What does life-cycle assessment help evaluate in LEED projects?

Life-cycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a material’s life, from extraction and processing through manufacturing, distribution, use, and ultimately to disposal or recycling. In the context of LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) projects, LCA is crucial for understanding how materials affect the environment over their entire life span.

This assessment helps identify opportunities to improve sustainability by comparing the long-term effects of different materials and processes, thus guiding decision-making towards more environmentally friendly choices. By evaluating factors such as energy consumption, resource depletion, emissions, and waste generation throughout the life cycle of a product, LCA is aligned with LEED's objectives of reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainable practices in construction and building operations.

While aspects like ease of construction, aesthetic appeal, and project completion speed are important in the building process, they do not encompass the comprehensive environmental assessment that LCA offers, which is central to achieving LEED certification and contributing to sustainable design.