LCAterms - TX
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a methodological framework for estimating and assessing the environmental impacts attributable to the lifecycle of a product. LCA data exchange is crucial for understanding the environmental footprint of products from the extraction of raw materials through to their manufacture, use, and disposal. The exchange of such data is vital for organizations looking to manage and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions across their value chain.
LCAterms, inspired by the structure of Incoterms used in international trade, serve as standardized codes within LCA data exchange. They play an essential role in ensuring that when greenhouse gas emissions data is shared, it is accompanied by a clear understanding of the lifecycle stage it pertains to. This clarity is necessary for the receiving party to interpret the data correctly and make informed decisions.
The LCAterms range from the point at which a product is ready for dispatch (RFD) to its end-of-life (EOF), covering all stages of its journey. For example, an LCAterm like 'Delivered on Site' (DOS) indicates that transportation emissions to the buyer's site are included in the data provided. Meanwhile, 'Cradle to Grave' (CTG) represents the entire lifecycle, including disposal and recycling processes.
By adopting these terms, organizations can ensure a common language and understanding, facilitating more effective communication and collaboration on environmental impact mitigation strategies. This standardized approach helps in aligning the efforts of various stakeholders towards sustainability goals and fosters a more transparent and accountable supply chain management system.
| LCATerm | Code | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| Ready For Dispatch | RFD | Value in the warehouse of the data supplier. Buyers must add the transport emissions to calculate the DOS value |
| Delivered on Site | DOS | Delivered on Site, so transport to the buyer is included |
| Start Usage or Consumption | SUC | Product is installed (durables) or prepared (consumables) and is ready to be used or consumed by the end user (e.g. installed airconditioner, prepared french fries) |
| End-of-Life | EOF | At the end of the usage of product |
| Cradle to Grave | CTG | Whole life cycle including disposal and/or recycling |
