How do you align LCA with other sustainability frameworks and standards?

1 Circular economy

A circular economy is one that aims to eliminate waste and keep resources in use for as long as possible. LCA can help you design and evaluate circular solutions, such as reuse, repair, remanufacturing, recycling, or biodegradation. To align LCA with circular economy principles, you need to define a functional unit that reflects the value and performance of the product or service over multiple life cycles, and a system boundary that includes the potential benefits and trade-offs of circular strategies. For example, you can compare the environmental impacts of a single-use plastic bottle versus a reusable glass bottle, taking into account the different production, distribution, use, and end-of-life scenarios.

2 Green procurement

Green procurement is the process of selecting products and services that have lower environmental impacts throughout their life cycle. LCA can help you identify and compare the environmental hotspots and improvement opportunities of different options, and communicate them to your suppliers and customers. To align LCA with green procurement criteria, you need to follow the relevant standards and guidelines, such as ISO 14040/44 for LCA methodology, ISO 14025 for environmental product declarations, or ISO 20400 for sustainable procurement. You also need to ensure that your LCA data and assumptions are transparent, consistent, and verifiable.

3 Corporate social responsibility

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is the commitment of businesses to act ethically and responsibly towards their stakeholders and society. LCA can help you measure and report your environmental performance and impacts, and demonstrate your efforts to reduce them. To align LCA with CSR frameworks, you need to select the appropriate indicators and metrics, such as carbon footprint, water footprint, or eco-efficiency. You also need to align your LCA scope and objectives with your CSR strategy and goals, and communicate your LCA results and actions to your stakeholders in a clear and credible way.

4 Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are a set of 17 global goals that aim to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. LCA can help you assess and contribute to the SDGs by quantifying and evaluating the environmental impacts and benefits of your products and services in relation to the SDG targets and indicators. To align LCA with the SDGs, you need to map your LCA impact categories and results to the relevant SDG themes and dimensions, such as climate change, resource efficiency, or biodiversity. You also need to consider the social and economic aspects of your LCA, and address the potential synergies and trade-offs between the SDGs.

5 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?