What Is LCA — and Why Does It Matter?
LCA is the systematic evaluation of the environmental impact of a product throughout its entire life — from raw material extraction and production, to use and eventual recycling or disposal. By uncovering environmental “hotspots” in product development and supply chains, LCA helps optimize designs, reduce emissions, and meet both regulatory and customer sustainability expectations.
At CES, we execute LCAs across a wide portfolio — from radar systems and cameras to fuel pumps, ECUs and key fobs— helping our customers take meaningful steps toward their own climate goals.
“Life Cycle Assessment enables us to design products that are not only innovative but also environmentally responsible. It’s about being proactive — addressing future customer and regulatory needs while making sound business decisions today,”, says Pedro Ramos, Manager GreenTech at CES.
CES and Continental: One Vision for a Sustainable Future
As part of Continental, CES contributes to a shared sustainability ambition that spans the entire Group. Continental Automotive, in particular, has made significant progress toward becoming a climate-neutral and circular enterprise.
Adrien Eymard, Head of Automotive Sustainability & ESH, Strategy and Programs, explains:
“Sustainability isn’t just about products — it’s about people, processes, and purpose. Our strategies aim to deliver long-term value while making a real environmental impact.”
These commitments are realized in programs like the Green Plant Label (GPL), targeting gold certification for all production facilities by 2030, and in the integration of mandatory Product Carbon Footprints (PCFs) across the supply chain.
How CES Delivers LCA Excellence
At CES, LCA is embedded into our engineering approach through a three-step methodology:
Input Phase
- Define the scope, system boundaries, and lifecycle phases (Cradle to Gate / Grave / Cradle)
- Collect data on product design, manufacturing, logistics, and end-of-life
Model Phase
- Break down the product into subcomponents
- Assign environmental data from databases such as GaBi, Ecoinvent, and Continental’s in-house sources
- Model transportation and processing impacts
Output Phase
- Analyze impacts such as Global Warming Potential (GWP-100), resource use, water and air pollution
- Create visual, drill-down reports in Power BI dashboards
- Present tailored insights for design optimization and cost savings
Beyond Compliance — Toward Business Resilience
With policies like the EU’s CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism) and OEM demands for full transparency, LCA is quickly becoming a prerequisite for doing business. CES helps its partners:
- Meet current and future regulations
- Reduce CO₂ and resource use
- Increase profitability and product value
- Enhance their sustainability reputation
Earth Day, Every Day
As we mark Earth Day, CES reaffirms that sustainability isn’t a once-a-year gesture — it’s a continuous commitment. Through forward-thinking projects like LCA, we are not just adapting to the future — we’re shaping it.
Let’s engineer smarter. Let’s build greener. Let’s act today — for the world of tomorrow.
