Elinkaareksi

Elinkaareksi, or life cycle assessment (LCA), is a systematic method used to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product’s life, from raw material extraction to disposal. Originating in the 1960s, LCA gained prominence in the 1990s as industries and policymakers sought sustainable solutions. The approach follows four key phases: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

In the goal and scope phase, the purpose of the assessment is defined, including the system boundaries, functional unit, and impact categories studied. Inventory analysis quantifies resource use and emissions, such as energy, water, and greenhouse gases, across stages like production, transportation, and end-of-life. Impact assessment evaluates the potential environmental effects, such as climate change, resource depletion, or ecotoxicity, using standardized methods. Interpretation synthesizes the results to identify significant impacts and suggest improvements.

Elinkaareksi is widely applied in product design, policy-making, and corporate sustainability reporting. It helps manufacturers optimize processes, consumers make informed choices, and regulators enforce eco-friendly standards. However, LCA has limitations, including data variability, computational complexity, and the need for assumptions in incomplete systems. Despite these challenges, it remains a cornerstone of environmental sustainability strategies, promoting transparency and accountability in resource management.