Lifecycle Emissions

Lifecycle emissions measure total greenhouse gas emissions across the full life of an energy technology, from resource extraction and manufacturing to operation and final disposal.

What’s Included
Assessments cover raw material extraction, manufacturing, international transport, installation, operation, maintenance, and end-of-life treatment or recycling—often spanning multiple countries and global supply chains.

Why It’s Important
Lifecycle analysis provides a more complete picture of climate impact, showing that while renewables have near-zero operating emissions, emissions can still occur during manufacturing, construction, and material sourcing.

Looking Ahead
Cleaner industrial processes, lower-carbon electricity in manufacturing countries, improved recycling, and sustainable material sourcing will further reduce lifecycle emissions across global energy systems.