LCA offers businesses bottom line gains, claims ERM

The fact-based results that emerge from life cycle assessments (LCAs) can be useful in combating corporate greenwash, however, the complexities of LCA results can confuse consumers, according to Michael Collins, principal consultant at ERM. Collins also believes that LCAs are a far more powerful business management tool than is often recognised, helping organisations identify wastage and inefficiencies in the production of a product or service.

Speaking at an event organised by modular floor manufacturer, Interface Flor, Collins agreed that LCA methodology has the potential to add rigour to green product claims. However, he emphasised that LCAs also have a tendency to complicate simplistic environmental judgements and, thus, can be challenging for consumers. Offering the example of roses grown in Africa and air freighted to the UK versus roses grown in Europe in a fossil fuel-heated greenhouse, Collins explained that an LCA tracking the roses' cradle-to-grave carbon impacts might indicate that the African-grown roses are 'greener'.