Cradle-to-Grave Process

Life-Cycle Phases Illustrated

The life-cycle thinking provides a 5-step framework for measuring the economic, social, and environmental impacts of a project or product from cradle (project conception) to grave (material disposal). Everything that is produced goes through these following five main life cycle stages: raw material extraction, manufacturing, construction, use, and end-of-life.

At each of these stages, there are inputs and outputs, flowthroughs, value losses and potential gains. In life cycle thinking, we use these as a foundation for thinking through what needs to occur in order for something to be made.

By analyzing each and every stage, construction managers are able to guide their projects and decisions successfully, not only from an economic standpoint, but also from an environmental and social perspective.