Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for Sustainable Energy Systems
Energy systems are undergoing a profound transformation as new technologies and concepts emerge to support the transition towards a low-carbon future. But how can their environmental performance be assessed reliably and improved effectively? Simplified approaches focusing on single indicators – such as CO₂ emissions alone – often fail to capture the full picture. This can lead to burden shifting, where environmental impacts are reduced in one area while increasing in another.
We help you quantify, compare and reduce the environmental impacts of innovative energy systems, providing a robust basis for informed and sustainable decision-making.
Our services are tailored to researchers, technology developers, engineers and decision-makers working on innovative energy systems.
At SPF, we combine Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with engineering expertise, system simulation and detailed technology analysis. Rather than assessing systems as a black box, we model their real operating conditions, compare alternative system concepts and evaluate future scenarios. This enables us to identify environmental hotspots, avoid burden shifting and develop targeted optimisation strategies—for example through improved operating strategies, material substitution or system redesign. Our goal is not simply to shift environmental impacts, but to reduce them in a measurable and meaningful way.
Our expertise covers a wide range of complex energy systems, including:
- Building, district and industrial energy systems (e.g. heat pumps, solar thermal systems and hybrid energy solutions)
- Electrical and thermal energy storage systems (including PV-battery systems and innovative energy storage technologies)
- Power-to-X and sector-coupled energy systems
- Fossil-free backup and energy supply systems
- Circular economy concepts (e.g. recycling as well as second- and third-life applications for batteries and PV modules)
Our services
We provide LCA and broader environmental sustainability assessments for innovative energy systems throughout their development – from early concepts to implementation and optimisation. By combining established LCA methodologies with in-depth system expertise and advanced simulation models, we deliver robust environmental assessments and identify targeted improvement opportunities.
Research & innovation projects
We contribute to national and international research and innovation projects by combining expertise in LCA, system simulation, technology analysis and scenario assessment. Our interdisciplinary approach supports the development, evaluation and optimisation of innovative energy technologies and systems.
Consulting projects
We conduct LCA in accordance with ISO 14040/44, ranging from preliminary screening studies and hotspot analyses to comprehensive comparative assessments. Our strength lies in combining LCA with realistic system simulation and engineering-based modelling to provide robust and actionable results.
System development & ecodesign
We support the development of energy systems from the earliest design stages. Through scenario analysis, technology comparisons and comprehensive environmental assessments, we identify optimisation potentials in system design, material selection and operating strategies.
Scope & Approach
The scope and level of detail of an LCA depend on the complexity of the system, the availability of data and the objectives of the study. Whether the goal is an initial screening or a comprehensive ISO-compliant assessment, we tailor each project to your specific requirements.
Together, we define the study objectives, system boundaries and level of detail to develop a solution that provides the right balance between effort, cost and value.
We offer different levels of assessment:
- LCA-Screening: A preliminary Life Cycle Assessment to identify environmental hotspots, compare alternative concepts and support early-stage technology development. Typical project duration is up to one month, with costs ranging from approximately 3’000 to 8’000 CHF.
- Detailed-LCA: A comprehensive ISO 14040/44-compliant LCA including comparative assessments, sensitivity analyses and recommendations for environmental optimisation. Typical project costs range from 8’000 to 25’000 CHF.
- Complex System-LCA: An integrated assessment combining system simulation with Life Cycle Assessment to evaluate complex energy systems, operating strategies and future scenarios. These studies typically span several months, with project costs starting at 25’000 CHF.
Where appropriate, we compare systems with relevant reference solutions (e.g. fossil-based energy systems) to quantify environmental improvements and provide a meaningful basis for decision-making.
Typical project workflow:
Initial contact
You contact us with a brief description of your project and research question – for example, an assessment of CO₂ emissions, the comparison of alternative energy systems, or the environmental evaluation of a new technology. We typically respond within 1–2 working days.
Kick-off & goal definition
During an initial meeting (approximately 30–60 minutes), we define the project objectives, system boundaries and desired level of detail. We also discuss available data, project constraints and possible approaches.
Proposal & project definition
Based on the initial discussion, we prepare a tailored proposal outlining the project scope, methodology, deliverables and timeline.
Data collection & system modelling
We collect the relevant technical and material data and develop a representative model of the energy system, including operating behaviour, system boundaries and interactions between components. Based on this model, material and energy flows are quantified across the entire life cycle – from raw material extraction and manufacturing to operation and end-of-life.
Environmental evaluation
We perform the LCA using established methodologies such as IPCC and the Environmental Footprint (EF) method. Environmental impacts – including climate change, resource use and other relevant impact categories – are assessed over the entire life cycle. Alternative system configurations and reference systems are evaluated where appropriate.
Results & discussion
The results are presented and discussed together with the project partners. We identify environmental hotspots, quantify improvement potentials and provide recommendations for system optimisation.
Reporting & further development
The findings are documented in a comprehensive report and provide a robust basis for further analyses, technology development and informed decision-making.
Our Methodology
Our approach to LCAs is based on a deep understanding of energy systems and a systematic combination of system simulation, environmental assessment and technology comparison. This enables us to deliver robust results, identify environmental hotspots and develop targeted strategies to reduce environmental impacts.
Understanding modern energy systems
We do not treat energy systems as a black box. Instead, we analyse their real operating behaviour, system boundaries and interactions—from individual components to the entire energy system.
System simulation & modelling
Complex energy systems are modelled using advanced simulation tools such as TRNSYS and Python. This enables us to realistically represent operating conditions, load profiles, system efficiencies and control strategies, providing a solid basis for environmental assessment.
Assessment of future technologies & scenarios
Our assessments go beyond today's technologies. We evaluate future developments and transition pathways, including highly electrified energy systems, electric mobility, bidirectional charging, innovative energy storage technologies, circular economy concepts and future energy infrastructures.
This enables us to assess the long-term environmental performance and relevance of emerging technologies before they are implemented.
Systematic comparison of technologies & design alternatives
Different system configurations, technologies and operating strategies are systematically compared to identify the most environmentally sustainable solutions and support informed decision-making.
Identification of optimisation potentials
Based on the assessment results, we derive practical recommendations for improving environmental performance, including:
- Material substitution and resource efficiency
- Optimised operating and control strategies
- Improved system design and energy efficiency
- Second-life applications and recycling pathways
Holistic sustainability assessment
Our assessments extend far beyond CO₂ emissions. We evaluate additional environmental impact categories such as resource use, ecotoxicity, land use and critical raw materials. This holistic approach enables us to identify and avoid burden shifting, ensuring that environmental improvements in one area do not lead to unintended impacts elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
When is a Life Cycle Assessment particularly beneficial?
An LCA is particularly valuable during the development of new technologies and energy systems, when making strategic technology decisions, or whenever environmental impacts need to be quantified in a transparent and scientifically robust way.
How much effort does an LCA require?
The required effort depends on the complexity of the system, the availability of data and the objectives of the study. Projects range from preliminary LCA screenings to comprehensive ISO-compliant assessments.
Can an LCA be carried out during the early stages of technology development?
Yes. In fact, simplified LCAs are particularly valuable during early development stages, where they support design decisions and help avoid costly redesigns later in the project. LCA screenings enable the early identification of environmental hotspots and facilitate efficient comparison of design alternatives.
What is the difference between an LCA screening and a comprehensive LCA?
An LCA Screening provides a rapid, simplified assessment to identify environmental hotspots and key influencing factors. A Comprehensive LCA is a detailed, ISO 14040/44-compliant assessment that enables robust technology comparisons and provides recommendations for environmental optimisation.
What are the first steps of an LCA project?
The process begins by defining the study objectives, research questions, system boundaries, functional unit and key assumptions. This is followed by data collection and the development of a representative system model.
What data are required?
Depending on the scope of the study, relevant data may include technical system specifications, material inventories, operating profiles, and assumptions regarding system use and lifetime. Where necessary, missing information can be supplemented using well-founded assumptions and literature data.
Can we start with incomplete data?
Yes. During the early stages of a project, simplified assumptions and literature data are often sufficient. As the project progresses, the level of detail can be refined as additional information becomes available.
How are the required data collected?
Data collection is carried out in close collaboration with project partners or clients and is based on available information such as CAD models, system layouts, component and material inventories, and operational data. We provide structured templates and support the preparation of the required datasets where needed.
Which software and databases do you use?
We use established LCA software such as SimaPro together with recognised databases including ecoinvent. These are complemented by our own simulation models and engineering tools, such as TRNSYS and Python, to assess complex energy systems under realistic operating conditions.
How do you compare different technologies?
Technologies are assessed over their entire life cycle using a common functional unit (e.g. per kWh of energy delivered). This ensures that different technologies and system concepts can be compared objectively and consistently.
Do you compare systems with reference solutions?
Yes. Whenever appropriate, we compare systems with relevant reference solutions (e.g. fossil-based energy systems) to quantify environmental improvements and provide a meaningful basis for decision-making.
Which environmental impacts are considered?
In addition to climate change (CO₂ emissions), we assess a wide range of environmental impact categories, including resource use, ecotoxicity, land use and critical raw materials. This holistic approach helps identify and avoid burden shifting, ensuring that environmental improvements in one area do not create unintended impacts elsewhere.
How accurate are the results of an LCA?
The accuracy of an LCA depends on the quality of the available data and the level of modelling detail. Transparent assumptions, sensitivity analyses and robust modelling approaches ensure reliable and reproducible results.
What value does an LCA provide?
An LCA provides a robust basis for decision-making by identifying environmental hotspots, quantifying optimisation opportunities and supporting the development of more sustainable technologies and energy systems.
SPF Competence team Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)
Yvonne Bäuerle
SPF Institute for Solar Technology Projektleiterin SPF
+41 58 257 42 04 yvonne.baeuerle@ost.ch
Amelia Heid
SPF Institute for Solar Technology Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin SPF
+41 58 257 18 99 amelia.heid@ost.ch
