Livsløpskostnadsanalyse

Livsløpskostnadsanalyse, often abbreviated as LCA, is a systematic approach to evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product's life, from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. The primary goal is to identify and quantify the environmental burdens associated with a product or service, providing a holistic understanding that goes beyond simple point-of-use considerations.

The methodology typically involves several key phases. First, a goal and scope definition establishes the boundaries of the analysis, including the product system, functional unit (a measure of the function delivered by the product), and the environmental impacts to be assessed. Second, an inventory analysis is conducted, which involves collecting data on all inputs and outputs of the system, such as energy, raw materials, water, and emissions to air, water, and soil. Third, an impact assessment translates these inventory data into potential environmental impacts, categorizing them into areas like global warming potential, acidification, and eutrophication. Finally, an interpretation phase reviews the results, identifies significant issues, and provides recommendations for improvement, such as material substitution, process optimization, or end-of-life management strategies. LCA is a valuable tool for decision-making in product design, policy development, and environmental management, aiming to reduce the overall environmental footprint of human activities.