Life Cycle Engineering – from methodology to enterprise culture

As part of a sustainable development, the environmental efficiency of industry must increase by a factor four to ten. This engenders attention to the environmental impact of products and technical systems over their entire life cycle. The last decade has seen the development of a number of methodologies and tools for life cycle assessment and development of more eco-efficient products, from complex to simplified, catering to the needs of especially small and medium-sized enterprizes.

The tools and data are in place, but dissemination lacks behind. Propagation of life cycle thinking and life cycle engineering to larger parts of industry is attempted by strengthening the market pull through integrated product policy measures, and at the same time pushing through information activities, training and dissemination of tools.

Experience hitherto shows that these forces are insufficient and that stronger legislation is warranted.