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.
- 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%
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a lifecycle assessment?
A lifecycle assessment (LCA) is a systematic evaluation of environmental impacts at each stage of a product life from raw materials to disposal. It helps identify where the biggest impacts occur.
Which lifecycle stage has the most impact?
It varies by product. For electronics and appliances, the use phase dominates. For clothing and furniture, raw materials and manufacturing are larger. For food, production dominates.
How does extending product life help?
Doubling a product lifespan nearly halves the annualized embodied carbon. This is why repair, refurbishment, and durability are key sustainability strategies.
Ready to run the numbers?
Open Product Lifecycle Calculator