Life cycle analysis: LCA, LCC, S-LCA, LCSA and EPD
Life cycle assessment (LCA) allows for a comprehensive assessment of the impact of a product, process, or technology on the environment, society, and economy—from the raw material extraction stage to the end of the product’s life. Thanks to LCA, companies can identify key areas for optimization, reduce costs and risks, and implement solutions that minimize their environmental and social footprint.
ACCREDITED TESTING
Comprehensive environmental, economic and social assessment - from raw material to disposal.
We offer services in the following areas: LCA (environment), LCC (life cycle costs), S-LCA (social impact) and LCSA (integrated approach), as well as EPD preparation and product carbon footprint calculation. This will enable you to make data-driven decisions, reduce costs and minimise your environmental impact.
What is LCA?
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive environmental assessment tool that measures the environmental impact of a product, process or service throughout its entire life cycle – from raw material extraction, through production and use, to recycling or disposal. LCA measures the environmental impact of a product/process at all stages of its life cycle: from raw material extraction, through production and use, to recycling/disposal. It provides a complete picture of hot spots and opportunities for reducing impacts and costs.
LCA allows you to:
Identify the stages that generate the highest emissions and costs (“hot spots”).
Compare variants of materials, technologies, and processes.
Implement solutions that genuinely reduce environmental impact.
Prepare reliable communication – in tenders, ESG reports, and marketing materials.
Expert support in environmental, economic, and social assessment of products, processes, and technologies
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an international, verified document presenting objective data on a product’s environmental impact. The EPD is based on the results of an LCA analysis, confirms the ecological advantages of the product, and increases its credibility on the market – among customers, business partners, in tenders, and in cooperation with foreign contractors.
Having an EPD:
- Increases opportunities on the Polish and international markets (e.g., in the construction, furniture, and industrial sectors)
- Facilitates participation in “green” public procurement and tenders
- Helps to meet legislative requirements and environmental standards (e.g., LEED, BREEAM)
- Is an important element of ESG reporting and communication with customers and investors
By implementing LCA and EPD, your company not only minimizes its environmental impact, but also builds a competitive advantage and prepares for future regulatory requirements.
Our offer - life cycle analysis: LCA, LCC, S-LCA, LCSA, EPD
Product and process life cycle analysis – LCA
- We conduct a detailed assessment of the environmental impact of a product, process, or technology as part of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA).
- We identify key critical points that generate the greatest environmental impact at each stage of the life cycle.
- We propose solutions to reduce negative environmental impacts and optimize the entire process.
Life Cycle Cost Analysis – LCC
- We perform a full assessment of all expenses related to a product or investment, covering the design, operation, and disposal phases (Life Cycle Costing).
- We support effective economic decision-making that optimizes costs at every stage of a product’s life cycle.
Social Life Cycle Assessment – S-LCA
- We assess the impact of a product and process on employees, local communities, consumers, and the entire value chain as part of Social Life Cycle Assessment.
- We identify potential social risks and benefits of implementing a given product or technology.
Integrated sustainability assessment – LCSA
We conduct a comprehensive assessment of the impact of a product or process on the environment, economy, and society as part of our Life Cycle Sustainability Assessment.
We support decision-making based on the full spectrum of sustainability aspects.
Environmental Product Declarations – EPD
We create Environmental Product Declarations in accordance with applicable international standards.
We provide support during the registration of EPDs for products and materials.
Calculating carbon footprint as part of life cycle analysis
- We integrate accurate carbon footprint calculations as part of a comprehensive LCA assessment.
Our specialization: the most demanding projects
We specialize in difficult and complex cases where a standard approach is not enough – we analyze complex supply chains, non-standard technologies, new materials, and products that require an individual approach and in-depth expertise.
Why should you trust us?
- A research institute with a practical approach – we combine scientific knowledge with business implementation.
- A team of experienced experts – numerous projects for the most demanding clients.
- An individual approach – each analysis is tailor-made and takes into account the specific nature of the challenge.
- Work according to the best global standards – ISO 14040/44, ISO 14025, EN 15804, GHG Protocol.
What does the cooperation process look like?
We determine the purpose and scope of the analysis – e.g., comparison of materials, calculation of carbon footprint, preparation of EPD.
We collect data – raw material consumption, energy consumption, transport, use, recycling.
We build LCA/LCC/S-LCA models that comply with ISO standards and industry best practices.
We calculate the results – emissions, water consumption, costs, social impact
We interpret and recommend – we identify hot spots and suggest specific optimization measures.
We provide the report and sales materials – LCA documentation, summary sheet, optional EPD ready for use in communication.
Why Łukasiewicz – PIT? What you gain by working with a research institute
As part of the Łukasiewicz Research Network, we combine scientific knowledge with a practical approach to calculating carbon footprints, planning emission reductions, and implementing low-carbon strategies.
We ensure complete reliability and objectivity – we operate based on proven standards (GHG Protocol, ESG, CSRD) and the independent expertise of a research institute. Our team consists of specialists in environmental engineering, energy efficiency, and emissions reporting who have experience working with both SMEs and large enterprises.
By working with us, you gain access to modern laboratories, emissions analysis tools (Scope 1, 2, and 3), and CO₂ reduction simulations that enable you to implement effective climate action.
We are your research partner
A research institute with a practical approach
We combine scientific knowledge with business implementations, and each of our analyses is tailor-made and takes into account the specific nature of the challenge at hand.
A team of experienced experts
Numerous projects for the most demanding customers
In accordance with standards
We work in accordance with ISO 14040/44, ISO 14025, EN 15804, GHG Protocol
FAQ: LCA, LCC, S-LCA, LCSA, and EPD life cycle analysis - check out the most frequently asked questions
What is life cycle assessment (LCA)?
LCA is a method of assessing the environmental impact of a product or process at every stage of its life cycle.
What are the benefits of life cycle cost (LCC) analysis?
LCC helps optimize product-related expenses from design to disposal.
What is social life cycle assessment (S-LCA)?
S-LCA analyzes the impact on employees, local communities, consumers, society, and other actors in the value chain. It enables the identification of social risks and benefits throughout the value chain, supporting responsible business decision-making.
What does the integrated sustainability assessment (LCSA) cover?
LCSA combines environmental, economic, and social assessments of a product or process.
Why is it worth making environmental product declarations (EPDs)?
EPDs confirm the transparency and compliance of products with environmental standards.
How is carbon footprint calculated in life cycle assessment?
The carbon footprint measures the CO₂ emissions generated by a product throughout its entire life cycle.
Free consultation with an expert from Łukasiewicz – PIT
Dobrochna Augustyniak-Wysocka, PhD. Expert in eco-design and the social and economic aspects of sustainable management. For the past eight years, she has been associated with Łukasiewicz – PIT, where her responsibilities include carbon footprint calculation, ESG reporting, and environmental life cycle assessment of products and technologies (LCA, S-LCA). She has completed courses in LCA (MIT) and S-LCA (RWTH Aachen). She has experience in international projects and numerous industry publications.
Our expert:
Dobrochna Augustyniak-Wysocka
Tel.: +48 601 480 199
Łukasiewicz Research Network – Poznań Institute of Technology, Centre for Sustainable Economy, Research Group for Chemical Technology and Environmental Protection, 14 Jana Pawła II Street, 61-139 Poznań, Poland
