From raw materials through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling, Environmental Life Cycle Assessment demonstrates how to conduct environmental assessments for products throughout their entire life cycles. The authors describe the databases and methods used around the world, such as inventory databases for Korea, and detail various impact assessment methodologies including TRACI for North America, LIME for Japan, and ReCiPe for Europe. The text also includes case studies illustrating how LCA and ISO standards are applied in practice. Topics covered include life cycle inventory, goal and system definition, and interpretation.
Introduction
Environmental Priorities
Critical Approach, Objectives, and Book Structure
Background and Institutional Framework
Application of LCA
General Principles of Life Cycle Assessment
Definition
Performing an LCA
Characteristics Specific to LCA and Comparison with Other Environmental Analysis Tools
Short Application: Comparing Different Types of Drinking Cups
Exercises
Goal And System Definition
Objective and Scope
Product or System Function
Functional Unit and Reference Flow
System Definition
System Boundaries
Exercises
Life Cycle Inventory
Principles of Inventory Analysis
Process-Based Calculation of the Extractions and Emissions Inventory
Inventory Process Databases
Input-Output Calculation of the Extractions and Emissions Inventory
Co-Products and Allocation
Exercises
Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)
Setting The Problem
Principles of LCIA
Overview of All Life Cycle Impact Assessment Methods
Application of The IMPACT 2002+ Method: Example of a Car Front-End Panel
Description of Existing LCIA Methods
Future Developments
Exercises
Interpretation
Interpret, Interpret, Interpret!
Prioritizing Actions
Interpretation: Desktop Vs. Laptop Computer
Quality Control
Sensitivity Analysis and Uncertainty Assessment
LCA Software
Environmental and Socioeconomic Assessments
Exercises
Conclusions And Key Points
Key Points of LCA
Limitations and Strengths of LCA
Exercises
LCA From A To Z Through Example: The Treatment of Urban Sewage
Introduction
Objectives and System Definition
Life Cycle Inventory
Life Cycle Impact Assessment
Interpretation
Conclusion Of The Study
Appendices
Websites
Main Types of LCA Software
Brief Application From A To Z: Example of Rainwater Recuperation
Life Cycle Inventory Data - Ecoinvent
Application Example of The Impact 2002+ Method: The Car Front-End Panel
Ecofactors 1997
Normalization Values ~ Climate Change
LCA Forms
Exercise Solutions
Olivier Jolliet and Shanna Shaked are with the University of Michigan.