livsløpsinventar

Livsløpsinventar, also known as life cycle inventory or LCI, is a systematic approach used to quantify the inputs and outputs of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle. This includes raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and disposal or recycling. The primary goal of LCI is to provide a comprehensive and detailed inventory of the environmental impacts associated with a product or service, enabling more informed decision-making in sustainability and environmental management.

The process of conducting an LCI involves several key steps. First, the system boundaries are defined, specifying the scope of the study, including the functional unit, which represents the quantity of the product or service being analyzed. Next, data collection is carried out, which may involve gathering information from various sources such as industry reports, scientific literature, and databases. This data is then used to calculate the inputs and outputs of each stage of the life cycle, including energy consumption, emissions, and resource use.

One of the challenges in LCI is ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data used. This requires careful selection of data sources and methods, as well as consideration of uncertainties and variability in the data. Additionally, the environmental impacts of a product or process can be complex and multifaceted, making it important to consider a wide range of factors, including climate change, resource depletion, and human health impacts.

Despite these challenges, LCI is a valuable tool for understanding the environmental impacts of products and processes, and for identifying opportunities for improvement and innovation. By providing a detailed and comprehensive inventory of environmental impacts, LCI can help stakeholders make more informed decisions, reduce environmental footprints, and promote more sustainable practices.