Eco-efficiency: Combining life cycle assessment and life cycle costs via normalization

Various aspects related to combining Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Costs (LCC) via normalization were examined. LCC generated cost figures related to a product in the same system boundaries as an LCA, while focusing on its monetary impacts. The normalization of LCA impact categories involved determination of the relation between the impact of the process and the total environmental impact of a country or region. The eco-efficiency method did not provide an assessment of the absolute contribution to environmental and economic goals. The determination of the eco-efficiency of products provided the management with information necessary to achieve the largest environmental benefit per Euro spent. The calculation of a relevance factor between normalized environmental impacts and normalized costs was a key for the analysis and the essential basis for all further eco-efficiency assessments and considerations.