LCA
Science & Engineering abbreviation · Environmental
| Stands for | Life-cycle assessment |
|---|---|
| Categories | Science & Engineering |
LCA stands for Life-cycle assessment, an environmental abbreviation.
Method for evaluating the environmental impacts of a product or service across its whole life, from raw material extraction through manufacturing, transport and use to disposal or recycling. LCAs compare options such as paper versus plastic bags or electric versus gasoline cars.
Example: The LCA found that a cotton tote must be reused many times before it beats a plastic bag on climate impact.
Usage notes
The method is standardized in ISO 14040 and 14044. Often cited as an early example is a 1969 study commissioned by Coca-Cola comparing beverage containers. Results depend heavily on boundaries and assumptions, such as "cradle to gate" versus "cradle to grave," so competing LCAs can reach different conclusions.
Related abbreviations
More environmental abbreviations
- GMST – Global mean surface temperature
- GWP – Global warming potential
- HAB – Harmful algal bloom
- HAP – Hazardous air pollutant
- IPCC – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
- LC – Least Concern
- LEED – Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design
- LULUCF – Land use, land-use change and forestry
- MPA – Marine protected area
- MRV – Measurement, reporting and verification
- MSW – Municipal solid waste
- NbS – Nature-based solutions