Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a means of quantifying how much Energy and raw Material are used and how much (solid, liquid, and gaseous) Waste is generated at each stage of a product’s life. Ideally an LCA would include quantification of material and energy needed for[1]:
- raw material extraction,
- manufacturing of all components,
- use requirements,
- generation (if any -- e.g. Photovoltaics),
- end of use (disposal or recycling),
- and the distribution/transportation in between each stage.
Resources
- An excellent free site for doing Life Cycle Analyses
- Life Cycle Assessment Training Kit
- Many carbon footprint resources at http://ecofx.org/
References
- ↑ J. Pearce and A. Lau, "Net Energy Analysis For Sustainable Energy Production From Silicon Based Solar Cells", Proceedings of American Society of Mechanical Engineers Solar 2002: Sunrise on the Reliable Energy Economy, editor R. Cambell-Howe, 2002.