What Are ISO 14040 and ISO 14044?
The ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards define how LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) studies should be conducted, including their methods and approaches. In other words, if we think of LCA as a product, we can describe ISO 14040-44 as its 'user manual.'
So what exactly do these standards cover?
ISO 14040
The ISO 14040 standard was published in 1997 under the code ISO 14040:1997, as its name suggests. As the first standard to define LCA, it remained in force until 2006. In 2006, the ISO technical committee then split ISO 14040 into two separate standards, because the complexity of LCA led to more complex standardization.
- ISO 14040:2006 — Principles and Framework
- ISO 14044:2006 — Requirements and Guidelines
In this version, ISO 14040 provides a blueprint for LCA studies and the principles that should be optimized throughout the process.
The LCA Framework
ISO 14040 requires LCA studies to follow a four-step framework. These four steps are not followed linearly. The 'interpretation' step, for example, can be revisited at any other stage.
- Goal and Scope
This is where the purpose and goal of the study are defined. It's where decisions are made about which part of the product or service's life cycle will be analyzed and which impact category will be used.
What is and isn't included in the study is defined at this stage. Given the complexity of LCA, this is a critical 'planning' phase.
2. Life Cycle Inventory Analysis (LCI)
This is the stage where data is collected and cataloged. Data is collected and listed in a 'resource flow' format. Because this is the most complex and error-prone part of the process, companies often choose to use a platform or work with a consultant at this stage.
3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
At this stage, the data obtained in the second phase is organized according to the requirements of the 'impact category' defined in the first phase.
For example, if we're analyzing the 'global warming potential' category we mentioned earlier, we need to convert our data to CO2-e and classify it accordingly.
4. Interpretation
At this stage, all the data obtained in previous stages is rechecked and verified. Questions such as which data has been listed, where the data came from, what the data was used for, and what it tells us are answered here.
Although interpretation is the final stage in the framework, it should be carried out in parallel with every other stage. Given the complex nature of LCA, performing interpretation at every stage increases the reliability of the process.
ISO 14044
We've already noted that ISO 14040 provides a blueprint for LCA. ISO 14044, in turn, explains how that blueprint should be followed. It details the general framework and provides the methods to use for LCA.
ISO 14044 can be thought of as a detailed guide for implementing ISO 14040. It lists the full set of approaches and methods that can be used in an LCA study. Certain sections of ISO 14044 are especially critical for the LCA process.
- Data collection and data quality requirements
- Setting system boundaries
- Selecting the functional unit
- Allocation methods
- Selecting and classifying impact categories
- Consistency checks and sensitivity and uncertainty analyses
- Critical review processes
Together with the sections above, ISO 14044 focuses on the technical challenges of the LCA process.
Why ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 Matter
Rigorously following ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 in LCA studies offers many benefits. At the core, though, all these benefits come from a single effect of these standards.
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 make your LCA studies reliable and accurate by international standards.
Let's look at the benefits of having LCA studies that are accurate and reliable by international standards.
Credibility for Stakeholders
Accurate and reliable LCA studies — with their broad scope and deep analysis — serve as the most trustworthy source of data for stakeholder disclosures. Although they focus on a single product or service, LCAs prepared to international standards become a credible source of reputation for both the product and the company's overall environmental impact.
Regulatory Compliance
Although awareness is still low today, LCA will become increasingly important as awareness and adoption grow. Conducting LCA studies to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards makes it easier to stay ahead of future regulations.
Credible Marketing
An ISO-compliant LCA is one of the most detailed and credible studies for measuring environmental impact. This makes it a data source that companies can freely use in sales and marketing activities and disclose to the public.
Measuring environmental impact at the product or service level leaves a positive impression on the public about that product or service. With proper interpretation, these datasets can be used as a reputational asset in marketing various products and services.
Supply Chain Transparency
One of the most complex and error-prone parts of the corporate carbon footprint concept — calculated and reported under ISO 14064-1 — is supply chain emissions. Because LCA covers the entire life of a product or service, an accurate and reliable LCA can reveal supply chain emissions — which are typically harder to analyze — in the most transparent way possible to the reader.
Other ISO Standards Related to ISO 14040 and ISO 14044
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 are significant parts of the "ISO Environmental Management" family of standards on their own. But because LCA is such a broad discipline, they are also closely tied to other environmental management standards.
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 can simplify the implementation of various ISO standards. Similarly, certain other standards can support the implementation of 14040 and 14044. Some ISO standards also include examples of applying ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
ISO 14047
Provides examples for the third step — Life Cycle Impact Assessment — listed in ISO 14040. It is not mandatory.
ISO 14048
Standardizes data formats for LCA.
ISO 14049
Provides examples for the second step — Life Cycle Inventory Analysis — listed in ISO 14040. It is not mandatory.
ISO 14071
Provides a guide for the 'critical review' stage listed in ISO 14044. While not mandatory, it must be followed for academic or publicly disclosed LCA studies.
ISO 14064
Addresses the concept of 'corporate carbon footprint' for companies. Under this standard, corporate emissions are categorized and reported across three scopes. While it appears independent of the LCA process, LCA studies are expected to be useful for comprehensive corporate carbon footprint work in the future.
ISO 14067
Defines the product carbon footprint. It follows a similar logic to LCA. But while LCA analyzes a product's environmental impact across a chosen category in detail, the product carbon footprint — as the name suggests — looks only at the emissions caused by a product or service, and is less detailed than LCA.
ISO 14068
Covers standards for becoming carbon neutral.
ISO 14025
Defines standards for EPDs (Environmental Product Declarations). EPD can be thought of as a version of LCA tailored for structured, standardized declarations.
CarbonSmart and LCA
Although LCA studies aren't yet as popular as corporate carbon footprinting or CBAM, they will undoubtedly play a critical role in the sustainability world of the future.
CarbonSmart is with you throughout this complex journey with LCA advisory. Run your LCA studies with our expert consultants. Strengthen your brand's reputation while preparing ahead of time for upcoming regulations.
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