[HUME 112] Life Cycle Assessment

Heap

• A collection of parts

• Essential properties are unchanged whether you add or take away pieces.

System

• The arrangement of the pieces is crucial

• The parts are connected and work together

• Its behavior depends on the total structure

1. no definitive formula

2. no stopping rule

3. can only be good or bad

4. can not immediately test for a solution

5. no immediate or ultimate test for a solution

6. one-shot operation

7. unique

8. a symptom of another problem

9. always more than one explanation

10. no right to be wrong

What are the 10 characteristics of a wicked problem?

wicked problem

What pertains to a problem that cannot be solved but can be tamed

traditional

What kind of problem-solving approach breaks down an object or problem into smaller components and analyzes each of the parts individually.

System

A set of related components that work together in a particular environment to perform whatever functions are needed to achieve the system’s objective.

Systems thinking

The understanding of a phenomenon with the context of a larger whole'; to understand things systematically literally means to put them into a context, to establish the nature of their relationship

Life Cycle Assessment

A systematic approach to evaluating the environmental impacts of a product, process, or service throughout its entire lifespan.

Life Cycle Assessment

Tool used in business, policymaking, and research to make informed decisions aimed at:

1. reducing environmental footprints

2. promoting sustainable practices

Life Cycle Assessment

Valuable tool for evaluating the environmental sustainability of products, processes, and services.

1. Holistic Perspective

2. Informed Decision-Making

3. Product Innovation

4. Policy Support

What are the reasons in conducting LCA?

1. Goal and Scope Definition

2. Inventory Analysis

3. Impact Assessment

4. Interpretation

What does LCA entail?

Cradle-to-gate

From raw material extraction to factory gate

Cradle-to-grave

From raw material extraction through product use and disposal.

Gate-to-gate

From one defined point along the life cycle (e.g., where incoming raw materials cross the fence-line of a manufacturing site) to a second defined point further along the life cycle (e.g., where a finished product is delivered to an end user.

Goal and Scope Definition

• The first step in conducting an LCA is defining the objectives and boundaries of the study.

• What are you analyzing?

• What specific aspects of its life cycle will you consider?

• Clearly defining these parameters is crucial for the accuracy and relevance of the analysis.

cradle-to-gate, cradle-to-grave, and gate-to-gate

What are the the 3 types of parameters of life cycle mentioned?

Inventory Analysis

• Involves gathering data on all inputs (such as raw materials, energy, and water) and outputs (such as emissions, waste, and products) associated with the product, process, or service being analyzed.

• Provides a comprehensive inventory of all the resources used and environmental impacts generated throughout the life cycle.

Impact Assessment

Identification of environmental impacts associated with the

inputs and outputs

▪ This includes evaluating factors such as

✔ energy consumption

✔ greenhouse gas emissions

✔ air and water pollution

✔ resource depletion

✔ ecosystem damage

Interpretation

• In this final stage, the results of the inventory analysis and impact assessment are interpreted to draw conclusions and make recommendations.

• Stakeholders use this information to identify opportunities for:

✔ Improvement of systems and processes

✔ prioritizing areas for intervention

✔ to develop strategies to minimize environmental impacts

1. Data Availability and Quality

2. System Boundaries

3. Impact Assessment Uncertainty

4. Interpretation and Communication

What are the challenges and limitations in conducting LCA?

Data Availability and Quality

Challenge: LCA relies heavily on accurate and reliable data, which may not always be readily available or standardized across different industries and regions.

System Boundaries

Challenge: Defining the boundaries of an LCA study can be complex and subjective, potentially leading to variations in results and interpretations.

Impact Assessment Uncertainty

Challenge: Assessing the environmental impacts of complex systems involves uncertainty and assumptions, which can affect the reliability of LCA results.

Interpretation and Communication

Challenge: Communicating LCA results effectively to stakeholders and integrating them into decision-making processes can be challenging, requiring clear communication and stakeholder engagement.

Organizational LCA

A method that evaluates the environmental impacts of an entire organization or corporation across its whole life cycle. LC at the organizational level.