Life-cycle assessment (LCA, also known as life-cycle analysis, ecobalance, and cradle-to-grave analysis) is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product's life from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. Designers use this process to help critique their products. LCAs can help avoid a narrow outlook on environmental concerns by:

• Compiling an inventory of relevant energy and material inputs and environmental releases
• Evaluating the potential impacts associated with identified inputs and releases
• Interpreting the results to help make a more informed decision

Source: Wikipedia.