Conduct a conceptual life cycle mapping of materials
To understand sustainability impacts across the life cycle of your materials, products, or services, start with conceptual life cycle mapping. Begin by identifying your key inputs, especially those that are commonly procured or costly, and assess their potential negative impacts. Impact-related data can be sourced from subject matter experts, public sources, suppliers,1 and other external stakeholders such as regulators and policymakers, NGOs, and industry bodies or trade associations. Where possible, quantify and categorise these impacts to allow for easier comparisons and prioritisation.
To create your map, define each stage of your value chain (raw materials, processing, assembly, etc.), trace the flow of your key inputs through the chain, and connect the impact data you have collected to these inputs. This provides a holistic view of the value chain inputs, allowing you to analyse impact hotspots.
