Ympäristölausuntoa

Ympäristölausuntoa, often translated as environmental statement or declaration, refers to a document that describes the environmental aspects of a product, process, or service. It is based on a life cycle assessment (LCA) and provides objective, comparable, and verifiable data about the environmental impact across the entire lifecycle, from raw material extraction to end-of-life disposal. The primary goal of an ympäristölausuntoa is to communicate environmental information to customers and other stakeholders in a clear and standardized manner.

The development of an ympäristölausuntoa typically involves a rigorous scientific methodology. It quantises environmental impacts in various categories, such as climate change, ozone depletion, acidification, and eutrophication. This quantification allows for a comprehensive understanding of where the most significant environmental burdens lie within the product's lifecycle. The data presented in an ympäristölausuntoa is usually verified by an independent third party to ensure its accuracy and credibility.

Ympäristölausuntoa is often used in business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) contexts. For businesses, it can be a tool for product development, identifying areas for environmental improvement, and supporting marketing claims. For consumers, it provides a basis for making more environmentally informed purchasing decisions. The concept is closely related to environmental product declarations (EPDs), which are internationally recognized standards for environmental information. The aim is to promote transparency and drive market demand for more sustainable products and services.