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Life Cycle Assessments (LCA)

Performing thorough Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to steer your business towards sustainable practices and products.

A whirring machine, serving as an example of machinery that may be analysed in a Life Cycle Assessment to understand its environmental impact over time

What is Life Cycle Assessment?

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology for evaluating, in accordance with ISO 14040/44, the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. From raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal, an LCA quantifies an ecological footprint in areas such as energy consumption, carbon emissions, water use, and waste.

By considering each phase—production, transportation, use, and disposal—an LCA produces comprehensive insights which can be used to inform sustainable design, influence policy-making, and promote sustainable consumer choices. McGrady Clarke’s dedicated LCA experts have experience conducting LCAs across a range of sectors and brands, producing bespoke, publishable reports which can be used not just as a marketing tool, but to inform wider business and product strategies.

A Breeze Block factory at the start of an LCA

LCAs and EPDs: The Key to Product Environmental Footprints

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a standardised technical document that communicates the environmental impact of a product, based on Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) data. It provides transparent and comparable information about a product or service’s carbon footprint, resource usage, and any other impact categories deemed important by the organisation.

By adhering to international standards such as ISO 14025, McGrady Clarke can produce standardised EPDs which enable manufacturers or retailers to showcase their sustainability efforts, and allow consumers and stakeholders to make informed choices. Organisations with published product EPDs benefit from market differentiation and enhanced brand image compared with competitors, due to proven environmental transparency and commitment to sustainability.

 

Cotton Factory at the beginning of the LCA process

Our Product Life Cycle Process

For all of our LCA and EPD clients, we offer a bespoke service beginning with a tailored scoping and boundary setting workshop. From this, we determine organisational objectives and goals, as well as key stakeholders involved. Once system boundaries are set for the LCA or EPD, including relevant impact categories such as emissions, water use and land use change, we work alongside you to collect all relevant information. Our expert team produce and analyse lifecycle models using leading LCA software, compiling results into a digestible, marketable LCA report or EPD document.

A clothing shop, illustrating the retail industry which can employ Life Cycle Assessment to scrutinise the environmental impact of their products from production to disposal

Why choose McGrady Clarke for your LCAs and EPDs?

At McGrady Clarke, we guarantee product-based expertise established through years of dedication to sustainable practices. Our LCA team understand the nuances of environmental impact metrics and provide insights that exceed basic assessments.

By conducting an LCA or EPD with McGrady Clarke, your organisation will not only access top-tier analytical capabilities but also benefit from tailored strategies that align with global sustainability benchmarks. We pride ourselves on delivering actionable solutions that bolster both environmental responsibility and business competitiveness.

Electric Chip construction utilised within LCA

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A whirring machine, serving as an example of machinery that may be analysed in a Life Cycle Assessment to understand its environmental impact over time utilised when booking a consultation

Articles

Hand assembling blocks, illustrating the systematic and comprehensive process of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in evaluating environmental impact
Guide 24/04/23

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): Evaluating Environmental Impact

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Car construction site and utilised within the automotive industry
Insight 08/09/23

Life Cycle Assessments in the Automotive Industry: Steering Towards Sustainability

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Stack of clothing which is the final product within an LCA
Insight 27/09/23

Life Cycle Assessments in the Consumer Sector: A Practical Examination of Sustainability

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