Which term describes the environmental impact of a product across its entire life?

• A. Ecodesign
• B. Conductivity
• C. Ripple effect
• D. Life-cycle analysis

Answer: (D)

Life-cycle analysis is the process of assessing the environmental impacts of a product at every stage of its life, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use, maintenance, and disposal. This broad view, often called cradle-to-grave thinking, lets designers compare different options and identify where the biggest environmental savings can be made, such as choosing materials with lower embodied energy or designing for easier recycling at the end of life.

Other terms don’t fit this specific idea. Ecodesign is about designing products to minimize environmental impacts, but it’s the design approach rather than the assessment itself. Conductivity is simply a material’s ability to conduct electricity or heat, unrelated to environmental impact. Ripple effect isn’t a standard term used for evaluating a product’s life-cycle environmental effects.