More about Eco-efficiency
An Eco-efficiency analysis calculates the ratio between the creation of economic value and the environmental impact of a product
or a process from a life cycle perspective.
The calculation of environmental impact is often based on a Life Cycle Inventory, LCI. An LCI is a compilation and summation of
environmental data from all stages in the life cycle of a product or service – from extraction of resources, through production and
use to reuse, recycling or final disposal. An LCI is the first step in a Life Cycle Assessment, LCA, a tool to assess the potential
environmental impacts of product systems or services.
The calculation of creation of economic value can be based on a Life Cycle Cost analysis, LCC, in which the costs a product or
process gives rise to during its entire life cycle (raw materials, production, use and disposal) are estimated. The purchase price
can often be assumed to cover costs for raw materials and production and to some degree even the use and disposal costs, since these
costs must be taken into account by the purchaser.
The potential impact on human health or the environment caused by the inherent properties of the chemicals is one of the most
important aspects when comparing chemicals. In order to include these aspects in an Eco-efficiency analysis, it can be valuable to
conduct an additional screening Risk Assessment.
The Eco-efficiency analysis compares competing products in order to find the best alternative. The result does not show whether
the products compared are sustainable or even environmentally friendly. It shows only the economical and environmental interrelation
between the compared products, with no intention of assessing how sustainable the products are in a long term perspective.
In the strategy
Eco-efficiency analysis of products or processes the working procedure and experiences of conducting
Eco-efficiency analyses are described further.
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