Article written by
Sergio Gracia
Técnico de Desarrollo de Negocio y Sostenibilidad
Perform Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in your company
Tue 23/09/2025 - 11:38
Get Business advice on Sustainability to comply with regulations and decarbonise your company.
At SOCOTEC, we are specialists in accompanying companies towards a more sustainable, responsible and competitive development model through our GREEN TRUST brand.
With our business and organizational consulting services in sustainability, we help incorporate sound environmental criteria into strategic and operational decision-making. One of the key tools we use to achieve this is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), based on the most rigorous international standards.
What is Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)?
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is an internationally recognized methodology regulated by the ISO 14040 standard, which allows the systematic evaluation of the environmental impacts associated with all stages of the life of a product, process or service. From raw material extraction, through manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life, LCA provides a complete and quantified view of environmental performance. At SOCOTEC, we carry out LCA studies using specialized software, which guarantees accuracy, traceability and efficiency in the analysis. This allows us to deliver solid, comparable and valid results at a technical and regulatory level.
A key feature in a complete Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which can cover different scopes, such as:
- Cradle to Grave: includes all stages of the product, from the extraction of raw materials to their final disposal or recycling.
- Cradle to Gate: considers the stages from the extraction of raw materials until the product leaves the factory or point of sale, not including use or end of life.
- Cradle to Cradle: a more circular approach that seeks to consider the reuse, recycling or reincorporation of the product into the value chain after its useful life, closing the loop.
Practical Applications of LCA Life Cycle Assessment
Water Footprint Calculation
We carry out the complete calculation of the water footprint of products, processes or services according to the ISO 14046 standard and the Water Footprint Network (WFN) methodology, evaluating water consumption and pollution throughout the life cycle.
The water footprint is divided into three fundamental categories, each with a specific focus:
- Blue Footprint: volume of fresh water consumed (evaporated, incorporated or not returned to the original source) from surface or underground sources.
- Green Footprint: volume of rainwater stored in the soil and used mainly by plants in agricultural or forestry processes.
- Grey Footprint: volume of water needed to dilute contaminants and meet established water quality standards.
This analysis makes it possible to identify critical points in the use of water resources and to establish improvement plans for more efficient management, minimizing environmental impacts and operational risks related to water.
Calculation of the Carbon Footprint of Product or Service
At SOCOTEC we rigorously quantify the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions generated throughout the entire life cycle of a product or service, from the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, transport, use and maintenance, to the final management and disposal of the product. Our carbon footprint calculation is carried out following the principles and requirements of the international standard ISO 14067, which ensures accuracy, transparency and traceability in the analysis.
This comprehensive calculation allows companies to:
- Know the true climate impact of their products or services, identifying the phases and processes that generate the highest emissions.
- Define effective strategies for the reduction or compensation of emissions, including improvements in production processes, selection of more sustainable materials and use of renewable energies.
- Comply with increasingly demanding national and international environmental regulations, facilitating adaptation and anticipation of future legal requirements.
- To respond to the growing demand of customers, markets and supply chains that value sustainability, strengthening corporate reputation and opening new business opportunities.
- In addition, the measurement of the carbon footprint is complemented by other environmental assessments to offer a comprehensive view of environmental performance, supporting organizations to move towards more responsible and competitive business models.
EPD
Preparation of Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs)
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a third-party verified document that transparently communicates the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, based on the results obtained through LCA in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.
At SOCOTEC we take care of the complete process of making EPDs:
- Data collection and analysis using specialized software.
- Development of the LCA study according to the requirements of the corresponding verification program.
- Preparation of technical documentation.
- Support during the external review and verification process.
EPDs are key to:
- To accredit the environmental sustainability of products to customers and institutions.
- Participate in public tenders or certifications (LEED, BREEAM, GREEN, etc.).
- Access markets where environmental transparency is a competitive value.
- Promote continuous improvement of the environmental performance of products.
An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is a third-party verified document that transparently communicates the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, based on the results obtained through LCA in accordance with ISO 14025 and EN 15804.
At SOCOTEC we take care of the complete process of making EPDs:
- Data collection and analysis using specialized software.
- Development of the LCA study according to the requirements of the corresponding verification program.
- Preparation of technical documentation.
- Support during the external review and verification process.
EPDs are key to:
- To accredit the environmental sustainability of products to customers and institutions.
- Participate in public tenders or certifications (LEED, BREEAM, GREEN, etc.).
- Access markets where environmental transparency is a competitive value.
- Promote continuous improvement of the environmental performance of products.
Beneficios estratégicos del ACV para las empresas
In addition to these specific services, Life Cycle Assessment is a cross-cutting tool with multiple applications:
- Eco-design and sustainable product development.
- Process optimisation and reduction of costs associated with resource consumption.
- Scientifically based and traceable decision-making.
- Regulatory compliance and environmental positioning.
- Transparent and verified environmental reputation and communication.
Why choose SOCOTEC as your specialist Sustainability consultant?
At SOCOTEC we not only accompany, but also directly carry out the necessary studies to calculate the water footprint, the carbon footprint of products or services, and prepare Environmental Product Declarations (EPD), under the highest international standards. Our experience, combined with advanced technological tools, ensures quality results, adapted to the needs of each sector and company.
Do you want to know the real impact of your products or services and advance sustainability with accurate, verifiable data with strategic value?
Contact us and discover how SOCOTEC can help you integrate sustainability into the heart of your business model.
Article written by
Sergio Gracia
Técnico de Desarrollo de Negocio y Sostenibilidad
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