Sustainability Transition Service
As part of this project, we will deliver Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) tailored to the unique demands and technologies of the Photonics and Quantum sector. This LCA will equip you with a holistic understanding of environmental performance, strengthen your sustainability credentials, and support compliance with emerging regulatory and stakeholder expectations in high-tech industries.
Key Objectives
- To assess and quantify the environmental impact of the selected photonic or quantum product, system, or process from cradle to gate — from raw material extraction to product formation.
- To identify ecological hotspots and key impact drivers within complex, high-tech value chains.
- To support sustainable innovation and design decisions by providing data-driven insights.
- To avoid burden shifting by ensuring that improvements in one phase do not create unintended environmental issues in another.
Scope of Work
The LCA will be conducted in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 14040:2006 and 14044:2006 standards, ensuring a scientifically sound and internationally recognized approach. Key phases include:
- Goal and Scope Definition: Establishing system boundaries, functional units, and specific objectives aligned with the technological characteristics of photonics and quantum applications.
- Life Cycle Inventory (LCI): Gathering data on energy consumption, material inputs, rare or critical raw materials, manufacturing processes (e.g., nanofabrication, cryogenics), and waste streams.
- Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA): Evaluating environmental impacts using a wide range of indicators beyond COâ‚‚, such as resource depletion, toxicity, and energy intensity.
- Interpretation: Synthesizing results to guide sustainability strategies, product optimization, and reporting requirements.
Services Provided
- Project Scoping & Kickoff
- Goal & Scope Definition
- Data Collection & Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)
- Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
- Use of Specialized Tools & Databases
- Results Interpretation & Hotspot Analysis
- Clear Reporting & Visualization
- Final Deliverables
How Will This Service Support SMEs/Startups?
Our LCA services offer significant value to SMEs and startups in the Photonics and Quantum sectors by providing a clear, data-driven understanding of their environmental impact from the very beginning. This enables young companies to design more sustainable products, meet growing regulatory and investor expectations, and differentiate themselves in a competitive market. By identifying environmental hotspots early on, we help startups avoid costly redesigns later and support their journey toward eco-innovation and long-term resilience.
