Life Cycle Assessment helps energy-intensive industries see the full environmental picture of what they produce, not just emissions at the factory, but across the whole life cycle, from raw materials to end-of-life. This makes it easier to spot where the biggest impacts really are, compare greener alternatives before investing in them, and back up sustainability claims with solid data rather than guesswork.

A very important perspective. The next step is moving from measurement to action. When Life Cycle Assessment is combined with real-time operational data, AI, and digital twins, it becomes a strategic decision-making tool rather than just a reporting exercise. This enables industries to optimise investments, reduce both environmental impact and costs, and build more resilient and competitive value chains.

To make LCAs truly decision-ready for heavy industry, the sector must move away from retrospective, static annual reporting and transition toward automated, high-frequency data integration that can model both hourly grid fluctuations and future decarbonization pathways.

A key challenge, especially for SMEs in energy-intensive industries, is not only the lack of data but also the accessibility and usability of that data. Many companies do not yet have the digital infrastructure, resources, or expertise needed to collect high-quality life cycle data across complex supply chains. Therefore, the future of LCA should focus not only on more advanced methodologies, but also on making data collection easier, interoperable, and integrated into existing industrial processes. Combining LCA with digital tools and sector-specific databases can help companies move from compliance-driven reporting towards proactive decision-making for sustainable transformation.

Life Cycle Assessment should not be seen solely as a tool for meeting regulatory requirements. I believe its greatest value lies in helping companies better understand the environmental impact of their products and processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and make decisions that are both environmentally responsible and economically viable.