Life Cycle Assessment
A standardized methodology (ISO 14040/14044) for quantifying the environmental impacts of a product across its entire life — from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life — expressed in metrics such as global warming potential, water consumption, and eutrophication.
Why it matters
LCA provides the quantitative foundation for product sustainability claims and regulatory compliance. Its validity depends entirely on accurate BOM and material data, making PLM the upstream dependency for any credible LCA.
External References
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Cite this definition
Finocchiaro, Michael. “Life Cycle Assessment.” DemystifyingPLM PLM Glossary, 2026, https://www.demystifyingplm.com/glossary/life-cycle-assessment