Which choice correctly represents the life cycle assessment (LCA) approach?

The life cycle assessment (LCA) approach involves evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction through production, use, and finally to disposal or recycling. By assessing the total environmental impact across a product’s life cycle, LCA provides a comprehensive perspective that helps organizations identify potential areas for improvement, reduce negative environmental effects, and promote sustainability.

This holistic evaluation considers various factors such as energy consumption, resource depletion, pollution, and other ecological effects throughout the product’s lifetime. This extensive approach is integral for businesses aiming to optimize their product designs and reduce their overall ecological footprint. It enables informed decision-making that balances environmental, social, and economic factors but primarily emphasizes environmental impacts.