A new JRC report [
1.06MB] provides key information for policy makers and business managers on how to assess the environmental impacts of products and services through more consistent and better quality life cycle assessments.
Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) helps to assess the sustainability of supply chains, use, and end-of-life management options for goods and services. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a structured scientific method, internationally standardised according to ISO 14040 and 14044 that facilitates the implementation of LCT. It quantifies the resources consumed, emissions, and related environmental, health and resource depletion issues that are associated with any specific good or service. The International Reference Life Cycle Data System (ILCD) was developed to provide guidance for greater consistency and quality assurance of Life Cycle Assessments.
The new report provides useful information that will help public administrations to use the ILCD as a technical reference for environment related policies, supporting them also for issuing tenders for service contracts. It supports business managers in developing greener, more efficient products and technologies by implementing Life Cycle Thinking in a structured and coherent manner. Finally, it helps policy makers and business actors to improve their environmental image and save money by implementing robust Life Cycle Assessments that will increase stakeholders’ confidence and resource efficiency, and promote more environmentally friendly supply chains