We can compare two products (or systems) by comparing the calculated impacts in each of the impact categories, but this can be a time consuming, expensive and confusing process. ISO standards allow normalization that combines the multiple impact categories into a single score.
Single figure LCA, such as Okala, combines the inventory calculation and the proceeding assessment calculations in one multiplication factor. The factor contains the many environmental impact categories in a single figure score. Single figure scores cannot be used for public claims about environmental performance according to ISO 14040 standards; however, they provide a fast and easy method for designers to model environmental impacts of products.
Single figure life cycle assessment scores (such as the Okala Impact Factors) make it easy for product development teams to comprehensively evaluate and compare environmental and human health impacts of products. Because of the simplicity of a single comprehensive total score, it requires less time and interpretation to identify which components of the system bill of materials (SBOM) create the largest impacts, and hence offer the greatest potential for lowering the environmental impact.