What is a life cycle assessment (LCA)?
To compare the environmental impact of construction products, reliable environmental data is needed. This data does not arise automatically. It is generated using a life cycle assessment.
A life cycle assessment forms the basis for environmental data in the Dutch Environmental Database. On this page you can read what an LCA is, how it is prepared and why this data is needed for environmental performance calculations.
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method for determining the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle. This includes all life cycle stages, from raw material extraction and production to use and end of life.
The results of an LCA form the basis for environmental data of construction products. This data is used in environmental declarations, registered in the Dutch Environmental Database and applied in environmental performance calculations for buildings and infrastructure.
What is assessed in an LCA?
A life cycle assessment (LCA) calculates the environmental impact of a product over its entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to processing at the end of its service life. It considers various environmental effects, such as the use of raw materials, energy consumption and emissions to air, water and soil.
Among other things, the analysis examines
- Use of raw materials
- Energy consumption during production
- Emissions to air, water and soil
- Transport and processing
- Effects during the use phase and end of life
The analysis shows the impact a product has on different environmental impact categories.
How is an LCA used in construction?
When a producer has an LCA prepared for a construction product, the environmental data can be used to prepare an environmental declaration.
This environmental declaration can then be registered in the Dutch Environmental Database. The environmental data then becomes available for use in environmental performance calculations for buildings and infrastructure.
Do you want to register a product in the Dutch Environmental Database? Then preparing an LCA is the first step.
Who prepares an LCA?
An LCA is prepared by an LCA practitioner. This may be a specialist within an organisation or an external consultancy. The analysis can also be prepared by a recognised LCA practitioner.
The analysis is subsequently checked by a recognised LCA reviewer before the environmental data can be used in an environmental declaration.
Read also: LCA-practitioner and recognized LCA-verifier
What happens to an LCA?
When a producer has an LCA prepared for a construction product, the environmental data can be used to prepare an environmental declaration.
This environmental declaration can then be registered in the Dutch Environmental Database. The environmental data then becomes available for use in environmental performance calculations for buildings and infrastructure.
Do you want to register a product in the Dutch Environmental Database? Then preparing an LCA is the first step.
Do you want to have your product registered in the Dutch Environmental Database?
To register a product, an LCA is required. Based on this analysis, an environmental declaration can be prepared and registered in the Dutch Environmental Database.
Read how the process works and what steps are involved.
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