Enhancing life cycle assessment framework to support product ecodesign through index decomposition analysis

Abstract

In ecodesign, life cycle assessment (LCA) has not only been used to evaluate a product's environmental sustainability but also serves as a tool for designers to identify areas for sustainability improvement. Conventionally, this is achieved by ranking all contributing LCA variables to identify high-impact areas. However, interpreting and translating this information into actionable design variables can be challenging. An LCA variable can be influenced by multiple design variables, each of which might affect the design's environmental sustainability to varying degrees. Presently, there is a lack of tools capable of analysing the influence of each design variable. To bridge this gap, this study proposes an LCA disaggregation methodology that uses Index Decomposition Analysis (IDA) to assess the environmental sustainability significance of the considered design variables. Using the methodology, designers can make informed decisions that prioritise design effort on design variable with the greatest potential for enhancing the product's environmental sustainability. The proposed methodology is demonstrated through a case study involving the design of a desk fan cover, considering material choice, geometry, and manufacturing process as key design variables.