Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)) is used to identify environmental risks of existing and planned products, services and production processes, as well as to identify opportunities for strategic improvement.

The LCA tool analyzes the impact of energy used, release of toxic substances, use of natural resources, etc., involved in all phases of a product's life cycle (from the extraction of raw materials needed for its production to its non-use and disposal or recycling).

There are several more or less advanced versions of LCA tools. Which one to use depends on how complicated the product is and how the results will be used. If the analysis is only to be used to indicate where and what the greatest environmental impact is, use a simpler method such as Eco Indicator 99, Eco Scan 3.0 or Eco-IT.

However, if the results are to be used as a basis for marketing or certification, the product should undergo a thorough analysis (SimaPro ®), which is somewhat more complex and requires some prior software knowledge.

Some free LCA tools for beginners

• OpenLCA – open source life cycle assessment software
• LCA Calculator – software for instant carbon a footprint for a sustainable design solution
• SimaPro® is an LCA software used to perform complex analyses life cycle of products, services and production processes

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