Getting started with Life Cycle Assessment
Are you new to LCA? This guide will walk you through the initial steps—what you need to know, how to begin, and how to avoid common pitfalls when launching your sustainability journey.
Start with purpose – clarify where LCA will bring the most value:
- Marketing & sales support – provide credible numbers to back claims
- Product compliance & tenders – meet regulatory or buyer requirements
- R&D comparisons – choose materials or processes with lower impact
- Reporting – support sustainability disclosures and metrics
- Supply chain optimization – find hotspots and reduce risk
Choose a pilot product🎯
Select one product with accessible data and clear stakeholders.
Define goal and scope📝
Write why you are doing the study and how results will be used. Include lifecycle coverage and processes in scope.
Set the unit⚖️
Use a functional unit for fair comparisons. Use a declared unit when the product’s function is not defined.
Pick method and database🧰
Choose a method and database that match your goal and expected outputs.
Collect primary data and list assumptions🧾
Gather primary data where possible and document assumptions transparently.
Model, find hotspots, check sensitivities🔍
Build the model, identify key hotspots, and run simple sensitivity checks.
Prepare for external use if needed✅
If you plan public claims, comparisons, or tenders, prepare verification and documentation according to the rules.
Turn intent into impact with Sustainly. Talk to an expert and start your pilot today.
