Livsløpskostnadsanalyser

Livsløpskostnadsanalyser, often abbreviated as LCA, is a methodology used to assess 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 goal is to quantify the environmental burden associated with a product over its entire existence, providing a comprehensive picture rather than focusing on a single stage.

This analysis typically includes impacts on climate change, ozone depletion, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion. It involves collecting data on energy and material inputs and outputs at each stage of the life cycle. Various software tools and databases are available to assist in conducting these complex calculations.

LCA is a valuable tool for decision-making in product development, policy making, and consumer guidance. It helps identify environmental hotspots within a product's life cycle, allowing for targeted improvements. Businesses can use LCA to design more sustainable products, while policymakers can use it to inform regulations and environmental standards. Consumers can benefit from LCA information to make more environmentally conscious purchasing choices. The methodology is standardized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) through the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards.