LCC analyses consider the total cost of a product during its entire life cycle. This includes taking operating and maintenance costs as well as the initial investment into account. Other costs which may be important in this context are environmental taxes and winding-up costs, but profit from subsidies and residual value, for example, may change the overall picture.

The initial investment forms only one part of the total costs involved in a product and by employing a longer perspective, investments that appear costly at the moment of purchase may pay off in the long term through low operating and maintenance costs. Also, higher energy prices may add to future costs.

SEMCo has produced a general LCC tool, along with an information sheet, that is suitable for the needs analysis. There's also four tools specific for the following product groups: professional kitchens, indoor/outdoor lighting and vending machines.  

• Read about the tools for household appliances
• Read about the tool for professional kitchens
• Read about the tool for indoor lighting
• Read about the tool for outdoor lighting
• Read about the tool for vending machines