What does "life cycle assessment" refer to?

Life cycle assessment refers to a comprehensive method used to evaluate the environmental impacts tied to all phases of a product's life, from the extraction of raw materials to production, distribution, use, and finally disposal or recycling. This technique allows for a holistic view of how a product interacts with the environment throughout its entire lifespan, not just in isolation at a single stage.

By analyzing these interconnected stages, life cycle assessment helps identify significant environmental impacts and informs decision-making processes for more sustainable product design and development. Industries can use this assessment to minimize resource use, reduce waste, and improve overall sustainability practices. Understanding the environmental implications at every stage ensures that companies can strive for lower ecological footprints and better align with green building and sustainability standards.