Life Cycle Assessment
The EU Circular Economy Action Plan aims to transition towards a more sustainable, resource-efficient economy. This plan necessitates that organisations adopt practices that minimise waste, maximise resource efficiency, and close the loop of product life cycles. To ensure a uniform structure across all EU states and reporting bodies, several directives have been established, with which companies must comply for adequate reporting on the life cycle of their products.
As outlined in the Eco-design Directive (2009/125/EC), manufacturers are required to improve the environmental performance of energy-related products, focusing on aspects such as energy consumption, emissions, and waste generation. This is a crucial stage in the product’s design process that can have a large knock on effect.
To obtain the EU Ecolabel (EC/66/2010), organisations must demonstrate that their products meet stringent environmental criteria throughout their entire life cycle, from raw material extraction (cradle) to disposal (grave). This evaluation requires a robust life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology.
The European Commission has developed specific methodologies for measuring and communicating the environmental performance of products and organisations. These methodologies provide specific requirements for how environmental impacts should be measured and reported, ensuring consistency and comparability of data and information. A key tool in this process is life cycle inventory (LCI) analysis.
ECOS Environmental Consultants Limited works with Multi National and SME Businesses to identify and solve problems related to the management of environmental and business resources. We provide services to help companies achieve sustainability goals, ensuring efficient resource consumption and minimising their environmental impact.
Failure to conduct a thorough life cycle assessment (LCA) can lead to:
- Underestimation of environmental impacts, including carbon footprint and emissions.
- Missed opportunities for resource efficiency improvements.
- Potential non-compliance with evolving environmental regulations, such as the Eco-design Directive and the EU Ecolabel Regulation.
- Increased challenges in adapting to initiatives like the Circular Economy Action Plan.
- Reputational risks associated with unsustainable practices.
A comprehensive LCA considers all stages of a product’s life, analysing the inputs, outputs, and potential environmental effects at each stage. This analysis includes raw material extraction, material processing, product manufacturing, transportation, use, maintenance, and end-of-life management, including recycling and disposal. Boundaries of the system must be clearly defined in the LCA.
Engaging with ECOS ensures that your company is equipped to meet these challenges, drive environmental sustainability, and make informed decisions based on accurate data and thorough analysis. Our services provide insights and solutions for optimising processes, reducing your carbon footprint, and enhancing resource efficiency.
For a consultation on Life Cycle Assessments and how ECOS can assist your business in achieving your sustainability objectives, please contact us.