There are some simple measures that can be taken to reduce this effect in our homes. For example, sourcing materials from local and reliable suppliers can reduce emissions from transportation. However, when it comes to large-scale organizations and industrial production processes, environmental impacts become much more complex and multidimensional.
This is exactly where LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) – in Turkish, Life Cycle Analysis – comes into play.
LCA is an analysis method that holistically examines the environmental impacts of a product throughout its life – from raw material procurement to production, from use to disposal. In this way, the ecological cost of not only the final product but also all the steps in its creation becomes visible.
In order to reduce environmental impacts, these impacts must first be calculated concretely and systematically.
In this way, companies can measure their environmental performance, see which processes create how much impact, and take concrete steps towards their sustainability goals. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) provides a comprehensive and detailed solution to this need.
It evaluates all stages that the product or service goes through, from raw material use to the production process, from logistics to use and disposal. Thus, not only the final product but all the processes that contribute to its emergence become environmentally transparent. These processes are respectively:
► Raw materials: It refers to the process of obtaining the necessary raw materials to be used in the production process.
► manufacturing: It refers to the production stage of the product.
► Transport: It refers to all transportation processes related to the product.
► Consumption: It refers to the expiration stage of products by consumers.
► Product End of Life: It refers to the recycling and disposal processes of products.
We can say that LCA studies can be carried out in three basic types, focusing on different stages of the life cycle of products or services.:
Cradle to Cradle
It covers the entire life cycle, starting from raw material acquisition to production, use and ultimately recycling or reuse. With this approach, the circular economy is supported and carbon emissions are minimized by reintroducing waste as a resource.
Cradle to Grave
It evaluates the stages of the product, starting from its raw material, through production, use and end of its life, until it becomes waste and is disposed of. Recycling and reuse scenarios are not included in this scope. In this context ‘Cradle to CradleIt is likely that more carbon footprint will be released compared to the ‘ process.
Cradle to Gate
It covers the process starting from the acquisition of raw materials to the completion of the production phase of the product until it leaves the factory. This approach is often used to analyze environmental impacts in the early stages of the supply chain. The use and disposal process of the product is not included in this analysis. Therefore, it is the least environmentally friendly of these processes.
So how to prepare an LCA study??
This analysis consists of four basic stages (purpose and scope determination, inventory analysis, impact analysis, interpretation), and each of them allows us to more clearly understand the impact of the product on nature.
1. Determining Purpose and Scope
The most critical step in any creative process, whether you’re creating a mental or physical product, is to clearly define its purpose and scope before you even get started. In this step, questions such as why the analysis is being done, for whom it is being done and what it covers are answered. For example; Does a company want to evaluate its packaging design or the environmental impact of its entire production line?
Moreover “system limits” is also clarified here. That is, which processes will be included in the analysis and which will be excluded? The clearer the goal, the more meaningful the results.
2. Inventory Analysis – Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
This stage is perhaps the most time-consuming but most concrete step of the Life Cycle Analysis. The aim here is to systematically document the inputs (e.g. energy, water, raw material use) and outputs (e.g. waste, emissions, by-products) in all processes within the scope of analysis. This data is collected at all stages, from the production process to transportation, from use to disposal. For example, the amount of electricity used in the production of a packaging material, the CO₂ emissions generated during the extraction of raw materials, or the type of fuel used in the transportation of the product are evaluated at this stage. The more detailed and accurate this data is, the more reliable the analyzes in subsequent stages will be.
3. Impact Analysis – Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
The data obtained in the inventory analysis is evaluated in terms of environmental impacts at this stage. The effects of different inputs and output on nature are classified and quantified.
For example:
► Carbon footprint (greenhouse gas emissions)
► Water footprint (water consumption)
► Acidification potential
► Eutrophication (nutrient pollution)
► Effects on the ozone layer
In this way, it can be determined which processes cause how much damage. This analysis helps us understand concretely not only numerical data, but also the real effects of these data on the environment.
4. Interpretation
The findings obtained in the final stage of the LCA study are evaluated, interpreted, and results that will guide decision makers are obtained. The aim here is to determine which processes need to reduce their environmental impact and to suggest measures that can be taken. This interpretation phase is not only a technical evaluation but also a strategic perspective. For example, a company can significantly reduce its environmental impact by changing packaging material or optimizing transportation routes.
Life Cycle Analyzes Gain Importance
Although LCA studies are considered a relatively new trend, they have a very important place in today’s environmental sustainability efforts. There are serious developments and improvements in this field around the world. Türkiye has also begun to concretize its policies aimed at reducing environmental impact with the steps it has taken at the legal level. From now on, every institution and organization will report the emissions they cause and take responsibility in this regard.
This will not only be a legal obligation, but will also become a determining factor in the strategic decision-making processes of companies. Decisions such as which product to produce, which supplier to receive service from, what kind of logistics model to apply will now be evaluated not only in terms of financial concerns but also in terms of environmental impacts. In this process, it is likely that new work lines and job roles responsible for LCA processes will emerge.
Shared Responsibility for a Sustainable Future
The world has gone through a process of rapid development and transformation in the last century like never before. Technological advances, increase in production capacities and global accessibility; While it improves the quality of life, it also causes us to consume our limited natural resources at a rapid pace. Behind this growth, we left behind an ever-growing waste problem and deepening environmental crises.
At this point, conscious and systematic decision-making processes can play a critical role in reducing emissions for both institutions and individuals. Reconsidering production models, optimizing logistics chains and adopting life cycle-oriented approaches enable not only environmental but also economic and social sustainability.
However, change will be possible not only with top-down policies, but also with individuals and communities taking responsibility. We, too, can be a part of this great transformation with the choices we make on an individual scale – for example, by choosing local products, reducing consumption or contributing to recycling. The future is shaped not only by technology but also by the responsibilities we take.