Lifecycle Analysis Basics

Understand the key stages of a furniture product’s lifecycle and how to assess environmental impact.

Understanding the Full Impact of Office Furniture

Every office chair, desk or filing cabinet has a story – from the materials it’s made of to the way it’s disposed of. Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) is a method for examining that entire journey, to understand the environmental impact at each stage.

It’s a key tool in circular design and procurement, helping us make informed decisions about which products are truly sustainable.

What is Lifecycle Analysis (LCA)?

LCA is a scientific method used to assess the environmental impact of a product across its entire lifecycle:

Raw materials → Manufacturing → Transport → Use → End of life

Rather than focusing on a single stage, LCA shows the total footprint, helping to avoid unintended consequences like choosing a recyclable product that has a high carbon footprint in production.

Why It Matters in a Circular Economy

In a circular system, the aim is to:

Extend product life

Minimise emissions and waste

Recover materials at the end of use

LCA helps to identify:

Where the most impact occurs

Which changes (e.g. material swaps or refurbishment) make the biggest difference

How to compare products based on real data, not marketing claims

The 4 Key Phases of LCA

Phase	Description
1. Goal & Scope	What are we measuring and why? (e.g. carbon, water, toxicity)
2. Inventory Analysis	Gather data on inputs (materials, energy) and outputs (emissions, waste)
3. Impact Assessment	Assess how those inputs/outputs affect the environment
4. Interpretation	Make decisions based on the results (e.g. redesign, switch suppliers)

Tools Commonly Used for LCA

SimaPro – for full-spectrum analysis

GaBi – detailed modelling software

Ecodesign tools from manufacturers

Simplified tools like Carbon Trust calculators or DEFRA data sheets

For SMEs or non-specialists, LCA tools can seem complex – but even basic lifecycle thinking can support better decisions.

Furniture Example: Desk LCA Comparison

Stage	New Desk (Virgin Materials)	Refurbished Desk
Raw materials	High emissions, new resources	No new extraction
Transport	Shipped from overseas	Local supplier
Use	5 years	Extended to 10+ years
End of life	Landfill likely	Further reuse/recycling

Result: Refurbished desk cuts carbon emissions by over 60%

A Deep Dive into Sustainable Furniture Decision-Making

This deep dive discussion explores the vital role of Lifecycle Analysis (LCA) in driving sustainable choices within the furniture sector. Moving beyond the basics, we’ll unpack how LCA offers a data-driven approach to understanding a product’s total environmental footprint—from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. Together, we’ll examine the four key phases of an LCA study, evaluate the tools available (from complex modelling software to accessible carbon calculators), and critically assess a real-world desk comparison that reveals how refurbished options can cut emissions by over 60%.