Environmental Management — Life Cycle Assessment — Requirements and Guidelines
ISO 14044 provides detailed requirements and guidelines for conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA) in accordance with the framework established by ISO 14040. It specifies requirements for each phase of the LCA study and provides guidance on allocation procedures, selection of impact categories, data quality requirements, and reporting. Under the EU Battery Regulation, battery manufacturers must use LCA methodology aligned with ISO 14040/14044 for carbon footprint declarations.
Published by: International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
Current edition: ISO 14044:2006 + AMD 1:2017 + AMD 2:2020
Framework standard: ISO 14040 (principles and framework)
Scope
ISO 14044 applies to LCA studies used for comparative assertions, environmental product declarations (EPD), carbon footprint calculations, and internal improvement decisions. It is the key technical standard underpinning battery carbon footprint methodologies in the EU Battery Regulation and national procurement policies.
Key Requirements
Goal and Scope, and Inventory Analysis
ISO 14044 specifies that the goal and scope must address the system boundary, functional unit, and data quality requirements. Inventory analysis must document all energy and material flows with sufficient transparency to allow independent review. Allocation of impacts between co-products must follow defined hierarchy rules.
Impact Assessment and Reporting
LCIA must use characterisation factors from established sources. Comparative studies used in public claims require critical review by an independent panel. Reporting must include sufficient detail for the reader to understand the scope, assumptions, data sources, and limitations of the study.
Disclaimer: This is not a definitive guide, just an indication and it is important that you always go back to the source for legislation.
References
- ISO 14044:2006, ISO