Using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to develop eco-labels for construction and building materials

Abstract: The increase in both the number and complexity of products of all kinds is a main cause of the current environmental problems. Manufacturers and distributors use different types of eco-labels to voluntarily provide environmental information about their goods. By providing accurate and relevant information, eco-labels aim at helping consumers to identify those products and services with a better environmental performance in comparison with other equivalent products or services. A life cycle approach should be applied when defining the rules for awarding eco-labels, no matter the type, to avoid impact shifts between different impact categories, life cycle stages or geographical areas.