Describe what is meant by a life cycle assessment (LCA) and outline two limitations of using an LCA to compare two products.
Written & reviewed by James Millett — Biology (Imperial College London), PGCE Science (University of Cambridge).
Model answer (4 marks)
A life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method that examines the environmental impact of a product at every stage of its life, from raw‑material extraction through manufacturing, use and disposal or recycling.
Limitations:
1. The data used can be selective or subjective – different organisations may assign different values to the same environmental impact, making comparisons unreliable.
2. It is difficult or impossible to fully quantify every impact – effects on biodiversity, social aspects and other non‑numerical factors are hard to measure numerically.
Limitations:
1. The data used can be selective or subjective – different organisations may assign different values to the same environmental impact, making comparisons unreliable.
2. It is difficult or impossible to fully quantify every impact – effects on biodiversity, social aspects and other non‑numerical factors are hard to measure numerically.
Examiner tips
- Define LCA clearly and list all life‑cycle stages; use the exact wording from the mark scheme.
- State each limitation as a separate point and give a brief explanation of why it matters.
Common mistakes
- Confusing LCA with a life‑cycle cost analysis; not listing all stages; giving vague or non‑specific limitations.
Mark scheme (4 marks)
- An LCA examines the environmental impact of a product at each stage of its life / from raw material extraction to disposal
- The stages considered include obtaining raw materials, manufacturing/processing, use, and disposal/recycling
- First limitation: some data used in an LCA can be selective or subjective / different organisations may assign different values to the same environmental impact
- Second limitation: it is difficult / impossible to fully quantify every environmental impact (e.g. effect on biodiversity or social impacts are hard to measure numerically)
Key terms in this question
Related
- All Eduqas GCSE Chemistry revision notes →
- How to answer a "Describe" question →
- Decode the mark scheme abbreviations →
More Using resources questions
- Potable water is water that is safe to drink. Describe how groundwater from an u…
- Explain why using a life cycle assessment (LCA) helps a company choose between t…
- Describe the process of reverse osmosis and explain why this method of producing…
- Explain why it is important to recycle metals such as aluminium rather than extr…