Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LCA quality assurance and working with QuaLCA
What services does QuaLCA offer?
We provide three core LCA quality assurance services: Critical Review (independent evaluation of LCA/PCF study methodology per ISO 14071), Verification & Validation (third-party confirmation that your environmental data and EPDs are accurate and compliant), and Technical QA (end-to-end audits of data collection processes, LCA models, and EPD tools). Our focus is exclusively on quality assurance—we do not create LCAs, but ensure they meet the highest standards.
What is the difference between a Critical Review and a Verification?
A Critical Review evaluates the methodology of an LCA or PCF study—whether the approach, assumptions, and conclusions are scientifically sound and comply with ISO 14040/44 and ISO 14067. It is required for comparative assertions and public claims. Verification, on the other hand, focuses on the data—confirming that the reported values (e.g., carbon footprint, EPD declarations) are accurate, reproducible, and meet scheme-specific requirements like those from EPD programme operators or TfS. Learn more about our services
What is the difference between Validation, Verification, and Certification?
These three terms are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings under international standards. Validation (ISO 17029) confirms the plausibility of a claim—that requirements for a specific intended future use have been fulfilled. It is forward-looking. Verification (ISO 17029) confirms the truthfulness of a claim—that specified requirements have actually been fulfilled. It is backward-looking, assessing a specific study or dataset. Certification (ISO 17065) is an attestation of conformity for a defined period, typically 3–5 years, and includes ongoing surveillance. Unlike verification, which refers to a single point-in-time assessment, certification requires periodic re-evaluation. In the LCA world, Critical Reviews (ISO 14071) and EPD Verifications (ISO 14025) are the most common forms of conformity assessment. The applicable type depends on the standard, programme operator, and intended use of your results.
What is Single Assurance vs System Assurance in LCA?
Single Assurance means each product's LCA or PCF study is individually reviewed or verified by an independent third party. The assessor checks the data, calculations, and reporting for that specific product. This provides the highest level of trust, as deviations can be identified across the entire LCA process—but it comes with higher effort and cost per product. System Assurance means a company's general LCA calculation methodology (e.g., an automated PCF tool) is assessed and certified once. Individual products are then assessed in a simplified way based on the certified system. This scales well for large product portfolios and reduces per-product costs, but carries risks: systematic errors in the methodology can propagate to many product results, and individual data inputs are typically not verified. Industry demand for system assurance is growing due to limited personnel capacity and cost pressures, with frameworks like Catena-X PCF Certification making it more accessible. However, current and upcoming EU regulations (Battery Regulation, ESPR) still tend to require full, single-product verification. QuaLCA focuses on single assurance to ensure the highest level of trust in your LCA results, while also offering Technical QA services that can audit system-level calculation methodologies.
What ISO standards do you work with?
Our work is grounded in the key international standards for LCA and environmental declarations: ISO 14040/44 (LCA principles and requirements), ISO 14067 (carbon footprint of products), ISO 14071 (critical review processes), ISO 17029 (validation and verification), ISO 14064-3 (greenhouse gas verification), EN 15804 (EPDs for construction products), and the GHG Protocol. We also work with Product Category Rules (PCRs) from major EPD programme operators and the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) methodology.
What industries do you work with?
We work across multiple sectors with a particular focus on industries facing stringent sustainability reporting requirements: chemical and plastics, construction and building materials, automotive, process industries, and manufacturing. Our founder spent 11 years at Sphera as Internal QA Authority for the chemical and plastics sector, bringing deep domain expertise. Learn about our expertise
What does "data quality" mean in an LCA context?
Data quality in LCA refers to how well your inventory data represents reality. Key dimensions include completeness (are all relevant flows captured?), precision (measured vs. estimated data), temporal representativeness (how current is the data?), geographical representativeness (does it match your supply chain locations?), and technological representativeness (does it reflect the actual production process?). Poor data quality can lead to misleading environmental claims and regulatory risk. Our Technical QA service specifically audits data quality across all these dimensions.
With which LCA software do you work?
Our founder has extensive experience with major LCA software platforms, including GaBi/Sphera LCA for Experts (11 years of daily use at Sphera) and Umberto. Apart from that, we can review models built in any of the common LCA software tools, audit their configuration, and assess whether the software is being used correctly for your specific application.
Can you verify an EPD created by another consultant?
Absolutely. As an independent verifier, reviewing EPDs and LCA studies produced by other consultancies is a core part of what we do. Independence and impartiality are essential to the credibility of any verification or critical review. We evaluate the work based on the applicable standards and PCR requirements—regardless of which consultant or software was used to create it.
What is a Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) and how does it relate to LCA?
A Product Carbon Footprint (PCF) quantifies the total greenhouse gas emissions associated with a product across its life cycle—from raw material extraction through manufacturing, use, and end-of-life. It is essentially a focused subset of a full Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), concentrating specifically on the climate change impact category. PCFs are governed by ISO 14067 and are increasingly required for regulatory compliance (e.g., CSRD, CBAM) and B2B data exchange in supply chains.
Do you offer remote services?
Yes. All of our services can be delivered fully remotely. We use secure, GDPR-compliant tools for data exchange and conduct consultations via video conference. This allows us to serve clients internationally without geographical constraints.
How much does an LCA review or EPD verification cost?
Costs depend on the scope and complexity of your project. Factors include the number of products or EPDs being reviewed, the applicable standards and PCR requirements, data availability, and whether a single reviewer or a review panel is needed. We provide a transparent, fixed-price quote after an initial scoping conversation—there are no hidden fees. Get in touch for a free initial consultation.
How long does a typical project take?
Project duration varies based on scope and complexity. A standard EPD verification typically takes 2–4 weeks, while a comprehensive Critical Review may take 4–8 weeks, depending on the number of review iterations needed. Technical QA projects are scoped individually based on model complexity. We provide a detailed timeline during our initial consultation.
What information do I need to get started?
For an initial consultation, it helps to share your project goals, timeline, and any existing LCA documentation (study reports, EPD drafts, LCI data, etc.). If you are not sure what you need yet, that is perfectly fine—we will help you identify the right scope during our first meeting. Contact us to schedule a free consultation.