Work out life cycle assessment impact instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
A cradle-to-grave carbon footprint sums the impacts of each life cycle stage: material production, transport at around 62 grams of carbon dioxide equivalent per tonne-kilometre for road freight, and end of life, which can be negative where recycling credits are claimed. Production almost always dominates.
Life cycle impact
Total = quantity x production factor + tonne-km x transport factor + quantity x end-of-life factor
Life cycle assessment for comparative public claims must follow ISO 14040 and 14044 with defined system boundaries and independent critical review.
Because primary material production is energy intensive while transport, even over thousands of kilometres, is comparatively efficient per tonne. Reducing material quantity beats optimising logistics.
Only with a stated allocation method — cut-off, avoided burden or a 50:50 split. The choice can change the result substantially and must be disclosed.