Following our paper Digesting the alphabet soup of LCA, I started collecting some more specific cases. Below, some of these have been compiled. I do not claim to be exhaustive, and the references provided are not necessarily the key ones or first occurrences. Moreover, minor variations in spelling and abbreviation have been ignored. For instance, organisational LCA is mentioned under organizational LCA, and pLCA and P-LCA under PLCA. All sources are from peer-reviewed journals.
AALCA = Advanced attributional LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-016-1208-4)
ABLCA = Activity-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2016.11.061)
ALCA = Abridged LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/ISEE.1998.675075)
ALCA = Agricultural LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolind.2018.01.053)
ALCA = Attributional LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
ASLCA = Absolute sustainability-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12830)
BBMLCA = Bio-based materials and product LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1002/bbb.2769)
BELCA = Biomass element LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2015.07.030)
BLCA = Backcasting LCA (see the original:, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
BLCA = Building LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1504/IJCAT.2012.045842)
BMLCA = Business model LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.3005)
BPLCA = Business portfolio LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.strusafe.2019.101921)
BSLCA = Building services LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.935.3)
BULCA = Bottom-up based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/world3030039)
CBLCA = Circular building LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su13095124)
CELCA = Circular economy LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2021.105683)
CLCA = Carbon LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113400)
CLCA = Collective LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.asej.2022.102103)
CLCA = Comparative LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eist.2021.01.003)
CLCA = Consequential LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
CLCA = Contributable LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SU00548A)
CLCA = Conventional LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.12.220)
CLCA = Curtate LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1039/B915744C)
CPLCA = Consequential and prospective LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enbuild.2024.114214)
CQLCA = Cost quality LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envdev.2025.101224)
CRLCA = Consequential replacement LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.5334/bc.472)
CSLCA = Comparative streamlined LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2012.09.007)
C2CLCA = Cradle-to-cradle LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2015.06.009)
C2GLCA = Cradle-to-grave LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos12111482)
DCLCA = Detailed consequential LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.37394/232033.2024.2.7)
DILCA = Data-intensive LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-88506-5.50154-6)
DLCA = Decision LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
DLCA = Dynamic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1089/ees.2021.0052)
DTLCA = Dynamic territorial LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2022.134914)
DYNLCA = Dynamic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.5334/bc.278)
ECLCA = Economic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su8050428)
EELCA = Exergy-aided LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-021-01969-z)
EIOLCA = Economic input-output LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0157014)
ELCA = Energy LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2011.02.116)
ELCA = Environmental LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1065/lca2007.11.367)
ELCA = Exergetic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2008.01.004)
EMLCA = Emergy-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1021/es203440n)
ETLCA = Electricity-technologies LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2015.04.001)
ETLCA = Emerging technology LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12825)
EXLCA = Exergetic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2012.01.003)
FLCA = Failure LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1149/06106.0141ecst)
FLCA = Fleet-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.trd.2024.104199)
FLCA = Follow-up LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compind.2013.11.003)
FLCA = Full LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/challe8020021)
FLCA = Functionality-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13240)
FSLCA = Full-scale LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/world3030039)
GLCA = Global LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12160)
GRLCA = Generalised remediation LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1080/09640568.2013.863754)
HALCA = Handprint attributional LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.37394/232033.2024.2.7)
HLCA = Hybrid LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12655)
HPLCA = Hybrid process LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.seta.2021.101348)
IHLCA = Integrated hybrid LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143016)
ILCA = Integrated LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
IOLCA = Input-output LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12655)
LLCA = Live-life LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2021.118477)
MBLCA = Model-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2024.118392)
MCLCA = Monte Carlo LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2023.129726)
MCLCA = Multi-criteria LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13051313)
MLCA = Materials LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-3069(00)00057-1)
MLCA = Monetary LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su11041038)
MLCA = Multi-LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.07.123)
MUIOLCA = Mixed-unit input-output LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resconrec.2013.06.009)
NLCA = Anticipatory LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
NLCA = Nutritional LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-022-02123-z)
OLCA = Organizational LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-0912-9)
PALCA = Process-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/IEA.2017.7939216)
PBLCA = Planetary boundary-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-023-02185-7)
PBLCA = Prefabricated building LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-78305-6)
PBLCA = Process-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2022.128055)
PCLCA = Prospective consequential LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.143316)
PDLCA = Partially dynamic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1002/ieam.4235)
PDLCA = Predictive and dynamic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/ISSST.2010.5507728)
PESILCA = Product environmental and social impact LCA (see, e.g., 10.37155/3060-8716-2-1-2)
PLCA = Parametric LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.spc.2021.03.006)
PLCA = Partial LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2016.09.004)
PLCA = Probabilistic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063444)
PLCA = Process LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.12655)
PLCA = Products LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-3069(00)00057-1)
PLCA = Prospective LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
POLCA = Prospective-oriented LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/jiec.13272)
PSLCA = Prospective sustainability LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1115/DETC2020-22526)
QLCA = Quality LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su16177821)
QLCA = Quantitative LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1166/jbmb.2009.1029)
QLCA = Quick LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/ECODIM.1999.747638)
RBLCA = Risk based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.04.075)
RELCA = Regional LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12913)
RLCA = Rapid LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s40684-015-0023-x)
RLCA = Regional LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-023-02272-9)
RLCA = Retrospective LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-024-02320-y)
RLCA = Robust LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2024.141037)
RTLCA = Renewal-theory-based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/infrastructures7100128)
SALCA = Simplified attributionalLCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.37394/232033.2024.2.7)
SBLCA = Stakeholder based LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1897/IEAM_2008-064.1)
SCLCA = Simplified consequential LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.37394/232033.2024.2.7)
SDLCA = Site-dependent LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1021/es047951n)
SELCA = Social and environmental LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978703)
SELCA = Systems engineering-engaged LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apenergy.2024.123191)
SILCA = Spiral-inifinite LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107605)
SLCA = Scenario-based LCA (see the original: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-018-1478-0)
SLCA = Screening LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978746)
SLCA = Simplified LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2004.11.014)
SLCA = Streamlined LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/f10020160)
SLCA = Social LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-016-1167-9)
SLCA = Static LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107210)
SLCA = Stochastic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1061/(ASCE)ST.1943-541X.0003201)
SLCA = Sustainability LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.162)
SLLCA = Screening-level LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/world3030039)
SOLCA = Social organizational LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-015-0960-1)
SPLCA = Sustainable product LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su15065467)
STLCA = Spatialized territorial LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2015.09.138)
TBLLCA = Triple-bottom-line LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-014-0723-4)
TELCA = Techno-economic LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.algal.2019.101721)
THLCA = Tiered hybrid LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2024.107491)
TLCA = Technical LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1002/ep.13837)
TLCA = Territorial LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclepro.2017.12.169)
TQLCA = Total quality product in LCA (see, e.g., 10.1007/s00163-025-00457-x)
TRLCA = Time-resolved LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1051/metal/2014009)
TRPLCA = Time-resolved prospective LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-025-02526-8)
ULCA = LCA of urban development (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1631/BF02851611)
VLCA = Visonary LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.futures.2009.01.006)
WBLCA = Whole building LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1108/SASBE-06-2018-0034)
WELCA = Work environment LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-016-1116-7)
WFLCA = Water footprint based on LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.enconman.2020.112576)
WLCA = Watershed LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-017-2257-5)
WLCA = Weighted LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2020.105409)
WLCA = Whole LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/S0261-3069(00)00057-1)
XLCA = Explorative LCA (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-024-02332-8)
The concepts above apply to variations of LCA. There are also abbreviations around the term for specific models, software, databases, organizations, etc. This includes terms, such as PSILCA (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-024-02348-0), WULCA (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-017-1333-8), MEXALCA (https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-010-0209-y), BIM-DLCA (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.buildenv.2020.107218), JLCA (https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02978765) and POLCAGE (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envsoft.2003.10.004).
Besides the variations with one or more letters in front of LCA, there are also cases with one or more letters in between, letters at the end, as well as cases in which the LCA code for a slightly different term. These include:
CLCSA = Circular life cycle sustainability assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-024-02359-x)
LCAA = Life cycle based alternatives assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1039/D0GC01544J)
LCAA = Life cycle attribute assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1530-9290.2009.00142.x)
LCAO = Life cycle assessment optimization (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.4236/nr.2014.58033)
LCCA = Life cycle carbon assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/buildings13102417)
LCCA = Life cycle cost analysis (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e21182)
LCEA = Life cycle energy analysis (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/IEMDC.2007.383668)
LCGA = Life cycle gap analsysi (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2017.11.058)
LCSA = Life cycle sustainability assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1065/lca2008.02.376)
OLCSA = Organizational life cycle sustainability assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su14052616)
WLCA = Whole life carbon assessment (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/2600/15/152020)
There are also many variations of the form LCX. This list is restricted to those that are LCA-relevant.
LCB = LC based (see, e.g,, https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-022-02118-w)
LCC = LC cost (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-023-02224-3)
LCD = LC design (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.engstruct.2017.11.022)
LCE = LC engineering (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02977842)
LCF = LC framework (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1002/etc.5620180427)
LCG = LC gaps (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.procir.2017.11.058)
LCH = LC habitation (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1088/1755-1315/410/1/012027)
LCI = LC inventory (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jfoodeng.2008.08.005)
LCM = LC management (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.3390/su12083252)
LCO = LC optimization (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rser.2024.115058)
LCP = LC planning (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s00163-005-0001-3)
LCQ = LC quality (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s12541-012-0169-1)
LCR = LC rating (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.promfg.2018.02.125)
LCS = LC simulation (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aei.2018.03.001)
LCT = LC thinking (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1007/s11367-012-0497-5)
LCU = LC unit (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/ECODIM.2003.1322766)
LCV = LC value (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1109/ECODIM.2001.992488)
LCW = LC waste (see, e.g., https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eiar.2008.01.002)
This page was created in 2025 by Reinout Heijungs, based on my personal knowledge and some random internet searches. See https://sites.google.com/vu.nl/reinoutheijungs/contact for more information, contact details, and other projects.