lifecycleimpact

Lifecycle impact refers to the total effects associated with a product, process, or service over its entire life cycle, from resource extraction to end-of-life disposal or recycling. The concept is most commonly analyzed with life cycle assessment (LCA), a standardized framework that aggregates environmental effects across stages such as production, transportation, use, and disposal. While environmental factors are central, lifecycle impact can also encompass economic and social dimensions when integrated analyses like life cycle costing (LCC) and social life cycle assessment (S-LCA) are used.

LCA uses a defined functional unit and system boundaries to compare alternatives. Inventory data capture inputs and outputs such as energy use, emissions, and resource depletion, which are then converted into impact indicators. Common environmental impact categories include global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion, human and ecological toxicity, and resource and water use. Results are often presented per unit of service or product, enabling comparisons and improvement opportunities.

Scopes and variations differ: cradle-to-grave and cradle-to-gate are common boundaries, while cradle-to-cradle traces circular use and recycling. Lifecycle impact assessments may be complemented by economic analyses (LCC) and social considerations (S-LCA) to provide a broader sustainability picture.

Applications include guiding product design, informing procurement and policy decisions, supporting sustainability reporting, and aiding marketing with verified environmental claims. Limitations include data availability, regional specificity, methodological choices, and uncertainties in interpretation. Overall, lifecycle impact is a structured approach to understanding and reducing a product’s or process’s cumulative effects.