A life cycle assessment is a systematic analysis of the environmental impact of products, services or behavior. The LCA does not only include the product or the action itself, but all ecological effects that occur during the entire production process, including raw material extraction and transport, as well as subsequent disposal, waste disposal and wastewater treatment. In order to record the comprehensive consequences for the environment, the life cycle assessment examines the effects on the environmental media air, water and soil.

Life cycle assessments can be construed in different ways: starting with the environmental impact of a single product, through a comparative LCA among different products, to a holistic assessment that includes economic, technical and social aspects.

Next to the ecological footprint, the life cycle assessment represents an important distinguishing feature for companies on the national and international market.