CIEG210 - Quiz 2

What does LCA stand for?

Life Cycle Assessment

LCA definition

A standardized method of tracking and reporting the environmental impacts of a product or process throughout its life.

3 Most Common System Boundaries

1. Gate-to-gat

2. Cradle-to-gate

3. Cradle-to-grave

Gate-to-Gate (of manufacturing facility) Definition

Considers manufacturing only

Cradle-to-Gate Definition

Only considers material extraction and manufacturing.

Cradle-to-Grave Definition

Considers full life cycles. Procurement to end of life (trash).

Metric Inputs (resource only)

• Energy

  • Renewable

  • Non-renewable

• Water

• Abiotic Depletion

  • Elements

  • Fossil Fuels

Metric Outputs (emissions and watse)

• Global Warming Potential

• Ozone Depletion Potential

• Acidification Potential

• Eutrophication Potential

• Smog Creation Potential

• Particulate Matter Emissions

• Landfill Material

LCA Strengths

• All encompassing of environmental outcomes

LCA Weaknesses

• Doesn’t account for all aspects

  • Most namely social and societal impacts

What does ADF stand for?

Abiotic Depletion Factor

What is ADF measured in?

kg - Sb

Kilograms of Antimony

Formula for Abiotic Depletion Factor

[kilograms of element] x [ADF of element available] = Kg of SB

Conceptually what does the ADF do?

The amount of the elemnt being used compared to the amount available

Waste Mangement Hierarchy - (most preferred down to least preferred)

Prevention

Minimisation

Reuse

Recycle

Energy Recovery

Disposal

What does EPD stand for?

Environmental Product Declarations

PCR Type 1

“Green Certified”

• Externally verified

• Have an “Ecologo” or similar

• Targeted at Consumers

What is an “Ecologo”?

A product verified for reduced environmental impact.

PCR Type 2

Self-declared

• Targeted at consumers

• Focused on a single metric

• Internally verified

What is embodied energy?

Any and all energy used to not only maintain the space but also the energy it took to make the space and the energy used in the manufacturing of the materials for the creation of the space.

PCR Type 3

EPD

• Targeted to professionals

• Developed using regimented and verified process

• Detailed reporting of environmental impacts for use in LCA

What does PCR stand for?

Product Category Rule

What is the definition of EPD?

A report quantifying a product’s environmental impact using a formal process established by the International Standards Organization.