The Life Cycle Engineering method takes into account the ecological, economic, social and technical aspects of products over their entire life cycle. This is based on a system model that maps the material and energy flows, resources, residual materials and emissions from the extraction of raw materials through production and use to the end of a product's life. The assessment of the product system with regard to the resulting environmental impacts as well as economic and social implications is the result of the Life Cycle Assessment and enables statements to be made on the sustainability of a wide range of product systems. The aim is to create an objective basis for decisions on complex issues in the field of sustainability by integrating ecological, economic, social and technical aspects.
The methodology of life cycle assessment (LCA) is used to analyse the ecological aspects. The economic aspects are addressed using the life cycle costing (LCC) methodology. Social aspects can be quantified using the Life Cycle Working Environment (LCWE) methodology for the manufacturing phase of a product.
A high degree of comparability is achieved by using the same system model for all aspects analysed. This integrated view from the different perspectives of the three pillars of sustainability is the basis for consistent, reliable and meaningful results of sustainability analyses. By applying holistic accounting, both risks and opportunities are identified over the life cycle of a product system.
In addition to the holistic analysis to improve a product system, analyses of individual aspects or parts can also provide valuable information for targeted innovations.
Schematic representation of the holistic accounting methodology
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