Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a technique for assessing the potential environmental aspects and potential aspects associated with a product (or service), by
- compiling an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs,
- evaluating the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs,
- interpreting the results of the inventory and impact phases in relation to the objectives of the study.
- ISO 14040.2 Draft: Life Cycle Assessment - Principles and Guidelines
Background and protocol:
- Life Cycle Analysis Systems for Cities. Global Research Development Center (GRDC). Urban Environmental Management
- Greenhoue Gas Protocol's Product and Supply Chain Standard (still in development as of June 2, 2009)
Examples:
- Six Products, Six Carbon Footprints. Wall Street Journal (Oct. 6, 2008)
- How Green Is My Orange? New York Times (Jan. 29, 2009)
