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1.
Conceptión Jiménez-González Seungdo Kim Michael R. Overcash 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》2000,5(3):153-159
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology evaluates holistically the environmental consequences of a product system or activity,
by quantifying the energy and materials used, the wastes released to the environment, and assessing the environmental impacts
of those energy, materials and wastes. Despite the international focus on environmental impact and LCA, the quality of the
underlying life cycle inventory data is at least as, if not more, important than the more qualitative LCA process.
This work presents an option to generate gate-to-gate life cycle information of chemical substances, based on a transparent
methodology of chemical engineering process design (an ab initio approach). In the broader concept of a Life Cycle Inventory
(LCI), the information of each gate-to-gate module can be linked accordingly in a production chain, including the extraction
of raw materials, transportation, disposal, reuse, etc. to provide a full cradle to gate evaluation. The goal of this article
is to explain the methodology rather than to provide a tutorial on the techniques used. This methodology aims to help the
LCA practitioner to obtain a fair and transparent estimate of LCI data when the information is not readily available from
industry or literature. Results of gate-to-gate life cycle information generated using the cited methodology are presented
as a case study.
It has been our experience that both LCI and LCA information provide valuable means of understanding the net environmental
consequence of any technology. The LCI information from this methodology can be used more directly in exploring engineering
and chemistry changes to improve manufacturing processes. The LCA information can be used to set broader policy and to look
at more macro improvements for the environment. 相似文献
2.
An input‐output‐based life cycle inventory (IO‐based LCI) is grounded on economic environmental input‐output analysis (IO analysis). It is a fast and low‐budget method for generating LCI data sets, and is used to close data gaps in life cycle assessment (LCA). Due to the fact that its methodological basis differs from that of process‐based inventory, its application in LCA is a matter of controversy. We developed a German IO‐based approach to derive IO‐based LCI data sets that is based on the German IO accounts and on the German environmental accounts, which provide data for the sector‐specific direct emissions of seven airborne compounds. The method to calculate German IO‐based LCI data sets for building products is explained in detail. The appropriateness of employing IO‐based LCI for German buildings is analyzed by using process‐based LCI data from the Swiss Ecoinvent database to validate the calculated IO‐based LCI data. The extent of the deviations between process‐based LCI and IO‐based LCI varies considerably for the airborne emissions we investigated. We carried out a systematic evaluation of the possible reasons for this deviation. This analysis shows that the sector‐specific effects (aggregation of sectors) and the quality of primary data for emissions from national inventory reporting (NIR) are the main reasons for the deviations. As a rule, IO‐based LCI data sets seem to underestimate specific emissions while overestimating sector‐specific aspects. 相似文献
3.
Kelly G. Canter Dale J. Kennedy Douglas C. Montgomery J. Bert Keats W. Matthew Carlyle 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》2002,7(1):18-26
A screening methodology is presented that utilizes the linear structure within the deterministic life cycle inventory (LCI)
model. The methodology ranks each input data element based upon the amount it contributes toward the final output. The identified
data elements along with their position in the deterministic model are then sorted into descending order based upon their
individual contributions. This enables practitioners and model users to identify those input data elements that contribute
the most in the inventory stage. Percentages of the top ranked data elements are then selected, and their corresponding data
quality index (DQI) value is upgraded in the stochastic LCI model. Monte Carlo computer simulations are obtained and used
to compare the output variance of the original stochastic model with modified stochastic model. The methodology is applied
to four real-world beverage delivery system LCA inventory models for verification. This research assists LCA practitioners
by streamlining the conversion process when converting a deterministic LCI model to a stochastic model form. Model users and
decision-makers can benefit from the reduction in output variance and the increase in ability to discriminate between product
system alternatives. 相似文献
4.
Background, aim, and scope
Many studies evaluate the results of applying different life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) methods to the same life cycle inventory (LCI) data and demonstrate that the assessment results would be different with different LICA methods used. Although the importance of uncertainty is recognized, most studies focus on individual stages of LCA, such as LCI and normalization and weighting stages of LCIA. However, an important question has not been answered in previous studies: Which part of the LCA processes will lead to the primary uncertainty? The understanding of the uncertainty contributions of each of the LCA components will facilitate the improvement of the credibility of LCA.Methodology
A methodology is proposed to systematically analyze the uncertainties involved in the entire procedure of LCA. The Monte Carlo simulation is used to analyze the uncertainties associated with LCI, LCIA, and the normalization and weighting processes. Five LCIA methods are considered in this study, i.e., Eco-indicator 99, EDIP, EPS, IMPACT 2002+, and LIME. The uncertainty of the environmental performance for individual impact categories (e.g., global warming, ecotoxicity, acidification, eutrophication, photochemical smog, human health) is also calculated and compared. The LCA of municipal solid waste management strategies in Taiwan is used as a case study to illustrate the proposed methodology.Results
The primary uncertainty source in the case study is the LCI stage under a given LCIA method. In comparison with various LCIA methods, EDIP has the highest uncertainty and Eco-indicator 99 the lowest uncertainty. Setting aside the uncertainty caused by LCI, the weighting step has higher uncertainty than the normalization step when Eco-indicator 99 is used. Comparing the uncertainty of various impact categories, the lowest is global warming, followed by eutrophication. Ecotoxicity, human health, and photochemical smog have higher uncertainty.Discussion
In this case study of municipal waste management, it is confirmed that different LCIA methods would generate different assessment results. In other words, selection of LCIA methods is an important source of uncertainty. In this study, the impacts of human health, ecotoxicity, and photochemical smog can vary a lot when the uncertainties of LCI and LCIA procedures are considered. For the purpose of reducing the errors of impact estimation because of geographic differences, it is important to determine whether and which modifications of assessment of impact categories based on local conditions are necessary.Conclusions
This study develops a methodology of systematically evaluating the uncertainties involved in the entire LCA procedure to identify the contributions of different assessment stages to the overall uncertainty. Which modifications of the assessment of impact categories are needed can be determined based on the comparison of uncertainty of impact categories.Recommendations and perspectives
Such an assessment of the system uncertainty of LCA will facilitate the improvement of LCA. If the main source of uncertainty is the LCI stage, the researchers should focus on the data quality of the LCI data. If the primary source of uncertainty is the LCIA stage, direct application of LCIA to non-LCIA software developing nations should be avoided. 相似文献5.
Background and Objective
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a highly data intensive undertaking, where collecting the life cycle inventory (LCI) data is the most labour intensive part. The aim of this paper is to show a method for representing the LCI in a simplified manner which not only allows an estimative, quantitative LCA, but also the application of advanced analysis methods to LCA. 相似文献6.
7.
Stefano Cucurachi Coen C. van der Giesen Reinout Heijungs Geert R. de Snoo 《Journal of Industrial Ecology》2017,21(1):70-81
The portfolio of impacts that are quantified in life cycle assessment (LCA) has grown to include rather different stressors than those that were the focus of early LCAs. Some of the newest life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) models are still in an early phase of development and have not yet been included in any LCA study. This is the case for sound emissions and noise impacts, which have been only recently modeled. Sound emissions are matter‐less, time dependent, and bound to the physical properties of waves. The way sound emissions and the relative noise impacts are modeled in LCA can show how new or existing matter‐less impacts can be addressed. In this study, we analyze, through the example of sound emissions, the specific features of a matter‐less impact that does not stem from the use of a kilogram of matter, nor is related to the emission of a kilogram of matter. We take as a case study the production of energy by means of wind turbines, contradicting the commonly held assumption that windmills have no emissions during use. We show how to account for sound emissions in the life cycle inventory phase of the life cycle of a wind turbine and then calculate the relative impacts using a noise LCIA model. 相似文献
8.
Louise Dreyer Michael Hauschild Jens Schierbeck 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》2006,11(2):88-97
Goal, Scope and Background To enhance the use of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool in business decision-making, a methodology for Social life cycle
impact assessment (LCIA) is being developed. Social LCA aims at facilitating companies to conduct business in a socially responsible
manner by providing information about the potential social impacts on people caused by the activities in the life cycle of
their product. The development of the methodology has been guided by a business perspective accepting that companies, on the
one hand, have responsibility for the people affected by their business activities, but, on the other hand, must also be able
to compete and make profit in order to survive in the marketplace.
Methods A combined, bottom-up and top-down approach has been taken in the development of the Social LCIA. Universal consensus documents
regarding social issues as well as consideration for the specific business context of companies has guided the determination
of damage categories, impact categories and category indicators.
Results Discussion, and Conclusion. The main results are the following: (1) Impacts on people are naturally related to the conduct
of the companies engaged in the life cycle rather than to the individual industrial processes, as is the case in Environmental
LCA. Inventory analysis is therefore focused on the conduct of the companies engaged in the life cycle. A consequence of this
view is that a key must be determined for relating the social profiles of the companies along the life cycle to the product.
This need is not present in Environmental LCA, where we base the connection on the physical link which exists between process
and product. (2) Boundaries of the product system are determined with respect to the influence that the product manufacturer
exerts over the activities in the product chain. (3) A two-layer Social LCA method with an optional and an obligatory set
of impact categories is suggested to ensure both societal and company relevance of the method. The obligatory set of impact
categories encompasses the minimum expectations to a company conducting responsible business. (4) A new area of protection,
Human dignity and Well-being, is defined and used to guide the modelling of impact chains. (5) The Universal Declaration of
Human Rights serves as normative basis for Social LCA, together with local or country norms based on socio-economic development
goals of individual countries. The International Labour Organisation's Conventions and Recommendations, and the Tripartite
Declaration of Principles concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy, support development of the impact pathway
top-down, starting from the normative basis. (6) The obligatory part of Social LCA addresses the main stakeholder groups,
employees, local community and society.
Recommendations and Outlook Social LCA is still in its infancy and a number of further research tasks within this new area are identified. 相似文献
9.
This article presents an approach to estimate missing elements in hybrid life cycle inventories. Its development is motivated by a desire to rationalize inventory compilation while maintaining the quality of the data. The approach builds on a hybrid framework, that is, a combination of process‐ and input–output‐based life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The application of Leontief's price model is central in the proposed procedure. Through the application of this approach, an inventory with no cutoff with respect to costs can be obtained. The formal framework is presented and discussed. A numerical example is provided in Supplementary Appendix S1 on the Web. 相似文献
10.
An Approach to Integrating Occupational Safety and Health into Life Cycle Assessment: Development and Application of Work Environment Characterization Factors
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Kelly A. Scanlon Shannon M. Lloyd George M. Gray Royce A. Francis Peter LaPuma 《Journal of Industrial Ecology》2015,19(1):27-37
Integrating occupational safety and health (OSH) into life cycle assessment (LCA) may provide decision makers with insights and opportunities to prevent burden shifting of human health impacts between the nonwork environment and the work environment. We propose an integration approach that uses industry‐level work environment characterization factors (WE‐CFs) to convert industry activity into damage to human health attributable to the work environment, assessed as disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs). WE‐CFs are ratios of work‐related fatal and nonfatal injuries and illnesses occurring in the U.S. worker population to the amount of physical output from U.S. industries; they represent workplace hazards and exposures and are compatible with the life cycle inventory (LCI) structure common to process‐based LCA. A proof of concept demonstrates application of the WE‐CFs in an LCA of municipal solid waste landfill and incineration systems. Results from the proof of concept indicate that estimates of DALYs attributable to the work environment are comparable in magnitude to DALYs attributable to environmental emissions. Construction and infrastructure‐related work processes contributed the most to the work environment DALYs. A sensitivity analysis revealed that uncertainty in the physical output from industries had the most effect on the WE‐CFs. The results encourage implementation of WE‐CFs in future LCA studies, additional refinement of LCI processes to accurately capture industry outputs, and inclusion of infrastructure‐related processes in LCAs that evaluate OSH impacts. 相似文献
11.
Aim, Scope and Background The data-intensive nature of life cycle assessment (LCA), even for non-complex products, quickly leads to the utilization
of various methods of representing the data in forms other than written characters. Up until now, traditional representations
of life cycle inventory (LCI) data and environmental impact analysis (EIA) results have usually been based on 2D and 3D variants
of simple tables, bar charts, pie charts and x/y graphs. However, these representation methods do not sufficiently address
aspects such as representation of life cycle inventory information at a glance, filtering out data while summarizing the filtered
data (so as to reduce the information load), and representation of data errors and uncertainty.
Main Features This new information representation approach with its glyph-based visualization method addresses the specific problems outlined
above, encountered when analyzing LCA and EIA related information. In particular, support for multi-dimensional information
representation, reduction of information load, and explicit data feature propagation are provided on an interactive, computer-aided
basis.
Results Three-dimensional, interactive geometric objects, so called OM-glyphs, were used in the visualization method introduced, to
represent LCA-related information in a multi-dimensional information space. This representation is defined by control parameters,
which in turn represent spatial, geometric and retinal properties of glyphs and glyph formations. All relevant analysis scenarios
allowed and valid can be visualized. These consist of combinations of items for the material and energy inventories, environmental
items, life cycle phases and products, or their parts and components. Individual visualization scenarios, once computed and
rendered on a computer screen, can then interactively be modified in terms of visual viewpoint, size, spatial location and
detail of data represented, as needed. This helps to increase speed, efficiency and quality of the assessment performance,
while at the same time considerably reducing mental load due to the more structured manner in which information is represented
to the human expert.
Conclusions The previous paper in this series discussed the motivation for a new approach to efficient information visualization in LCA
and introduced the essential basic principles. This second paper offers more insight into and discussion on technical details
and the framework developed. To provide a means for better understanding the visualization method presented, examples have
been given. The main purpose of the examples, as already indicated, is to demonstrate and make transparent the mapping of
LCA related data and their contexts to glyph parameters. Those glyph parameters, in turn, are used to generate a novel form
of sophisticated information representation which is transparent, clear and compact, features which cannot be achieved with
any traditional representation scheme.
Outlook Final technical details of this approach and its framework will be presented and discussed in the next paper. Theoretical
and practical issues related to the application of this visualization method to the computed life cycle inventory data of
an actual industrial product will also be discussed in this next paper. 相似文献
12.
农业生命周期评价研究进展 总被引:1,自引:0,他引:1
作为评价产品系统全链条环境影响的有效工具,生命周期评价(LCA)方法已广泛用于工业领域。农业领域也面临着高强度的资源和环境压力,LCA在农业领域的应用应运而生。旨在综述已有农业LCA研究的基础上,鉴别农业LCA应用存在的问题,并为农业LCA未来的发展提出建议。目前农业LCA存在系统边界和功能单位界定不明晰、缺少区域清单数据库、生命周期环境影响评价模型(LCIA)不能准确反映农业系统环境影响、结果解释存在误区等方面的问题。为了科学准确地衡量农业系统的环境影响,促进农业系统的可持续发展,文章认为农业LCA应该从以下几个方面加强研究,即科学界定评价的参照系、系统边界的扩大及功能单位的合理选取、区域异质性数据库构建与LCIA模型开发、基于组织农业LCA的开发以及对于利益相关者行为的研究。 相似文献
13.
Enhancing the Adoption of Life Cycle Assessment by Small and Medium Enterprises Grouped in an Industrial Cluster: A Case Study of the Tanning Cluster in Tuscany (Italy)
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Tiberio Daddi Benedetta Nucci Fabio Iraldo Francesco Testa 《Journal of Industrial Ecology》2016,20(5):1199-1211
Greenhouse gas emissions from small and medium enterprises (SMEs) account for 70% of the industrial pollution in the European Union. Owing to limited economic and human resources, only a few SMEs start procedures to evaluate the environmental impact of processes and products through life cycle assessment (LCA). In this work, a cluster life cycle assessment (Cluster‐LCA) is proposed as an instrument for the diffusion and realization of LCA analysis in clustered SMEs. This methodology is illustrated with a case study in the tanning cluster in Tuscany. The different characteristics of the methodology are analyzed by identifying the intrinsic strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. The application of this methodology in a particular cluster is then discussed in order to gather some helpful insight for the application of this methodology in different clusters. 相似文献
14.
Hans-Jörg Althaus Peter de Haan Roland W. Scholz 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》2009,14(7):676-686
Background, aim, and scope
An inclusion of traffic noise effects could change considerably the overall results of many life cycle assessment (LCA) studies. However, at present, noise effects are usually not considered in LCA studies, mainly because the existing methods for their inclusion do not fulfill the requirement profile. Two methods proposed so far seem suitable for inclusion in generic life cycle inventory (LCI) databases, and a third allows for inter-modal comparison. The aim of this investigation is an in-depth analysis of the existing methods and the proposition of a framework for modeling road transport noise emissions in LCI in accordance to the requirement profile postulated in part 1. 相似文献15.
Background, aim, and scope Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been considered one of the tools for supporting decision-making related to the environmental
aspects of a product system. It has mainly been used to evaluate the potential impacts associated with relevant inputs and
outputs to/from a given product system throughout its life cycle. In most cases, LCA has not considered the impacts on the
internal environment, i.e. working environment, but only the external environment. Recently, it has been recognized that the
consideration of the impacts on the working environment as well as on the external environment, is needed in order to assess
all aspects of the effects on human well-being. To this end, this study has developed a total environmental assessment methodology
which enables one to integrate both the working environment and the external environment into the conventional LCA framework.
Materials and methods In general, the characteristics of the impacts on the external environment are different from those on the working environment.
In order to properly integrate the two types into total environmental impacts, it is necessary to define identical system
boundaries and select impact category indicators at the same level. In order to define the identical system boundary and reduce
the uncertainties of LCI results, the hybrid IOA (input–output analysis) method, which integrates the advantages between conventional
LCI method and IOA method, is introduced to collect input and output data throughout the entire life cycle of a given product.
For the impact category indicators at the endpoint level, LWD (Lost Work Days) is employed to evaluate the damage to human
health and safety in the working environment, while DALY (disability-adjusted life years) and PAF (Potentially Affected Fraction)
are selected to evaluate the damage to human health and eco-system quality in the external environment, respectively.
Results and discussion The environmental intervention factors (EIFs) are developed not only for the data categories of resource use, air emissions,
and water emissions, but also for occupational health and safety to complete a life cycle inventory table. For the development
of the EIFs on occupational health and safety, in particular, the number of workers affected by i hazardous items and the number of workers affected at the i magnitude of disability are collected. For the characterization of the impact categories in the working environment, such
as occupational health and safety, the exposure factors, effect factors, and damage factors are developed to calculate the
LWD of each category. For normalization, the normalization reference is defined as the total LWD divided by the total number
of workers. A case study is presented to illustrate the applicability of the proposed method for the integration of the working
environment into the conventional LCA framework.
Conclusions This study is intended to develop a methodology which enables one to integrate the working environmental module into the conventional
LCA framework. The hybrid IOA method is utilized to extend the system boundary of both the working environment module and
the external environment module to the entire life cycle of a product system. In this study, characterization models and category
indicators for occupational health and safety are proposed, respectively, while the methodology of Eco-indicator 99 is used
for the external environment. In addition to aid further understanding on the results of this method, this study introduced
and developed the category indicators such as DALY, and LWD, which can be expressed as a function of time, and introduced
PAF, which can be expressed as a probability.
Recommendations and perspectives The consideration of the impacts not only on the external environment, but also on the working environment, is very important,
because the best solution for the external environment may not necessarily be the best solution for the working environment.
It is expected that the integration of occupational health and safety matters into the conventional LCA framework can bring
many benefits to individuals, as well as industrial companies, by avoiding duplicated measures and false optimization. 相似文献
16.
Background, Goal and Scope A complete life cycle assessment (LCA) always requires several itemizations of goal/scope definitions, inventory analysis
and impact analysis. This requires the retrieval and collection of inventory information on all processes with which a product
or any part of it comes into either direct or indirect contact. As a result, the data required for LCA is vast, uncertain
and, therefore, complex. Up until now, unfortunately, and as far as the authors are aware, there has not been much computer-assisted
aid available from any of the systems currently used in either academia or industry to support any life cycle (LC) related
data representation, other than the traditional methods of tables, xy-graphs, bar charts, pie charts and various 3-D variants
of those which are difficult for humans to interpret.
Main Features Benefiting from the synergy of latest developments in both visualization techniques and computer technology, the authors are
able to introduce a new information representation approach based on glyphs. These exploit the human perceptual capability
for distinguishing spatial structures and shapes presented in different colors and textures. Within this approach, issues
of representing life cycle related information at a glance, filtering out data so as to reduce the information load, and representation
of data features, such as uncertainty and estimated errors, are targeted.
Results Advanced information visualization, the process which transforms and maps data to a visual representation, employs the glyphs
rendered here to create abstract representations of multi-dimensional data sets. Different parameters describing spatial,
geometrical and retinal properties of such glyphs, and defining their position, orientation, shape, color, etc., can be used
to encode more information in a comprehensible format, thus allowing multiple values to be encoded in those glyph parameters.
The natural function of glyphs, linking (mapped) data within a known context with the attributes that in turn control their
visualization, is believed capable of providing sufficient functionality to interactively support designers and LCA experts
performing life cycle inventory (LCI) information analysis so that they can operate faster and more efficiently than at present.
Conclusions Within this paper, the first of a small series on efficient information visualization in LCA, the motivation for and essential
basic principles of the approach are introduced and discussed. With this technique, the essential characteristics of data,
relationships, patterns, trends, etc. can be represented in a much better structured and compact manner, thus rendering them
clearer and more meaningful. It is hoped that a continuing interest in this work combined with an improved collaboration with
industrial partners will eventually provide the grounds for translating this novel approach into an efficient and reliable
tool enhancing applied LCA in practice on a broader base.
Outlook More technical details of the approach and its implementation will be introduced and discussed in the following papers, and
examples will be offered demonstrating its application and first experimental translation into practice. 相似文献
17.
Luis Bárzaga-Castellanos Ronald Neufert Gernot Kayser Bernd Markert 《The International Journal of Life Cycle Assessment》1999,4(6):329-339
The overall reduction of the environmental impact by the use of selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of nitrogen oxide emissions
in power plants was determined by strict application of ISO 14040 and ISO/DIS 14041. Special emphasis was placed on the implementation
of the total product life cycle (PLC) of ammonium molybdate as a key input material. The environmental impact was generated
by application of the life cycle assessment (LCA) concept of “ecoscarcity” and integrated in the life cycle inventory analysis
(LCI) of SCR systems. The LCI was used to generate the life cycle impact assessment (LC1A) by use of different quantitative
valuation methods. Under consideration of the overall LCIA results and the environmental protection costs of the SCR variants,
the Ecological Effectiveness of the SCR alternatives was determined. The results enable plausible conclusions with regard
to the ecological advantages of the use of deNOx catalysts in the SCR used in hard-coal fired power plants. 相似文献
18.
Sustainability-a term originating from silviculture, which was adopted by UNEP as the main political goal for the future development
of humankind-is also the ultimate aim of product development. It comprises three components: environment, economy and social
aspects which have to be properly assessed and balanced if a new product is to be designed or an existing one is to be improved.
The responsibility of the researchers involved in the assessment is to provide appropriate and reliable instruments. For the
environmental part there is already an internationally standardized tool: Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). Life Cycle Costing
(LCC) is the logical counterpart of LCA for the economic assessment. LCC surpasses the purely economic cost calculation by
taking into account hidden costs and potentially external costs over the life cycle of the product. It is a very important
point that different life-cycle based methods (including Social Life Cycle Assessment) for sustainablity assessment use the
same system boundaries. 相似文献
19.
Data acquisition to perform LCA is time and capital consuming. There is already international data about environmental aspects
in several processes. This study aims to verify the possibility of adapting international data to Brazilian conditions. Therefore,
a Life Cycle Inventory was conducted to compare the use of national and international data for steel used in automobiles.
This was done in three steps: objective and scope definition, inventory analysis and interpretation. LCI is a simplification
of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) as impact assessment is not taken into account. Even so, LCI takes into account all life cycle
stages of a product, that is, from its extraction through its deposition. In this study, three phases of the life cycle were
considered: steel manufacturing, automobile use and disposal. In the case studied, the amount of steel evaluated was 263 kg,
which would be possible to be replaced by other materials in a 1,300 kg automobile. Resources and energy consumption, atmospheric
emissions and solid residues production were taken into account within the analysis done. Results show that automobile use
and materials manufacturing are responsible for the bulk of energy and resources consumption. Solid residues occur mainly
in the discard phase, due to the low level of recycling. Several differences were also achieved between national and international
data, which implies the need of environmental databases development. 相似文献
20.
If the complexity of real, socio-economic systems is acknowledged, life cycle inventory analysis (LCI) in life cycle assessment
(LCA) cannot be considered as unambiguous, objective, and as an exclusively data and science based attribution of material
and energy flows to a product. The paper thus suggests a set of criteria for LCI derived from different scientific disciplines,
practice of product design and modelling characteristics of LCI and LCA. A product system with its respective LCI supporting
the process of effective and efficient decision-making should ideally be: a) complete, operational, decomposable, non-redundant,
minimal, and comparable; b) efficient, i.e., as simple, manageable, transparent, cheap, quick, but still as ‘adequate’ as
possible under a functionalistic perspective which takes given economic constraints, material and market characteristics,
and the goal and scope of the study into account; c) actor-based when reflecting the decision-makers’ action space, risk-level,
values, and knowledge (i.e. mental model) in view of the management rules of sustainable development; d) as site- and case-specific
as possible, i.e. uses as much site-specific information as possible. This rationale stresses the significance of considering
both (i) material and energy flows within the technosphere with regard to the sustainable management rules; (ii) environmental
consequences of the environmental interventions on ecosphere. Further, the marginal cost of collecting and computing more
and better information about environmental impacts must not exceed the marginal benefits of information for the natural environment.
The ratio of environmental benefits to the economic cost of the tool must be efficient compared to other investment options.
As a conclusion, in comparative LCAs, the application of equal allocation procedures does not lead to LCA-results on which
products made from different materials can be compared in an adequate way. Each product and material must be modelled according
to its specific material and market characteristics as well as to its particular management rules for their sustainable use.
A generic LCA-methodology including preferences on methodological options is not definable. 相似文献