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

INPUT-OUTPUT LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS OF THE ECOMUG

By: Marley McVey

WHAT 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.

TYPES 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/

STEPS TO PERFORM A LCA

1.

Create a definition and scope

2.

Complete a life cycle inventory

3.

Complete the life cycle impact assessment

4.

Interpret the results and make recommendations

ECOMUG 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

CONCLUSION/RECOMMENDATIONS

¢ 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