LCA.pptVIP

Life-Cycle Analysis/Assessment(LCA) Life Cycle Analysis Life-cycle analysis (LCA) is a method in which the energy and raw material consumption, different types of emissions and other important factors related to a specific product are being measured, analyzed and summoned over the products entire life cycle from an environmental point of view. Life-Cycle Analysis attempts to measure the “cradle to grave” impact on the ecosystem. LCAs started in the early 1970s, initially to investigate the energy requirements for different processes. Emissions and raw materials were added later. LCAs are considered to be the most comprehensive approach to assessing environmental impact. LCA Method(s) Initially, numerous variants of LCA “methods” were developed/investigated, but today there is consensus that there is only one basic method with a large number of variants The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC), an international platform for toxicologists, published a Code of Practice, a widely accepted series of guidelines and definitions. Nowadays, IS0 14040-14043 is considered to be the LCA standard. LCA Steps Generally, a LCA consists of four main activities: 1. Goal definition (ISO 14040): The basis and scope of the evaluation are defined. 2. Inventory Analysis (ISO 14041): Create a process tree in which all processes from raw material extraction through waste water treatment are mapped out and connected and mass and energy balances are closed (all emissions and consumptions are accounted for). 3. Impact Assessment (ISO 14042): Emissions and consumptions are translated into environmental effects. The are environmental effects are grouped and weighted. 4. Improvement Assessment/Interpretation (ISO 14043): Areas for improvement are identified. LCA Step 1 - Goal Definition and Scope It is important to establish beforehand what purpose the model is to serve, what one wishes to study, what depth and degree of accuracy are required, and what