As the name implies, an LCA can be used to evaluate potential environmental impacts across the entire life cycle of a product or system, often referred to as “cradle-to-grave”. An LCA also can be used for less than an entire life cycle and focus instead on certain lifecycle stages. For example, a “cradle-to-gate” assessment typically addresses the stages from raw material acquisition up to the finished product being ready to ship at the manufacturer’s gate.

Geosyntec’s LCA practitioners collaborate with clients to understand the product or operational system being modeled and investigated. Different LCA guidance frameworks require different approaches to LCA modeling, such as whether to use a cradle-to-gate or cradle-to-grave system boundary, how to allocate environmental impacts to multiple co-products, and how to account for the use of low-carbon electricity. Geosyntec has worked with many frameworks to develop LCA models and prepare reports, including ISO 14040, 14044, and 14067. Geosyntec also has extensive experience working with Argonne National Laboratory’s GREET model as well as various LCA software and databases.

Because Geosyntec’s LCA practitioners have deep engineering and scientific backgrounds, our practitioners add value to the LCA process beyond the modeling and calculations. We often research standards and policies that use LCA results and advise on the LCA impacts of changes to business practices or equipment.

Life cycle assessment is a unique systems-analysis tool that can help organizations identify opportunities to reduce environmental impacts and, in some cases, costs. By understanding the reasons a particular product or service system has certain impacts, Geosyntec can help uncover value opportunities.