LCA critical review under ISO 14044 and ISO/TS 14071
Ask us about a critical review →An independent review of your LCA study under ISO 14044 (clause 6) and ISO/TS 14071
Required for public comparisons (comparative assertions): a panel of interested parties
Makes your LCA, EPD and green claims more credible
An expert review or a panel, chosen to fit the goal of the study and the claim
Publishing an environmental comparison of your product? Without a critical review under ISO 14044, such a public comparative assertion does not meet the standard.
What is an LCA critical review?
A critical review is an independent check of a life cycle assessment (LCA) study. It confirms that the study meets ISO 14040 and ISO 14044. It is a formal part of an LCA, not a marketing opinion. A person who did not work on the study checks the method, the data and the conclusions.
ISO 14044 (clause 6) sets the rules for the review. ISO/TS 14071 (current version 2024) sets the detailed process and the skills the reviewer needs. Three things set a critical review apart:
ISO 14044 provides for it directly. For comparisons disclosed to the public, a critical review is mandatory. Without it, a comparative assertion does not meet the standard.
The reviewer did not work on the study. The review is based on the standard and the evidence, not on the interest of whoever paid for the LCA.
A positive critical review proves to customers, regulators and partners that the LCA is reliable. It is a strong basis for an EPD and for green claims.
When is an LCA critical review required?
The standard requires it in one case. In the other cases, it is strongly recommended for credibility:
Public comparison (mandatory)
Say you use an LCA to make a public comparison, for example “our product has a lower footprint than…”. Then ISO 14044 requires a review by a panel of interested parties.
EPDs and environmental claims
Declarations and claims based on an LCA are more credible when the study behind them has passed an independent review.
Reports for stakeholders
A customer, an investor or your supply chain may expect reliable data. A critical review confirms that the LCA can be trusted before it goes out.
Types of critical review
ISO 14044 allows several types. We choose the one that fits the goal of the study and how you will use the results:
A review by an expert from the same organisation who did not work on the study. The basic form of LCA quality control for internal use.
A review by an outside LCA expert. It adds objectivity and is expected, for example, when you publish results or declarations.
A panel of at least three people: an independent chair, an LCA expert and people for the interested parties. This form is required for public comparisons.
What does a critical review check?
Under ISO 14044, a critical review confirms that:
The methods meet the standard: the LCA methods are consistent with ISO 14040 and ISO 14044.
The methods are valid: they are sound in science and in practice.
The data is right for the study: it fits the goal and scope.
The conclusions fit the goal and limits: they match the goal of the study and take the known limits into account.
The report is clear and consistent: the study files are open, complete and consistent.
How does a critical review work?
We follow the process in ISO/TS 14071 and adapt the form to the goal of the study:
Agreeing the scope and form
We agree the type of review (expert or panel), the goal of the study, how you will use the results and the schedule.
Review of documents and data
We check the goal and scope, the system boundaries, data quality, impact methods, calculations, conclusions and report.
Comments and rounds with the LCA team
We send comments and point out gaps and areas to improve. The LCA team makes the fixes, and we check them.
Review statement
We issue a critical review statement. You attach it to the LCA report as proof of compliance.
Critical review vs LCA report verification and EPD verification
Critical review is the formal name in the standards (ISO 14044 / ISO/TS 14071) for an independent review of an LCA study. Clients also call it LCA report verification. It is the same service, seen from the side of the standard and public comparisons.
EPD verification (under ISO 14025 and EN 15804) is a separate step. There, an independent verifier checks the EPD and the LCA behind it against the PCR and the rules of the EPD programme. We are happy to combine both.
Why choose EXERGY for your critical review?
We do LCAs, product carbon footprints and EPDs every day. We know the standards and the usual errors well, so we know what to check.
We only review studies that we did not do ourselves. We keep the independence ISO 14044 requires and have the skills set out in ISO/TS 14071.
We give clear, prioritised comments so that the review really improves the study. In 2024, we finished 65 of 74 projects ahead of schedule.
Meet the team
Experienced EXERGY specialists run every project with our own proven methods. We do not give consulting work to subcontractors. We have worked in this field since 2017.
Meet the team →Do you need an LCA critical review?
Tell us the goal of the study and how you want to use the results. We will choose the form of review (expert or panel) and come back with a proposal.