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Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has emerged as an analytical tool to provide environmental information on a product or process through its life cycle. The cost of conducting a comprehensive LCA can be prohibitive and so “streamlining” approaches have been tested by practitioners. However, the more simple the model, the less detail and resolution it has, and this may undermine the reasons for undertaking the study. LCA complexity should be matched to the need to address environmental concerns. Certain stages of the LCA methodology are not well developed, (eg impact and improvement assessments). To overcome these difficulties, a Design for Environment (DFE) method has been used alongside LCA to provide a process by which real improvements can be initiated.

Car manufacturers are working to improve environmental performance. Improvements in vehicle emissions, alternative powertrain concepts and increased recyclability are being sought. Decisions about recyclability can sometimes be at odds with other design requirements and in order to resolve these difficulties, a view of the total life of the product must be taken. Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is a technique that quantifies some aspects of environmental performance by studying a product throughout its life, from raw material through to final disposal. Environmental needs will soon be integrated with the more familiar aims of cost, reliability, ease of manufacture, and efficiency.