Frequently Asked Questions

A systematic analysis methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to disposal.

The compilation and quantification of inputs and outputs of materials, energy, and waste associated with a product or service throughout its life cycle.

The phase of LCA that evaluates the potential environmental impacts of aproduct or service based on the life cycle inventory data.

A method for evaluating the total cost of ownership of a product or service over its entire life cycle, including acquisition, operation, maintenance, and disposal costs.

A standardized document that communicates transparent and comparable information about the environmental performance of a product or service based on its life cycle assessment.

The quantified performance or function of a product or service that serves as a reference for conducting a life cycle assessment

The limits set for the analysis, defining what processes and impacts are included in the life cycle assessment of a product or service.

A specific environmental issue, such as global warming potential or eutrophication, evaluated in a life cycle impact assessment.

Cradle-to-Grave: A life cycle assessment approach that considers all stages of a product or service, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Cradle-to-Gate: A life cycle assessment approach that considers all stages of a product or service up to the point of leaving the manufacturing facility.

The Environmental Footprint methodology, which stands for “ReCiPe: a Life Cycle Impact Assessment method which comprises several impact categories.”

Midpoint Impact: An intermediate stage in LCIA that measures potential environmental impacts before translating them into more endpoint impact categories. Endpoint Impact: The final stage in LCIA where potential environmental impacts are translated into broader endpoints, such as human health, ecosystem quality, or resource depletion