I NPUT -O UTPUT L IFE C YCLE A NALYSIS OF THE E CO M UG By: Marley - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

I NPUT -O UTPUT L IFE C YCLE A NALYSIS OF THE E CO M UG By: Marley McVey

W HAT IS A LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS ? ¢ Life cycle analysis (LCA) is the systematic approach of looking at a product’s complete life cycle, from raw materials to final disposal of the product. It offers a “cradle to grave” look at a product or process, considering environmental aspects and potential impacts.

T YPES OF LCA’ S ¢ Process LCA- using the mass/volume of the raw materials to determine the impacts, for this type of LCA access to a database is required and often costs money ¢ Input-Output LCA- calculating the cost of each raw material and using the cost to determine the impacts, access to this information is available online http://www.sustainabilityconsortium.org/open-io/use- the-model/

S TEPS TO P ERFORM A LCA Create a definition and scope 1. Complete a life cycle inventory 2. Complete the life cycle impact assessment 3. Interpret the results and make 4. recommendations

E CO M UG LCA ¢ Only looking at the LCA of the pre manufactured materials (excluded transportation, use and disposal) ¢ Gathered bill of materials, cost of raw materials and calculated the individual cost ¢ Input the calculated costs into the system to see the impacts of each material based on 5 damage categories (climate change, ecosystem quality, human health, resources and water consumption) ¢ Still in the process of interpreting the results and making my final recommendations

C ONCLUSION /R ECOMMENDATIONS ¢ Life Cycle Analyses are very valuable when comparing the environmental impacts of various products and processes ¢ LCA’s allow companies to make the necessary corrections to decrease their economic costs and environmental impacts