ABSTRACT
The integration of life cycle costing into existing management practices is discussed in light of the now recognized motivation for firms to track and disseminate environmental costs outside of the commercial transaction. Indicators need to be appropriately selected, complemented by the recommendation that any metrics must be based on substantiated, holistic approaches. Caution is, therefore, prescribed in regard to normalization, which can be arbitrary. The integration of environmental LCC, with or in conjunction with LCA, as a component of EcoDesign is described, along with examples as to how multinationals are bridging this issue. Communication tools, involving the presentation of LCC results, are summarized. The unique environmental management issues faced by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), as well as the barriers to compliance and risks associated, are also highlighted.
