An environmental assessment is the first step towards a successful eco-design process. To eco-design a retail space, it is essential to understand the root causes of environmental impacts in order to identify priority areas for improvement and avoid pitfalls or misguided initiatives.

At EVEA, we have developed two complementary approaches tailored to all types of commercial and tertiary spaces: a quantitative approach, based on life cycle assessment (LCA) of retail spaces, and a qualitative approach, involving in-depth on-site diagnostics.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA): a quantitative approach

The basics of the LCA approach

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) evaluates the environmental impacts of a retail space in accordance with ISO 14040 and 14044 standards. This scientific method is based on three core principles:

• Life cycle perspective: Considering every stage in the life of a product or service
• Systemic approach: A comprehensive view of all components within the defined system;
• Multi-criteria evaluation: Measuring impacts across several environmental indicators.

LCA ensures that impact transfers are avoided—whether between indicators, system components, or life cycle stages.

Addressing sector-specific challenges

Beyond compliance with standards, LCA relies on sectoral methodological frameworks to harmonise evaluations across different scales (e.g., French or European).

In Europe, retail spaces intersect with several sectors:

• Furniture, assessed in France under ADEME’s “furniture and furnishings” framework (ADEME is the French agency for ecological transition);
• Visual communication, evaluated in Europe using the Product Environmental Footprint (PEF) method;
• Building materials, governed by NF EN 15804 A2.

By leveraging these frameworks, EVEA has developed its own LCA methodology for retail spaces, incorporating the diversity of products and meeting the sector's eco-design objectives.

Multidisciplinary expertise for your project

Our analysis covers all components of a retail space. From permanent fixtures to promotional displays, as well as electronic equipment, finishes, and HVAC systems, each element is thoroughly examined to ensure a meaningful assessment.

The strength of our approach lies in the breadth of expertise within our team. Our specialists are well-versed in retail design, furniture, construction, technical equipment, and material chemistry. This multidisciplinary perspective enables us to tackle every project holistically, identifying the most effective levers for action.

Quantified results to guide your strategy

Which life cycle stages are the most critical? Which materials have the greatest impact? Which eco-design strategies will deliver the most significant benefits? We interpret analysis results based on your key questions to help you develop an effective and tailored eco-design strategy.

In-depth on-site diagnostics: a qualitative approach

Our qualitative environmental evaluation method is built around three complementary phases:

• Site visits to a representative sample of your retail spaces, to understand the concept and its real-world operations;
• In-depth interviews with all relevant stakeholders, from internal teams to service providers, and even customers;
• A detailed document analysis to enrich our overall understanding.

The key findings for your retail spaces are presented during a workshop, summarising insights from these three phases.

Our goal is to provide a clear and accurate snapshot of your current situation. This diagnostic process draws on EVEA’s extensive experience in the field and two decades of environmental expertise.

We assess your current environmental performance, identify existing best practices, and uncover opportunities for improvement. Additionally, we pinpoint the obstacles that need to be addressed to ensure effective progress.

Which approach is best for your project?

The choice between a quantitative and qualitative approach depends on your specific context. We consider your strategic goals, available resources, timeline, and communication needs to recommend the most suitable method. Importantly, our approaches are not limited to retail spaces—they can also be successfully applied to offices, cultural venues, and urban developments.

Want to go dive deeper?

Ready to embark on an eco-design journey for your commercial spaces? Get in touch with our furniture and design team: Aude Cellérier, Marie-Anne Dupont. ▪