Life Cycle GHG Emissions

Life Cycle GHG Emissions refer to the total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions released throughout the entire life cycle of a product, process, or service. This comprehensive assessment considers emissions from all stages, including raw material extraction, manufacturing, transportation, usage, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. By evaluating the full life cycle, organizations and consumers can gain a more accurate understanding of the true environmental impact and make more informed decisions to reduce their carbon footprint.

Accounting for Life Cycle GHG Emissions is crucial in the pursuit of sustainability, as it identifies hidden emissions that might be overlooked when focusing solely on direct usage. This holistic approach enables businesses to implement more effective strategies for emission reduction by targeting specific stages of the life cycle where the greatest environmental savings can be achieved. Additionally, this method supports the development of sustainable innovations and practices by highlighting opportunities for improvement across the entire supply chain.

Understanding and managing Life Cycle GHG Emissions is essential for aligning with global sustainability goals, such as the Paris Agreement and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By adopting life cycle assessment methodologies, stakeholders can better contribute to the transition to a low-carbon economy, ensuring long-term environmental stewardship and the preservation of resources for future generations.