Questions to answer for a complete life cycle analysis[edit | edit source]
The following information is needed to perform the LCA of a product:
- Detailed manufacturing steps: This involves understanding the energy consumption, water usage, emissions (such as greenhouse gases and pollutants), waste generation, and any other environmental impacts associated with each stage of production. * Specify the energy, such as electricity and heat consumption, in each step * Specify the water consumption * What machinery has been used? * Specify the waste treatment process
- Life Cycle Inventory: Information about the raw materials used in the production process. This includes the types of materials, their sources, extraction methods, transportation distances, and energy inputs required. * Specify the raw material list for each stage * if any recycled material has been used and if we want to consider the energy consumption and emissions during the study, please specify the details of the recycling data * Specify from where raw materials have been collected * Specify the quantity (weight, volume, mass, dimension, etc.) of the raw materials * Specify the quantity of the waste material * Specify the final measurements of the final product
- Transportation: This includes distances traveled, modes of transport (e.g., trucks, ships, planes), fuel types, and emissions * the transportation of raw materials to the manufacturing facility * the transportation of the final product to distribution center * any other transportation activities associated with the product's life cycle
- Auxiliary Processes: Information about auxiliary processes, such as maintenance, repairs, and any additional services associated with the product, should also be considered.
- End-of-life management (only if we want to do the EOL study): This includes information on recycling rates, disposal methods (landfilling, incineration), and any associated environmental impacts * specify how the product is disposed of or recycled at the end of its life cycle
- Assumptions and Data Quality: Clear documentation of any assumptions made and the quality of the data used in the LCA study is crucial for transparency and accuracy.
- Packaging: Details about the packaging materials, their sources, production processes, and disposal methods are needed.
References[edit | edit source]
