Sustainable Solutions Corporation has a proven process for conducting LCAs and has been performing LCA work since 2007. At SSC, we see Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) as a powerful tool to assist in the development of a robust and comprehensive environmental stewardship program.

  • Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a method for identifying the environmental impacts of a product, process, or activity over its entire lifespan. As its name implies, LCA begins by considering the entire life cycle of the product from cradle to grave (or gate). The life cycle stages generally considered include:

    1. Extraction and processing of raw materials

    2. Transportation

    3. Manufacturing

    4. Distribution

    5. Installation, Use, and Maintenance

    6. Final Disposal

  • An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) presents quantified environmental data for products based on information from an LCA.

    • Promotes Transparency

    • EPDs are developed based on the requirements of International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14025 and product category rule (PCR) ISO 21930, EN 15804

    • Valid for five years

  • 1. Goal and Scope Definition. The product is described, the goal of the study and the system boundaries are defined, and the functional unit is defined.

    2. Life Cycle Inventory. Data is collected. The manufacturing process is evaluated, and process and material flows diagrams are prepared and analyzed. This data is integrated into the LCA software for conducting the assessment.

    3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment. The significance of potential impacts are evaluated using the data collected in the LCA analysis.

    4. Interpretation. The results of the study are reviewed and interpreted

Resources

Podcast EPISODE

Using Life Cycle Assessment to Achieve Carbon Drawdown in Agriculture with Mark Izzo

 

KEY TERMS & DEFINITIONS

Definitions of key terms and acronyms.

Podcast Episode

Deep Dive into LCA, EPD, and PCF with LCA Experts Nicole Meyer and Marquis Miller

 

Podcast Episode

LCA Optimized Certification

LCA FAQs

Our team at SSC has provided answers to 10 frequently asked questions they receive.

 

Podcast EPISODE

LCA: The Key to Reducing Carbon Footprint

 

Life Cycle Assessment of U.S. Soybeans, Soybean Meal, and Soy Oil

This LCA is designed to be used by the United Soybean Board (USB) and the National Oilseed Processors Association (NOPA) to better understand the current state and environmental impact of the U.S. soybean industry’s farming, processing, and oil refining operations. This report documents the methodology, data, details, and results of the LCA on the impacts of soybeans, soybean meal, crude soy oil produced in the United States.

 

Recordings

RECORDED
September 6, 2023

In the first webinar, Tad Radzinski breaks down the basics of LCAs and PCFs. He explains the differences between them, why they are important, and how they can help you meet your decarbonization goals. Tad also guides attendees through the process of preparing for and conducting LCAs and PCFs. Finally, Tad teaches attendees how to start thinking about their products from a lifecycle lens through an exercise that provides a real-life example. 

Recorded
SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

In the second webinar, Tad Radzinski demonstrates how to interpret LCA and PCF results and use that information to minimize the environmental impact of your products. He explains what qualifies a product as sustainable and what Sustainable Product Innovation (SPI) is. Tad also guides attendees through the process of incorporating SPI into your new product development process. Finally, Tad facilitates an exercise that teaches attendees how to understand the impact of various materials.

Recorded
SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

In the third webinar, Tad Radzinski teaches attendees how to communicate and market your LCA and PCF results to stakeholders and customers. He defines the difference between greenwashing and greenhushing. Tad leads an exercise that will help attendees understand and meet customer requirements for sustainable products. Finally, Michelle Bonanno, VP of Operations and Certification Officer at GreenCircle Certified explains the process for certifying your LCA results.

 

questions?

Ask our LCA Certified Professional.

Nicole Meyer, LCACP

Senior Account Manager