Life-Cycle Analysis

At AquAeTer, we have nearly two decades of experience helping clients evaluate the full life cycle of their products through comprehensive life-cycle assessment (LCA) and sustainability analysis services. Our evaluations assess resource consumption, energy use, and environmental impacts associated with product manufacturing, beginning with raw material extraction and component production and extending through product use, reuse, and final disposal.

By quantifying environmental impacts across each stage of a product’s life cycle, we provide clients with a clear, data-driven understanding of their product’s environmental footprint. This analysis supports informed business and design decisions, enables meaningful comparisons between competing or alternative products, and helps organizations identify opportunities to improve product sustainability, operational efficiency, and regulatory alignment.

We also support organizations and industry groups in the development of sustainability strategies that promote long-term resilience and responsible growth. In prior engagements, AquAeTer has assisted industry stakeholders in advancing the sustainable production, use, and reuse of products through strategic planning and education initiatives. These sustainability programs focus on the three core pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—recognizing that lasting sustainability is achieved at the intersection of all three. As sustainability, ESG considerations, and environmental transparency become increasingly important to businesses, regulators, and consumers, we help clients develop practical, defensible sustainability strategies that demonstrate leadership while supporting economic performance. Our integrated approach aligns life-cycle assessment, sustainability planning, and environmental expertise to help clients strengthen competitiveness, reduce environmental impacts, and support the long-term success of their products and industries.

If you are interested in evaluating your product’s environmental impact, contact us to help you.

Find out more in the following publications:

Bolin, C.  (2012).  Sustainable Preservative-Treated Forest Products, Their Life Cycle Environmental Impacts, and End of Life Management Opportunities: A Case Study.  Mary Curran (ed.) Life Cycle Assessment Handbook: A Guide for Environmentally Sustainable Products, (291-310) 2012 Scrivener Publishing LLC.

Bolin, C., & Smith, S. (2011). Life Cycle Assessment of Borate-Treated Lumber with Comparison to Galvanized Steel Framing. The Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(6-7), 630-639.

Bolin, C., & Smith, S. (2011). Life Cycle Assessment of Pentachlorophenol-Treated Wooden Utility Poles with Comparisons to Steel and Concrete Utility Poles. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 15(5), 2475-2486.

Bolin, C., & Smith, S. (2011). Life Cycle Assessment of ACQ-Treated Lumber with Comparison to Wood Plastic Composite Decking. The Journal of Cleaner Production, 19(6-7), 620-629.

Bolin, C., & Smith, S. (2012). Life Cycle Assessment of CCA-Treated Wood Marine Piles in the U.S. with Comparisons to Concrete, Galvanized Steel, and Plastic Marine Piles. Journal of Marine Environmental Engineering, 9(3), 239-260.

Bolin, C., & Smith, S. (2013). Life Cycle Assessment of CCA-Treated Wood Highway Guard Rail Posts in the US with Comparisons to Galvanized Steel Guard Rail Posts. Journal of Transportation Technologies, 3(1), 58-7.

Bolin, C., & Smith, S. (2013). Life Cycle Assessment of Creosote-Treated Wooden Railroad Crossties in the U.S. with Comparisons to Concrete and Plastic Composite Railroad Crossties. Journal of Transportation Technologies, 3(2), 149-161.