Livssyklusvurderinger

Livssyklusvurderinger, often abbreviated as LCA, is a methodology used to assess the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle. This encompasses all stages, from raw material extraction and manufacturing, through distribution and use, to end-of-life disposal or recycling. The goal of LCA is to provide a comprehensive understanding of the environmental burdens associated with a particular item, allowing for informed decision-making to reduce these impacts.

The process typically involves several key steps. First, a goal and scope definition is established, outlining what is being studied and the boundaries of the assessment. Second, an inventory analysis is conducted, collecting data on all inputs and outputs, such as energy consumption, water usage, emissions to air and water, and waste generation. Third, an impact assessment translates these inventory data into potential environmental impacts, such as climate change, acidification, and eutrophication. Finally, an interpretation phase analyzes the results to draw conclusions and identify areas for improvement.

LCA can be applied to a wide range of products and services, from consumer goods and food to construction materials and energy systems. It helps identify environmental hotspots in a product's life cycle, enabling businesses and policymakers to prioritize interventions for sustainability. By considering the entire life cycle, LCA avoids burden shifting, where reducing an impact in one stage might inadvertently increase it in another. This holistic approach makes LCA a valuable tool for promoting more sustainable consumption and production patterns.