Reliable and correct measurement and information on the environmental performance of products and organisations is an essential element in the environmental decision-making and communication. Life cycle thinking is recognised as the fundamental principal when assessing environmental impacts, and it is stressed that stakeholders have the right to know the environmental impacts comprehensively. Consequently the indicators currently recommended are based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methods and they should support the easy identification of a truly sustainable choice. Carbon footprint, water footprint and environmental footprint represent such indicators and are used also as the basis for resource efficiency evaluation. However, the indicator development involves challenges in its scientific approach as well as in terms of the data availability.
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