Elinkaariperusteista

Elinkaariperusteista refers to an approach that considers the complete life cycle of a product or system, from raw material extraction through production, use, and end‑of‑life disposal or recycling. The term is closely associated with life‑cycle assessment (LCA), a methodological framework developed in the early 1990s to evaluate environmental impacts across all stages of a product’s existence. LCA is standardized under ISO 14040 and ISO 14044, which define the four main phases: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

The primary purpose of elinkaariperusteista is to identify processes that contribute most to resource depletion, greenhouse gas emissions, or other environmental burdens. By quantifying inputs such as energy, water, and materials, and outputs like emissions, waste, and toxic substances, decision makers can compare alternative technologies or design options. For example, manufacturers may use LCA to demonstrate that a new packaging material reduces overall carbon footprints compared to conventional plastics, or that a product’s extended use phase outweighs the environmental costs of manufacturing.

Beyond corporate use, elinkaariperusteista informs public policy and standards. Governments increasingly require life‑cycle impact data for building codes, electronic waste regulations, and green procurement guidelines. International agreements, such as the European Union’s Sustainable Product Directive, incorporate life‑cycle considerations to promote circular economy principles.

Challenges of elinkaariperusteista include data availability, especially for complex supply chains, and methodological choices that can influence results—such as system boundary selection or functional unit definition. Nevertheless, the approach remains central to evidence‑based environmental decision making. By integrating the concept into product development, purchasing, and regulatory processes, stakeholders can reduce environmental impacts, improve resource efficiency, and support long‑term sustainability goals.