Life Cycle Assessment Analysis Research Articles

Leveraging Life Cycle Assessment and System Dynamics Model Analysis for an Integrated Household E-Waste Management System in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Electronic waste (E-waste) is a global environmental issue and a contemporary challenge in developing countries, where implementing sustainable E-waste management policies is required to mitigate the adverse impacts of inappropriate treatment and disposal. This study assesses the environmental and human health impacts of the current E-waste management system in Yaoundé. The study then proposes an integrated E-waste management system (IEMS) with policy instruments for increased formal E-waste collection and reduced environmental impacts from informal E-waste treatment. Life cycle assessment (LCA) was utilized to identify high-impact contributing processes within the current E-waste management system (EMS) and to determine the optimum scenario for an integrated system. The system dynamics model (SDM) analysis ascertained the efficiency of the E-waste policy under the IEMS. Results show that the IEMS can reduce global warming potential, fine particulate matter formation, and human carcinogenic toxicity from one ton of E-waste treatment by 27%, 16.3%, and 34%, respectively. Regarding the policy efficiency simulation for the IEMS, the policy instrument (Policy 1), with levies on electronic appliance producers, proved environmentally efficient in reducing the quantity of informal recycling. It was also more economically viable for the recycling fund to increase formal E-waste collection and subsidize formal treatment within the context of the IEMS. The study outcome is informative for E-waste management policy planning in developing economies.

Evaluation of Life Cycle CO2 Emissions for the LDR-50 Nuclear District Heating Reactor

The LDR-50 low-temperature nuclear reactor is designed for the Finnish and European district heating markets, as an environmentally sustainable heating option for the 2030s. While the carbon footprint of conventional electricity-producing reactors is known to be small, there have been no comprehensive studies on the emission reduction potential when the technology is applied to the heating sector. This paper aims to fill this knowledge gap by means of life cycle assessment (LCA) analysis. The carbon footprint of the LDR-50 heating plant is evaluated, and compared to conventional heating fuels, direct electric heating, and heat pumps. The results of the analysis show that the life cycle CO2 emissions are low, although there are still significant uncertainties related to the construction phase, due to missing data. In addition to carbon footprint, the analysis is also extended to other adverse environmental impacts. It is concluded that significant reductions in CO2 emissions can be achieved by replacing fossil heating fuels with nuclear energy. The technology is considered a viable option alongside biofuels and heat pumps. The overall environmental impacts are low, and the production does not compete for low-carbon electricity or scarce natural resources.

Thermodynamic and life cycle assessment analysis of polymer-containing oily sludge supercritical water gasification system combined with Organic Rankine Cycle

With the development of polymer flooding technology, polymer-containing oily sludge (PCOS) has become a major pollutant on offshore oil platforms. Supercritical water gasification system is an efficient and pollution-free technology compared to conventional PCOS treatment. However, the system model for PCOS has not yet been established and the theoretical model for system optimization is insufficient. In this work, a novel auto-thermal system is established based on supercritical water gasification technology for the treatment of PCOS. Through the thermodynamic analysis, an optimization plan is concluded and used for the establishment of a modified system with Organic Rankine Cycle. Results show that the two-stage reactor reduces the gasification reaction temperature from 652 °C to 502 °C, and the Organic Rankine Cycle system using Isopropanol recover 9.1 % chemical exergy of feedstock with the optimal parameters (superheat, evaporation temperature and circulating pressure). The energy and exergy efficiency of the modified system has increased by 52.4 % and 42.4 % compared to the original system. Besides, a life cycle assessment is adopted for the environment analysis. The results show that the increasing gasification temperature and PCOS slurry concentration can reduce system unit exergy loss. Global Warming Potential reaching the minimum value of 26.1 at 65 wt%.

Life Cycle Assessment of an Office Building in Finland Using a Custom Assessment Tool

Life cycle analysis (LCA) is a crucial instrument in the construction industry, offering a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts at every stage of a building’s lifecycle. Recently introduced into Finnish construction legislation, this approach has not yet been thoroughly researched in relation to the Finnish Ministry of the Environment (FMoE) assessment method, nor have new calculation techniques been proposed to address its shortcomings. Furthermore, Finnish research on environmental impact assessment has predominantly focused on residential buildings, leaving a scarcity of studies on office buildings. This paper aims to fill these gaps in the literature, considering LCA, carbon footprint, and carbon handprint assessment tools of concrete-, timber-, and steel-framed cases. Our results are as follows: (1) the majority of the carbon footprint of a concrete-framed case originated from emissions associated with energy use and second largest share of total emissions occurred during the product phase of the building and within this phase, the building services contribute the most to product-related emissions; (2) a significant portion of these emissions came from facades and floor structures; (3) the carbon footprint of the timber-framed option was significantly lower than that of its concrete- and steel-framed counterparts; (4) steel-framed option’s carbon footprint was nearly equivalent to that of the concrete-framed option; (5) estimated carbon handprint of the timber-framed option was considerably higher than that of the concrete- and steel-framed options, primarily due to the carbon storage capacity of the timber components; (6) steel-framed option’s carbon handprint surpassed that of the concrete-framed option because of the high recycling and reuse potential of steel components; (7) the LCA method used by FMoE has some unclear areas. These ambiguities include how to assess the impacts of carbonation in cement-based products and the replacement of building components.

A comparative analysis of recent life cycle assessment guidelines and frameworks: Methodological evidence from the packaging industry

In recent years, a number of new guidelines and frameworks for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) have emerged, trying to support analysts in dealing with certain methodological issues and “gaps” of the ISO 14040-44, that are still the main LCA reference standards. This trend can be considered as positive, because the lack of shared, standardised and more detailed rules regarding LCA has affected for years the consistency of LCA analyses and their potential comparisons. However, the proliferation of guidelines and frameworks can also have negative consequences, first of all related to the potential resulting confusion and the lack of a clear reference for LCA analysts. These potential risks are particularly accentuated for multinational companies, which deal with many clients, in different markets, countries and sectors, and have to conform their analyses to different requirements each time.Focusing on the plastic packaging industry, this study compares six LCA guidelines and frameworks to highlight their similarities and differences. The documents selected to be analysed were: three documents applicable to products in general (ILCD, PAS 2050 and PEF), two packaging-specific guidelines (Pathfinder Framework and SPICE Methodological Guidelines) and a product specific standard for the packaging industry (PCR 2013:19). The methodological aspects analysed and compared, grouped according to the LCA stages, are: units of analysis; system boundaries; allocation methods; cut-off criteria; end-of-life; packaging; storage; biogenic CO2 emissions; carbon removals and carbon content; land use; offsets; impact categories and indicators; LCA methods and models; normalisation and weighting; data quality; sensitivity analysis. The aim is to understand to what extent potential differences may impact on companies and LCA analysts who conduct the assessments. Results highlight that the six guidelines and frameworks analysed are not always aligned and that, although some misalignments can be easily addressed, others could negatively affect the reliability of the analyses conducted.

Offshore wind-driven green hydrogen: Bridging environmental sustainability and economic viability

This study investigates the environmental and financial implications of an offshore wind-driven green hydrogen generation system using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) methodologies. Global Climate Models (GCM) are employed to predict wind speeds crucial for system efficacy, followed by sizing the electrolyser system based on projected offshore wind power output. As a result of this study, LCA utilizing the GREET 2023 reveals a Global Warming Potential (GWP) of 0.7 kgCO2-eq./kgH2 and 0.753 kgCO2-eq./kgH2 for GWP-20 and GWP-100, respectively. Fine Particulate Matter Formation (FPMF) is calculated as 0.24 gPM2.5/kgH2 for FPMF-20 and 0.53 gPM2.5/kgH2 for FPMF-100. In LCCA, under the base scenario, the Net Present Cost (NPC) and Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH) are estimated at $49.65 million and $4.36/kgH2, respectively. Despite various incentives and tax scenarios explored, it is revealed that Internal Rates of Return (IRRs) fall below the anticipated cost of equity, indicating non-profitability.

Assessing the Impact of Recycled Building Materials on Environmental Sustainability and Energy Efficiency: A Comprehensive Framework for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions

In this study, we critically examine the potential of recycled construction materials, focusing on how these materials can significantly reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and energy usage in the construction sector. By adopting an integrated approach that combines Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Material Flow Analysis (MFA) within the circular economy framework, we thoroughly examine the lifecycle environmental performance of these materials. Our findings reveal a promising future where incorporating recycled materials in construction can significantly lower GHG emissions and conserve energy. This underscores their crucial role in advancing sustainable construction practices. Moreover, our study emphasizes the need for robust regulatory frameworks and technological innovations to enhance the adoption of environmentally responsible practices. We encourage policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the academic community to collaborate and promote the adoption of a circular economy strategy in the building sector. Our research contributes to the ongoing discussion on sustainable construction, offering evidence-based insights that can inform future policies and initiatives to improve environmental stewardship in the construction industry. This study aligns with the European Union’s objectives of achieving climate-neutral cities by 2030 and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals outlined for completion by 2030. Overall, this paper contributes to the ongoing dialogue on sustainable construction, providing a fact-driven basis for future policy and initiatives to enhance environmental stewardship in the industry.

Development and assessment of an integrated wind energy system for green steelmaking based on electric arc furnace route

Optimizing energy structure is important for coping with the increasing environmental problems in iron and steel industry. Wind energy is one of typical zero-carbon, inexhaustible, and accessible energy source for alleviating energy dilemma. In this paper, the electric arc furnace steelmaking processes integrated with wind energy system (EAF-WES) is developed. The input-output data of 1214 and 1536 heats with 30 % and 50 % hot metal ratio are traced and collected. Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of EAF route integrated with traditional energy system (EAF-TES) and EAF-WES are further researched and compared from perspectives of life cycle carbon footprint (LCCF), production cost, wind energy price (WEP), carbon efficiency, carbon reduction benefit (CRB), and carbon tax. The results indicate that EAF-WES enjoys lower LCCF but higher production cost and carbon efficiency than EAF-TES. Considering the price fluctuations, the optimal EAF steelmaking pattern with lowest production cost under different extent of WEP and carbon tax is suggested. When the electricity price is 0.043 and 0.046 $/kWh, the CRB is balanced. It is concluded that EAF-WES is a low-carbon, high-productive, environmentally friendly, and economical route. This research is expected to supply a technical idea for energy conservation and emission reduction in future steel production.

Integrated Biorefinery for a Next-Generation Methanization Process Focusing on Volatile Fatty Acid Valorization: A Critical Review.

This review addresses the critical issue of a rapidly increasing worldwide waste stream and the need for sustainable management. The paper proposes an integrated transformation toward a next-generation methanization process, which leads not only to treating waste but also to converting it into higher value compounds and greener energy. Although the current and commonly used anaerobic digestion process is useful for biogas production, it presents limitations of resource exploitation and some negative environmental impacts. Focusing on the acidogenic stage in waste stream processing, the paper discusses the recent strategies to enhance the recovery of volatile fatty acids (VFAs). These acids serve as precursors for synthesizing a variety of biochemicals and biofuels, offering higher value products than solely energy recovery and soil fertilizers. Additionally, the importance of recycling the fermentation residues back into the biorefinery process is highlighted. This recycling not only generates additional VFAs but also contributes to generating clean energy, thereby enhancing the overall sustainability and efficiency of the waste management system. Moreover, the review discusses the necessity to integrate life cycle assessment (LCA) and techno-economic analysis (TEA) to evaluate the environmental impacts, sustainability, and processing costs of the proposed biorefinery.

Characteristic evaluation and environmental validation of self-compacting concrete containing sandstone slurry waste for sustainable usage.

This study aims to understand the impact of concrete ingredients on the environment. To analyze the effect of, three significant indexes have been taken into consideration, which are embodied carbon dioxide index (e-CO2), embodied energy consumption (e-energy), and embodied resource consumption (e-resource) index. The life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has considered veto comprehending the probable application of sandstone waste in the form of a slurry (Sslurry) and powder (Spowder) for the development of self-compacting concrete (SCC). This study can be proven beneficial to evaluate the potential adverse effects from environmental and energy perspectives. One reference mix and eighteen design mixes of SCC have been designed and developed to perform an experimental program. An environmental impact comparison of the "hybrid" SCC was performed using the OpenLCA life cycle analysis software with Ecoinvent LCIA methods. The outcomes of this experimental program reveal that the partial replacement of pozzolana Portland cement (PPC) with Sslurry can reduce e-CO2 emission along with the e-energy and e-resource parameters. When Spowder was used as the partial substitution of fine aggregate (FA), only the e-resource index decreased, and e-CO2 and e-energy increased. Minimalist impact on the environment has been noticed when SCC is prepared with Sslurry and Spowder. A detailed LCA analysis study justifies the utilization of Sslurry and Spowder in SCC, which exhibits encouraging results concerning strength and quality. Hence, it was observed that Sslurry and Spowder in developing green and sustainable SCC with moderate strength characteristics are beneficial from an environmental impact perspective.

Life Cycle Economic and Environmental Assessment of Producing Synthetic Jet Fuel Using CO2/Biomass Feedstocks.

The aviation industry is responsible for over 2% of global CO2 emissions. Synthetic jet fuels generated from biogenic feedstocks could help reduce life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared to petroleum-based fuels. This study assesses three processes for producing synthetic jet fuel via the synthesis of methanol using water and atmospheric CO2 or biomass. A life cycle assessment and cost analysis are conducted to determine GHG emissions, energy demand, land occupation, water depletion, and the cost of producing synthetic jet fuel in Switzerland. The results reveal that the pathway that directly hydrogenates CO2 to methanol exhibits the largest reductions in terms of GHG emission (almost 50%) compared to conventional jet fuel and the lowest production cost (7.86 EUR kgJF-1); however, its production cost is currently around 7 times higher than the petroleum-based counterpart. Electrical energy was found to be crucial in capturing CO2 and converting water into hydrogen, with the sourcing and processing of the feedstocks contributing to 79% of the electric energy demand. Furthermore, significant variations in synthetic jet fuel cost and GHG emissions were shown when the electricity source varies, such as utilizing grid electricity pertaining to different countries with distinct electricity mixes. Thus, upscaling synthetic jet fuels requires energy-efficient supply chains, sufficient feedstock, large amounts of additional (very) low-carbon energy capacity, suitable climate policy, and comprehensive environmental analyses.

Comparative life cycle assessment and multi-criteria decision analysis of coffee capsules made with conventional and innovative materials

The following study arises from the need to replace aluminum and polypropylene, from fossil and non-renewable sources, with innovative materials to produce coffee capsules. The analysis was carried out using Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Multi Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). In the comparison were considered different materials: aluminum capsules, polypropylene, biocompostable plastic in an industrial environment (industrial compost) and biocompostable plastic in a domestic environment (home compost). The results indicate that, for current disposal, biocompostable plastic capsules, particularly those suitable for domestic compost, have lower environmental impacts. These results are also confirmed for the 10-year disposal scenario. Polypropylene capsules demonstrate greater environmental sustainability when considering a recovery rate of 100 % of the raw material. The MCDA analysis confirms that, at the moment, bioplastics represent the solution with the least environmental impact. However, this advantage is reduced if the capsules are made of aluminum and polypropylene using exclusively fully recycled raw material. Furthermore, it appears that the recycling of fossil materials is a viable alternative to bioplastics. It should be noted, however, that polypropylene can be recycled up to three times, unlike aluminum which can be recycled an indefinite number of times.

Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis for airfield pavement: a review article

Life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis for airfield pavement: a review article

A comparative life cycle assessment (LCA), life cycle cost analysis (LCCA), mechanical and long-term leaching evaluation of road pavement structures containing multiple secondary materials

Oil-Based Drill Cuttings (OBDC) are one of the hazardous wastes of the oil and gas industry. In this study, Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), OBDC and Fly Ash (FA) geopolymer were used in Cold Central Plant Recycling (CCPR) mixtures. The dynamic modulus test was used to appraise the viscoelastic properties of CCPR mixtures. The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) test was also utilized to investigate the long-term contaminants leaching. In addition, a cradle-to-grave Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) were conducted to evaluate the potential environmental burdens and economic costs of pavement structures containing CCPR mixtures. Moreover, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) analysis using four different methods was performed to determine the optimal sample. The results revealed that the recycling of OBDC and RAP in stabilized CCPR mixtures with FA geopolymer can improve the viscoelastic properties and prevent the leaching of contaminants from these waste materials. Furthermore, recycling of the mentioned waste materials in CCPR mixtures has caused a significant reduction in global warming, acidification, eutrophication, smog, respiratory effects, Human toxicity, ecotoxicity, and cumulative energy demand up to 41%, 36.6%, 73%, 43%, 47%, 34%, 73%, and 13%, respectively. Additionally, using CCPR mixtures containing the OBCD, RAP, and FA geopolymer in the pavement structure has led to economic benefits of up to 31% compared to the conventional pavement system.

Exergetic life cycle assessment for green hydrogen production

Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method for assessing the environmental impacts of products and processes. The life cycle inventory provides a measure of the quantitative throughput of a process, but it cannot measure the intrinsic quality of that throughput. Exergy is a measure of the quantity and quality of energy. When combining LCA and exergy analysis in an exergy-based life cycle assessment (ExLCA) a powerful tool for the quantification of resource efficiency can be established. This study performs a detailed bottom-up cradle-to-grave ExLCA based on cumulative exergy consumption and exergy analysis of the use phase for a state-of-the-art (SoA) and a future plant 5 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer plant. Three scenarios are implemented, i.e. SoA plant operated in the German grid mix of 2018, SoA plant operated in a defossilized grid, and a future plant operated in a defossilized grid. In every scenario, more than 98 % of the resource demand originates from electricity generation alone and decreases significantly with renewable electricity operation. In plant construction, the anode catalyst material iridium causes approximately half of the resource demand and bears the largest lever for the resource reduction potential of the plant construction of 65 %.

Perovskite photovoltaics for aerospace applications − life cycle assessment and cost analysis

In the past few years, we have witnessed a rapid evolution of perovskite solar cells. In this study, we employ life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify the potential environmental impacts of perovskite solar cells (PSC) optimised for aerospace applications but could be used in conventional terrestrial applications too. One PSC module is manufactured by spin coating equipped with ITO glass and gold cathode. The other PSC module is manufactured by slot-die coating with a PET layer and carbon cathode and gold cathode respectively. Life cycle assessment is employed to compare potential environmental impact of two manufacture methods by impact method of Recipe(H), as well as the fabrication cost of PSC module. The primary data of material and energy used for fabricating PSCs are collected from spin coating with lab scale and slot-die coating with pilot scale. The life cycle impact assessment of the PSC module in the pilot scale shows much lower in all the assessed 18 impact categories than in the lab scale thanks to the material use efficiency and reducing energy consumption. Gold as a conduct electrode has the highest impacts in both spin coating and slot-die coating modules. Calculating with a two-year lifetime (typical of aerospace applications), the impact of global warming potential from the PSC module with carbon electrode with pilot scale used in a terrestrial application is calculated to be 12 g/kWh.

Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Repurposing Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades as High-Voltage Transmission Poles

Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Analysis of Repurposing Decommissioned Wind Turbine Blades as High-Voltage Transmission Poles

Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of nanotechnology-based wastewater treatment: Status, challenges and future prospectives

BackgroundWater pollution is a pressing concern stemming from both natural and anthropogenic activities. The challenges associated with water treatment technologies are adsorption (fouling and corrosion of the adsorbent), flocculation (increased sludge generation and high operation cost), ion exchange (high cost and improper ion removal), chemical precipitation (sludge generation), and membrane technologies (membrane fouling and storage). These technologies have been overstretched and struggle to meet increasingly stringent water quality standards. More recent progress has been made in using nanotechnology for wastewater treatment. Nano-technology offers several advantages over traditional technologies. Many nano-based technologies support reuse, require less space, produce fewer toxic intermediates, and are adaptable to support the emerging concept of decentralized water treatment. An essential aspect of this review is a detailed techno-economic analysis, assessing the long-term viability of nanotechnology-based wastewater treatment methods from an economic standpoint. MethodsThis review outlines the current state of nanotechnology in wastewater treatment, addressing environmental and economic aspects, challenges, and future potential. Significant findingsUnderstanding the sustainability and feasibility of these innovative technologies is crucial for their successful integration into wastewater treatment practices, ensuring a more effective and environmentally friendly approach to water remediation.

Comparison of Embodied Carbon Footprint of a Mass Timber Building Structure with a Steel Equivalent

The main purpose of this study is to quantify and compare the embodied carbon (EC) from the materials used or designed to build the Adohi Hall, a residence building located on the University of Arkansas campus in Fayetteville, AR. It has been constructed as a mass timber structure. It is compared to the same building design with a steel frame for this study. Based on the defined goal and scope of the project, all materials used in the building structure are compared for their global warming potential (GWP) impact by applying a life cycle assessment (LCA) using a cradle-to-construction site system boundary. This comparative building LCA comprises the product stage (including raw material extraction, processing, transporting, and manufacturing) plus transportation to the construction site (nodule A1–A4, according to standard EN 15804 definitions). In this study, GWP is primarily assessed with the exclusion of other environmental factors. Tally®, as one of the most popular LCA tools for buildings, is used in this comparative LCA analysis. In this study, the substitution of mass timber for a steel structure with a corrugated steel deck and concrete topping offers a promising opportunity to understand the GWP impact of each structure. Mass timber structures exhibit superior environmental attributes considering the carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2 eq). Emissions per square meter of gross floor area for mass timber stand at 198 kg, in stark contrast to the 243 kg CO2 eq recorded for steel structures. This means the mass timber building achieved a 19% reduction in carbon emissions compared to the functional equivalent steel structure within the building modules A1 to A4 studied. When considering carbon storage, about 2757 tonnes of CO2 eq are stored in the mass timber building, presenting further benefits of carbon emission delays for the life span of the structure. The substitution benefit from this construction case was studied through the displacement factor (DF) quantification following the standard process. A 0.28 DF was obtained when using mass timber over steel in the structure. This study provides insights into making more environmentally efficient decisions in buildings and helps in the move forward to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and address GWP mitigation.

Unveiling the potential of perovskite solar systems in building integrated installations: A consequential and prospective life cycle assessment and economic analysis

This paper addresses an integrated economic and environmental assessment where a consequential and prospective life cycle approach is applied to perovskite (PSK) building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) systems. Two configurations are considered: slanted roof (r-BIPV) installations, and the fenestration of façades (f-BIPV). Concerning r-BIPV, PSK systems are expected to compete with crystalline silicon (c-Si) modules; whereas a glass façade is chosen as an alternative reference for f-BIPV. Assuming economic rationality as the main criteria for the adoption of technologies, a deployment time for the PSK system is estimated and the economic and environmental advantages in the Italian context are evaluated. This assessment is based on three foreground scenarios addressing the gradual development of PSK systems. The results show that while c-Si modules are preferred in the market of r-BIPV systems, PSK modules will find space in f-BIPV applications. Depending on the selected scenario, the economic benefits accumulated by Italian energy users are assessed between −0.5 % and −10.3 %. On the other hand, PSK systems imply a variation of the national GHGs emissions that ranges between + 0.01 % and −7.5 %. Depending on the scenario, the PSK-based f-BIPV systems can provide either environmental benefits (i.e., cumulative energy demand) or burdens (i.e., ecotoxicity indicators).