Life cycle Assessment
Life cycle assessment: historical background, current status and key aspects
Introduction: What is a life cycle assessment?
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is an objective method for identifying and quantifying the environmental impacts of a product or service throughout its entire life cycle. This includes all phases from raw material extraction to manufacturing and use to disposal or recycling. The aim of life cycle assessment is to identify potential for environmental improvements in order to enable more sustainable resource management.
Development of life cycle assessment: A historical overview
Life cycle analysis was first developed in the 1960s to provide a methodology for the comprehensive assessment of product systems. Since then, it has steadily gained importance due to the increasing need to consider environmental aspects in decision-making processes.
Since the 1990s, the methodology and its scope of application have been defined by international standards, such as the ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 series of standards. Today, it is used in many areas, including product development, strategic planning, marketing and for regulatory purposes.
Life cycle analysis today
In the current context of sustainability considerations, life cycle analysis is seen as a crucial tool. It helps companies optimise their processes with regard to environmental sustainability, ensure data transparency and ultimately make data-driven decisions. In addition, life cycle analysis can be used to identify and promote sustainable practices.
The current application of life cycle analysis spans a wide range of industries, from the food industry to electronics and construction. In all these areas, LCA enables a comprehensive and objective assessment of environmental impacts.
Regulatory and economic aspects of life cycle analysis
Life cycle analysis is not only a tool for improving internal management and identifying environmental impacts, but also plays an important role at the regulatory level. It provides a sound basis for legislative initiatives in the fields of environmental and product policy, taking equal account of economic and ecological aspects.
From an economic perspective, life cycle assessment is an important tool for reducing costs, as it reveals potential savings throughout the entire life cycle of a product. It also promotes transparency and can thus strengthen the confidence of investors and customers.
Conclusion
Life cycle analysis is a key element in meeting the growing demands for sustainability and environmental awareness. It not only stands for transparency and data-based decision-making, but is also a powerful tool for driving positive environmental change. The train to sustainability has long since left the station, and life cycle analysis is a ticket to ride.
