Életcikluselemzés

Életcikluselemzés is the Hungarian term for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). It is a systematic methodology used to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes all stages from raw material extraction, manufacturing, distribution, use, and finally, disposal or recycling. The goal of LCA is to identify the environmental burdens associated with each stage and to quantify them in terms of various impact categories, such as global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, and resource depletion.

The LCA process typically involves four main phases: goal and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. In the goal and scope definition, the purpose of the study and the system boundaries are clearly established. The inventory analysis involves collecting data on all inputs and outputs of the system, such as energy, water, raw materials, and emissions. The impact assessment translates these inventory data into potential environmental impacts. Finally, the interpretation phase analyzes the results and draws conclusions, identifying hotspots and potential areas for improvement.

LCA can be used for various purposes, including product development, environmental marketing, policy making, and informing consumer choices. By understanding the environmental footprint of a product, businesses can make more sustainable design choices, reduce waste, and improve resource efficiency. It provides a comprehensive view of environmental performance, moving beyond single-issue analyses to consider the interconnectedness of environmental impacts.