Life Cycle Simulation (LCS) approach to the manufacturing process design for sustainable manufacturing

Abstract

The business industry has already started to address manufacturing sustainable issues primarily on industrial and corporate environmental and economic performance through the development of various eco-efficiency metrics. While this development is important, it is not enough. The metrics required to characterize the dynamic processes and systems have normally been excluded in the performance measures. Ideally, the set should include economic, environmental, and social-equity metrics. Because of their system-oriented environmental performance representation, life-cycle assessment metrics are needed to be included in such a set. This study investigates the dynamic life cycle analysis with regard to energy consumption and resources utilization due to layout design changes. Using the proposed LCS (Life Cycle Simulation) methodology, simulation of current state-of-the-art manufacturing process is performed. Integrating LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) as the basis for assessment, key process parameters were quantified and analyzed. The LCS is a promising approach as a design tool to support the design and decision makings of manufacturing processes.