental impacts throughout a product's life cycle. This comprehensive method evaluates the environmental attributes associated with a product from its inception to its disposal, which includes raw material extraction, production, transportation, use, and eventual end-of-life. By taking a holistic view of these stages, LCA provides an understanding of the cumulative environmental effects a product may have, helping companies identify opportunities for reducing negative impacts and improving sustainability.

This assessment typically considers various environmental factors, such as carbon emissions, resource depletion, water usage, and waste generation, making it an essential tool for organizations aiming to reduce their ecological footprint. Implementing LCA can help businesses make informed decisions regarding product design, material selection, and overall sustainability strategy, aligning with broader goals of environmental stewardship.

While enhancing customer satisfaction, evaluating financial viability, and improving supply chain logistics are important aspects of business strategy, they do not capture the core focus of LCA related strictly to environmental assessment.