Life Cycle Assessments

We understand that developing an understanding of a product’s environmental impact requires time, resources and technical competencies using environmental assessment software. We also understand that organisations often have other priorities and limited internal capacity to undertake such assessments.  Our Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) service empowers organisations to comprehend the entire lifecycle of their product(s), clearing the path for environmental impact reductions and more suitable alignment with market and buyer criteria.

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What does LCA mean?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all or part of a product’s lifecycle. This includes raw material extraction, materials processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling, not just those associated with production or use.

By doing so, LCA provides a holistic view of the environmental aspects and potential impacts of a product system, facilitating more informed and environmentally conscious decisions.

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LCA Assessment Stages

When conducting a LCA, it is crucial to consider a series of stages within the methodology, to ensure the process is manageable, accurate, and meets the expectations of stakeholders involved in its procurement.

1
Define Goals and Scope of Exercise

Establish the purpose and boundaries of the LCA study.

2
Inventory Analysis

Gather the data associated with the product or service including materials, energy, water, emissions and waste.

3
Impact Assessment

Evaluate the environmental impact of the product or service based on the LCA data, considering your selected impact categories such as climate change, resource depletion and toxicity.

4
Interpretation and Reporting

Interpret the results of the LCA and communicate them effectively to stakeholders, identify inefficiencies and deliver a set of improvement actions.

Why are Life Cycle Assessments Important?

Understanding Environmental Impact: LCAs are vital for understanding and mitigating a product’s environmental impact. It enables producers to identify areas for improvement and prioritise environmentally-friendlier alternatives.

Objective Comparisons: LCAs also facilitate objective comparisons when selecting materials, manufacturing processes, or transportation methods, and aids in product development and marketing. Products with robust environmental attributes are likely to have the market edge.

Alignment with Regulatory Frameworks: It also ensures that products or services align with regulatory frameworks, guaranteeing compliance with appropriate policies and standards.

Funding Requirements: LCAs are a mandatory prerequisite for securing Innovate UK funding, and WRM is renowned for its successful history in securing co-produced bids within this funding framework.

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How We Make It Possible

WRM offers LCA services adhering to established and robust methodologies and frameworks.

Study Scope: Our team works hard to understand your requirements, and will map out a robust and flexible timeline that prioritises the needs of your organisation.

Inventory Collation and Analysis: We will gather and analyse data from a variety of relevant sources, and present this in a manner that enables a deeper understanding of environmental impact factors.

Impact Analysis: We will interpret this data, along with a comprehensive desk-based research study, to properly evaluate the environmental impact at each stage of the product’s lifecycle.

Stakeholder Communications: After mapping and evaluating the product lifecycle, decision-making criteria can be established to enable  modifications of the product. Thus, ensuring legal compliance, enhancing social value and elevating commercial resilience.

No matter what stage of your journey, WRM provides assurance that LCA progress is always possible.

Benefits of LCA

Obtain Environmental Impact Insights

Enable Informed Decision-Making

Adhere to Regulatory Frameworks

Recent Projects

Check out some of our recent projects to learn more about our diverse experience.

NHS NECS – Corporate Social Responsibility Strategy

The Brief NHS North England Commissioning Support (NECS) collaborated with WRM Sustainability…
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Surrey County Council – Food Waste Procurement Support

The Brief WRM were appointed by Surrey County Council to…
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Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – Green Plan

The Brief Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust (LTHT) approached WRM Sustainability…
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Cheshire East Council – Biowaste Procurement/technologies Support

The Brief WRM were appointed by Cheshire East Council as…
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Ryedale Organics – Bioaerosols Monitoring

The Brief Ryedale Organics operate a large In-Vessel Composting (IVC)…
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Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Biowaste Strategy

Waste Management Strategy The Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) is…
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Seeking assurance on your next steps?

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