Ökobilanz

Ökobilanz, also known as Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), is a methodology used to assess the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes all stages from raw material extraction and manufacturing to distribution, use, and end-of-life disposal or recycling. The goal of an Ökobilanz is to identify and quantify the environmental burdens associated with each stage, such as greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, energy use, and waste generation.

The process of conducting an Ökobilanz typically involves several steps. First, the goal and scope of the assessment are defined, specifying what is being studied and the boundaries of the analysis. Second, an inventory analysis is performed to collect data on all relevant inputs and outputs throughout the life cycle. Third, an impact assessment translates these inventory data into potential environmental impacts. Finally, an interpretation phase draws conclusions and makes recommendations based on the findings.

Ökobilanzen are valuable tools for decision-making in various fields, including product development, environmental policy, and corporate sustainability. They help identify environmental hotspots, compare alternative products or processes, and guide efforts to reduce a product's overall environmental footprint. By providing a comprehensive view of environmental performance, Ökobilanzen enable more informed choices and contribute to sustainable development.