Product Lifecycle Calculator Formula
Understand the math behind the product lifecycle calculator. Each variable explained with a worked example.
Formulas Used
Total Lifecycle CO2
total_co2 = total_lifecycleAnnualized CO2
annual_co2 = total_lifecycle / product_life_yearsUse Phase Share
use_pct = total_use_co2 / total_lifecycle * 100Embodied Carbon Share
embodied_pct = (raw_material_co2 + manufacturing_co2) / total_lifecycle * 100Variables
| Variable | Description | Default |
|---|---|---|
raw_material_co2 | Raw Material CO2(kg CO2) | 10 |
manufacturing_co2 | Manufacturing CO2(kg CO2) | 15 |
transport_co2 | Transportation CO2(kg CO2) | 5 |
use_phase_co2 | Use Phase Annual CO2(kg CO2) | 20 |
product_life_years | Product Lifespan(years) | 5 |
end_of_life_co2 | End-of-Life CO2(kg CO2) | 3 |
total_use_co2 | Derived value= use_phase_co2 * product_life_years | calculated |
total_lifecycle | Derived value= raw_material_co2 + manufacturing_co2 + transport_co2 + total_use_co2 + end_of_life_co2 | calculated |
How It Works
How to Calculate Product Lifecycle Impact
A lifecycle assessment (LCA) evaluates environmental impact from cradle to grave.
Lifecycle Stages
1. Raw materials: Extraction and processing 2. Manufacturing: Assembly and production 3. Transportation: Distribution to consumer 4. Use phase: Energy consumed during use 5. End of life: Disposal, recycling, or landfill
Formula
Total CO2 = Materials + Manufacturing + Transport + (Annual Use * Years) + End of Life
Worked Example
A laptop with 10kg materials, 15kg manufacturing, 5kg transport, 20kg/year use, 5-year life, 3kg end-of-life.
raw_material_co2 = 10manufacturing_co2 = 15transport_co2 = 5use_phase_co2 = 20product_life_years = 5end_of_life_co2 = 3
- 01Use phase: 20 * 5 = 100 kg CO2
- 02Total: 10 + 15 + 5 + 100 + 3 = 133 kg CO2
- 03Annualized: 133 / 5 = 26.6 kg CO2/year
- 04Use phase share: 100 / 133 = 75.2%
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Product Lifecycle Calculator