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.

Define Goals and Scope of Exercise

Establish the purpose and boundaries of the LCA study.

Inventory Analysis

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

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.

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.

Recent Projects

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

  • A-one+ Waste Treatment System Feasibility Study

    The Brief A-one+ provide highway maintenance services and were seeking…

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  • Archus – ESG Strategy and Training

    The Brief In 2023, Archus became a certified B-Corp to…

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  • Biogen – Waste Procurement

    The Brief A tender opportunity became available for a leading…

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  • I have worked with WRM for a number of years and always found them to be knowledgeable and hardworking. This was no different whilst working on multiple projects all at the same time.

  • WRM provided excellent technical input to our project to help us understand, and reduce our carbon footprint. The works signal the start of our journey, and we continue to work with WRM to improve our environmental performance and implement our committed reduction actions

  • Reducing utility costs and being greener are important to the Oulton Group; but with two busy practices it’s difficult to know where to start. WRM gave clear and detailed recommendations, cost and carbon savings and payback timescales to really help us to know where to focus our time and resources.

  • I was very happy with the service that WRM provided when assisting the Trust to develop our Green Plan. They carried out a thorough assessment of carbon emissions and provided a pathway to allow us to meet the challenge of achieving net zero. The consultants involved in the project were highly knowledgeable and extremely professional.

Need assurance on your next steps?

If your organisation is in need of an environmental or sustainability solution, the consultants at WRM can provide that assurance. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation.