Understanding ISO 14044:2006 and Its Key Differences from ISO 14040

The ISO 14040 and 14044 Standards are two complementary Standards drawn up by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) that address the methods of creating LCAs and how these should be executed. ISO 14040 describes the principles and framework of LCAs, while ISO 14044 contains the actual requirements.

These two Standards form part of a series of ISO 14000 Standards that seek to promote harmonising environmental management systems in various industries. These Standards were developed because the different approaches to environmental management in various organisations proved challenging to manage.

This blog will outline ISO 14044's key features, explain why they are essential, and compare it with ISO 14040.

What is ISO 14044:2006?

ISO 14044 builds on ISO 14040 and provides detailed requirements for conducting LCAs to ensure they are drafted thoroughly and consistently. The approach to LCAs as provided by this Standard is comprehensive and systematic. It covers all stages of a product’s life cycle, from extraction of raw materials, through production, use and end-of-life treatment.

The Standard contains:

• Definition, goal and scope of the LCA
• Life cycle inventory analysis phase
• Life cycle impact assessment phase
• Reporting and critical review of the LCA
• Limitations of the LCA
• Relationship between LCA phases
• Conditions for the use of value choices and optional elements

The requirements under the ISO 14044 include:

• Data collection—requiring extensive data on inputs and environmental impacts on all life cycle stages.
• Data quality—Data must be relevant, accurate, and consistent while acknowledging and addressing uncertainties and limitations.
• Defining a functional unit—a functional unit must be established to quantify the performance of a product or service and compare it with other options.
• Impact assessments must be conducted to quantify and evaluate environmental impacts.
• Interpretation and reporting—LCA results must be analysed, identifying impacts and drawing conclusions.

The Standard assists businesses in reducing their environmental impact by offering a structured approach to analysing product life cycles. Together with ISO’s broader environmental Standards framework, it provides industries that seek to improve sustainability with a cost-effective tool for using best practices for environmental management.

What is ISO 14040?

The ISO 14040 focuses on the principles and framework for LCA, rather than detailed requirements for LCA found in ISO 14044. ISO 14040 covers:

• Goal and scope definition
• Inventory analysis
• Impact assessment
• Interpretation

It also describes in detail the principles and framework of LCAs, which have four phases:

1.     Definition of goal and scope

• Definition of what exactly what is to be analysed.
• Assessment of what, why and how – the product or service's functional unit (or Standard unit) to be assessed.
• Define the guidelines and methods to follow.

2.     Life Cycle Inventory Analysis (LCI)

• An analysis of the environmental inputs and outputs of the product or service.
• Definition of approach for data collection, taking into account complex supply chains and production processes.

3.     Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)

• Evaluation of significant impacts to the environment.
• Examples of impact categories include human toxicity, global warming potential (i.e. carbon footprint), and resource depletion.

4.     Life Cycle Interpretation

• Conclusions to the findings and recommendations.
• Assessment of limitations.
• Actionable insights.

ISO 14040 sets a foundational understanding of LCAs, and prepares the groundwork for ISO 14044, which provides more specific guidelines for the requirements for LCAs.

Key Differences Between ISO 14044 and ISO 14040

The main difference between the ISO 14040 and 14044 Standards is that ISO 14040 describes the principles and framework for LCAs, providing a clear structure for carrying out an LCA study.  ISO 14044, on the other hand, specifies requirements and provides guidelines for LCAs to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the LCA results.

ISO 14040 provides the foundation and leading international Standards on LCAs. Broadly speaking, it defines:

• The four phases of the LCA (goal and scope, life cycle inventory, impact assessment, and interpretation) and the relationship between the LCA phases.
• The reporting and critical review of LCAs.
• The limitations of the LCA.

All future Standards are built upon the ISO 14040 and it is applicable to LCA studies at products, organisation (or country) level.

ISO 14044 is aimed directly at those conducting LCAs and provides practical guidelines on conducting LCAs in greater depth. It equips organisations with the tools to integrate life cycle thinking into their operations, aiming to incorporate sustainable practices into all phases of a product’s life. 

Why Are Both ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 Important?

The ISO 14040 and 14044 Standards are the leading international Standards on life cycle assessments. They complement each other and work together to provide a complete framework for LCAs and how they should be conducted.

The Standards are important for several reasons:

• They help businesses better understand their environmental impacts through a life cycle assessment and how this impact could be reduced.
• It helps businesses make better decisions regarding their products and services.
• It improves the perception of a business in the marketplace by showing its commitment to sustainability and helps it attract investors, customers, and stakeholders.
• It helps businesses comply with regulations and stay ahead of the game when new regulations are passed.
• It improves supply chain management by helping businesses identify where in the supply chain the most significant environmental impacts lie.
• It helps businesses become better educated about their impact and differentiate them in the marketplace by strengthening their environmental stance and overall sustainability.

Many industries can benefit from following the Standards, such as:

• Manufacturing
• Healthcare
• Construction
• IT services
• Academic institutions

Many companies employ a small team to ensure compliance with environmental codes. While no company can apply for ISO 14044 certification, the Standards provide guidance for companies to follow, which is critical in ensuring compliance with environmental codes. 

Conclusion

ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 are part of a family of ISO 14000 Standards focused on helping organisations improve their environmental management efforts. ISO 14040 lays the foundation by providing a framework for LCAs, while ISO 14044 provides the specific requirements and guidelines for conducting LCAs.

Implementing both Standards is essential for companies, organisations, and policymakers to understand their environmental impacts and make better decisions regarding efficient resource use, waste reduction, and policy formulation.

You can purchase both individual Standards in digital PDF or printed (hardcopy) formats through our user-friendly website. For more extensive needs, consider subscribing to i2i, our secure, cloud-based, configurable platform that allows for efficient management of Standards throughout your organisation.