Livsløpstankegang

Livsløpstankegang, often translated as life-cycle thinking or life-cycle approach, is a philosophy and methodology that considers the entire lifespan of a product, service, or system. This encompasses all stages from the extraction of raw materials, through manufacturing, distribution, use, and finally, disposal or recycling. The core idea is to understand and minimize the environmental, social, and economic impacts associated with each of these phases.

This way of thinking encourages a holistic perspective, moving away from linear models where resources are consumed and then discarded. Instead, it promotes circularity and resource efficiency. By examining the whole life cycle, potential hotspots for negative impacts can be identified and addressed. For example, a product might seem environmentally friendly in its use phase, but its production might involve significant pollution or resource depletion. Livsløpstankegang aims to reveal such trade-offs.

Applications of livsløpstankegang are widespread. In environmental management, it forms the basis of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a systematic method for evaluating environmental impacts. In product design, it guides the creation of more sustainable goods that are durable, repairable, and easier to recycle. In policy-making, it can inform regulations and incentives aimed at promoting sustainable consumption and production patterns. Ultimately, livsløpstankegang promotes a more responsible and informed approach to decision-making, considering long-term consequences over immediate gains.