What is the purpose of life cycle assessment in design?

The purpose of life cycle assessment (LCA) in design is to assess environmental impact during all stages of a design. This comprehensive evaluation includes the extraction of raw materials, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal. By examining each stage, designers can identify areas where environmental impacts, such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, and resource depletion, can be minimized. This holistic approach ensures that sustainability is integrated into the product from conception to end-of-life, leading to more environmentally friendly designs.

In contrast, focusing solely on manufacturing costs or particular aspects such as product disposal does not capture the full environmental footprint of a product. Likewise, comparing different design aesthetics does not address the ecological implications, which is the core intent of LCA. Overall, the multifaceted assessment provided by LCA is critical in fostering sustainable practices within design and technology.