Life cycle assessment

Validation of Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) according to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044

In order to assess the impact of certain products on the environment, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is the instrument of choice. This standardized and scientifically based methodology increasingly forms the basis for development processes and marketing strategies related to environmental performance. LCAs also play an increasingly important role in the regulatory context. In order to ensure the credibility of LCAs in the long term, their verification by an independent body such as DQS is indispensable.

External critical review by an internationally recognized certifier

Improved public image

High credibility of your cited data

Enables comparability

Life cycle assessments: An unstoppable development

For a long time, at least in the public eye, the focus of product-related environmental analyses was onCO2 accounting. However, there is a growing awareness that a one-sided focus on greenhouse gases does not do justice to many important environmental aspects. If you want to analyze the environmental impact of a product, you cannot limit yourself to greenhouse gases alone, but must include all environmental aspects throughout the entire life cycle.

ISO 14040 and ISO 14044

To ensure the comparability of life cycle assessments, the International Organization for Standardization has drawn up two complementary standards: the principles and framework of life cycle assessments are described in ISO 14040; the requirements themselves are set out in ISO 14044.

A standard-compliant LCA typically includes four phases: the definition of objectives and the scope of the study, the preparation of a life cycle inventory (an inventory of inputs and outputs), the impact assessment, and finally the evaluation.

The critical review: An independent review of the LCA

Especially with regard to a publication of a life cycle assessment, an external validation by experts is recommended. DQS accompanies you through the validation process and assembles a committee of experts in accordance with the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards.

Sequence of the critical review of a life cycle assessment

The first step is to learn about your company, organization, needs and expectations. Once the objectives of the verification, including the applicable standards and specifications, are defined, you will receive a quote for the pre-assessment.

Based on the previously prepared planning, the assigned verification team audits the respective declaration using the applicable standards and specifications. Among other things, evidence is collected and checked, sites are visited, and estimates and calculations are reconstructed and analyzed.
If necessary, a document review in advance supplements the verification. The verification result, including all findings, is presented to you during the final meeting. If necessary, action plans are agreed upon.

After verification, the results are evaluated by the independent certification board of DQS. If all requirements are met, you will receive a verification statement for your company.

For the verification of another report or declaration, for example for the following period, a renewed assessment is carried out. The verification declaration is valid for the respective LCA and thus has no validity period.

How much does the verification of a life cycle assessment according to ISO 14044 cost?

The cost of verifying a life cycle assessment depends, among other things, on the scope and complexity of the life cycle assessment. We will be happy to make you an individual offer for your company or organization without obligation.

Why DQS is the perfect partner for auditing your LCA

Detailed knowledge of standards and specifications, as well as many years of industry-specific experience
Global network of highly qualified auditors
Highly solution-oriented and customer-focused
Offers and services tailored to your organization's needs