Lebenszyklusberücksichtigung

Lebenszyklusbetrachtung refers to the analysis of a product, service, or system throughout its entire existence, from raw material extraction and manufacturing to use, maintenance, and eventual disposal or recycling. This comprehensive approach allows for a holistic understanding of the environmental, economic, and social impacts associated with each stage.

The primary goal of a Lebenszyklusbetrachtung is to identify opportunities for improvement and to minimize negative consequences. By examining each phase, potential areas for resource conservation, pollution reduction, and cost savings can be uncovered. For example, a manufacturer might use this analysis to redesign a product for easier disassembly and recycling, thereby reducing landfill waste and the need for virgin materials.

Key stages typically included in a Lebenszyklusbetrachtung are raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and end-of-life management. Each stage is assessed for its inputs (e.g., energy, water, materials) and outputs (e.g., emissions, waste, byproducts). This data is then aggregated to provide an overall picture of the impact.

Applications of Lebenszyklusbetrachtung are diverse, ranging from product development and environmental policy making to corporate sustainability reporting and consumer information. It is a crucial tool for promoting sustainable practices and driving innovation towards more environmentally friendly solutions. The term is often translated as "life cycle assessment" in English.