A life cycle assessment (LCA) measures the environmental impact of a product throughout its life.

The starting materials used to make products are known as the raw materials. Wood, metal and crude oil are examples of raw materials.

To be sustainable means to carry something out over a long period of time with little or no negative impact on the environment.

Something that is subjective is based on personal feelings, opinions or perspectives.

Something that is objective is based on facts rather than personal opinions.

Life cycle assessments (LCAs)

Combined science

In the Atmosphere and Changing Climate unit, pupils will build on their understanding of Earth's resources to learn about the evidence for the composition and evolution of the Earth's atmosphere and the impact of human activity on climate change.

In the Earth's Resources unit, pupils learned about the composition and structure of the Earth, and the rock cycle.

Using Earth's resources

What is the first step in the life cycle of a product?

What key term means to carry something out over a long period of time with little or no negative impact on the environment?

the financial cost of manufacturing a product

the people who benefit from each stage of a product’s life

Which of the following can be revealed by a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

to understand the environmental impact at each stage of a product’s life

to determine the shelf life of the product

to estimate the resale value of the product

What is one of the main purposes of conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA)?

they only consider the environmental impact on animals

What is a potential limitation of using LCAs for decision-making?

LCAs are always conducted by neutral parties

the results can be biased based on who conducted the LCA

Why is it important to consider vested interests when reviewing the findings of an LCA?

What key term describes resources that exist in limited quantities on Earth, and once they have been used they cannot be regenerated or replaced in our lifetime?

Incineration releases energy that can be used in the generation of electricity.

Sending waste to landfill conserves finite resources.

Sending waste to landfill sites reduces the release of greenhouse gases.

Which of the following statements about the disposal of products are true?

The viscosity of crude oil varies depending on its composition.

Crude oil is the best energy source for the future.

Which statement about crude oil is subjective?

Raw materials are natural resources used in manufacturing goods.

The supply of raw material is always poor when it is sunny.

Timber is the most environmentally friendly raw material.

Iron ore is the most essential raw material.

Which statement about raw materials is objective?

What is the name of the assessment used to measure the environmental impact of a product throughout its life?

extraction and processing of raw materials

Sort the following statements to show the correct order of stages in a life cycle assessment.

Starter Quiz