Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://learn.sustainly.ai/llms.txt
Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
CO2e assessment
Common starting point to size impact. Frequently relies on suboptimal data, such as spend data and carries a risk of carbon tunnel vision.
LCA assessment
Provides a more holistic view by analyzing impacts across multiple indicators, including effects on human health, the natural environment, and climate.
| Feature | CO₂e Assessment | Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | GHG emissions only | Multi-indicator (health, biodiversity, etc.) |
| Data quality | Often spend-based | Combines primary + database |
| Use case | Quick footprint | Detailed product analysis |
Benefits of Full LCA Over CO₂e
- Multi‑indicator view across human health, nature, and resource availability (not just climate)
- Higher data quality, combining primary data with reputable LCA databases
- Fair comparisons using a functional unit (impact per use, not per item)
- Operational insight: clear hotspots in materials, processes, logistics, energy, and end‑of‑life
- Credibility for declarations and public claims aligned with standards
Practical insight
Reducing material waste by even a few percentage points in manufacturing can lead to significant gains in:- Operational efficiency – less scrap, smoother workflows
- Cost savings – lower input costs and waste management expenses
- Environmental impact – reduced resource depletion and emissions
Where LCA drives decisions
- Procurement
- R&D
- Marketing
- Sales