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Net Zero International

ISO 14040 and ISO 14044

Life Cycle Assessments

We quantify the environmental impact of a product or project across its whole life, from raw material extraction to end of life. The result is the evidence you need for procurement, regulatory compliance and environmental claims.

Discuss your LCA requirements
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What is a life cycle assessment?

A life cycle assessment (LCA) measures the environmental impact of a product or project across its whole life, from raw materials and manufacture through transport and use to disposal. Carried out to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, it shows where the largest impacts sit and gives credible evidence for procurement responses, product claims and design decisions.

What is an LCA?

Environmental impact, measured at every stage

A Life Cycle Assessment is a systematic method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or project at each stage of its life: raw material extraction and processing, manufacture, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling.

Unlike a carbon emissions assessment, an LCA covers several impact categories, including climate change, water use, land use, resource depletion and ecotoxicity. This cradle-to-grave view shows where the impacts really sit.

Every LCA we carry out follows the international standards ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, so the report is defensible and can be used in procurement, regulatory and marketing contexts.

Method

The four phases of an LCA

ISO 14040 sets out four phases. Every study we deliver works through them in order.

  1. 01

    Goal and scope definition

    We agree the purpose of the study, the functional unit, the system boundaries and the data quality required.

  2. 02

    Life cycle inventory (LCI)

    We collect and compile data on every input and output across the life cycle of the product or project.

  3. 03

    Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA)

    We evaluate the potential environmental impacts using recognised impact categories and characterisation factors.

  4. 04

    Interpretation

    We analyse the results, identify the hotspots, draw conclusions and recommend improvements.

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What you receive

A report that stands up to scrutiny

  • ISO 14040/14044 compliant methodology
  • Independent, third-party verified report
  • Suitable for EPDs, procurement bids and marketing claims
  • Products, projects and processes in any industry
  • Clear findings and recommendations you can act on

Applications

Types of LCA we deliver

Product LCAs

The environmental impact of a manufactured product from raw material extraction to end of life. Used for eco-design, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) and green procurement.

Project LCAs

The embodied carbon and wider environmental impact of construction projects, infrastructure and capital investments.

Comparative LCAs

The environmental performance of two or more products, processes or systems set side by side, to support a decision.

Screening LCAs

A quicker, lower-cost assessment that identifies the hotspots and shows where deeper analysis is worth doing.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between an LCA and a carbon emissions assessment?
A carbon emissions assessment measures greenhouse gas emissions only, usually expressed in CO₂e. An LCA is broader. It covers several environmental impact categories, including climate change, water use, land use, resource depletion and ecotoxicity, and so gives a fuller picture of environmental performance.
How long does an LCA take?
A full LCA typically takes 6 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the product or project and how readily the data is available. A screening LCA can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks. We set out the timeline at the start of every project.
What data do I need to provide?
We identify the data requirements with you at the start. They usually cover materials, energy use, transport, manufacturing processes and end-of-life treatment. We supply data collection templates to keep the work on your side manageable.
Can the LCA report be used for marketing claims?
Yes, provided the claims are substantiated by the LCA findings and comply with ISO 14021 on environmental labels and declarations. We can advise on how to communicate the findings accurately and in line with the relevant standards.

Ready to commission an LCA?

Tell us about the product or project. We will come back with a clear scope, timeline and fee proposal.

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