Application Of Life Cycle Analysis Research Articles

Synergizing Environmental Sustainability: Unveiling the Nexus between Life Cycle Analysis and Circular Economy in the Water Sector

Over-extraction and pollution surge have created a serious management challenge for the world's water resources. Rising demand, inadequate water resource management infrastructure and unequal distribution intensify the scarcity crisis. Sustainable solutions are necessary to ensure availability, environmental conservation and resilience in the face of escalating water challenges worldwide. In today's world, the primary goal is to mitigate impact on resources. Thus, life cycle analysis (LCA), a widely embraced methodology for impact assessment can be applied for sustainable management of resources. Circular economy (CE) is the new sustainable approach by which we can reduce the waste generation by reusing and recycling the products to form a loop. Utilising LCA, environmental consequences of human activities and developing solutions for reducing waste, can put CE into practice effectively. Transforming waste into a valuable resource, whether through natural or scientific means, plays a pivotal role in advancing the principles of circular economy. The detailed application of LCA and the efficient incorporation of CE principles contribute significantly to environmental sustainability. This study articulates the interplay between CE and LCA, outlining key steps in water management. It provides a comprehensive overview of literature on life cycle analysis and circular economy, specifically focusing on their major applications in the water and wastewater treatment domain. To successfully apply circular economy, future research should concentrate on improving the processes for incorporating circular economy ideas into life cycle assessments (LCAs) and encouraging cooperation between academicians, decision-makers and stake holders.

Comparative Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) between a Geopolymeric Mortar Derived from Mining Waste and Conventional Mortar

The life cycle analysis (LCA) is a methodology that allows us to contemplate the environmental impact of a material during the different stages of the life cycle. The impact categories were used to measure the repercussions caused to the planet due to the high demand generated by construction materials. This study addressed the stages of a life cycle analysis, according to the ISO 14044 [1] standard, with the aim of evaluating, quantifying and comparing the environmental impacts associated with the manufacture of mortar with similar mechanical behavior: A conventional mortar and a geopolymeric mortar, the latter developed from a geopolymerization process of waste from the Peruvian mining industry [2,3]. The scope of the work sought to evaluate the main environmental impacts of both mortars, focusing on a "cradle to door" life cycle analysis. The application of LCA allowed optimizing the manufacturing process, reducing adverse environmental impacts. The results showed that the environmental impacts of the geopolymeric mortar presented better performance in the medium impact categories: Environmental impact and water consumption. On the other hand, the conventional mortar presented better performance in the stratospheric ozone depletion impact category.

Integrated LCA and DEA approach for circular economy-driven performance evaluation of wind turbine end-of-life treatment options

The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated joint application of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) in order to evaluate the efficiency of different end-of-life treatment options for wind turbine decommissioning, considering, technological, economic, and environmental aspects in a circular economy context. Eleven scenarios have been configurated concerning the material waste management of a representative type of wind turbine operating in Greece. Mechanical recycling, landfill disposal and advanced thermal recycling technologies, such as conventional or microwave pyrolysis are addressed. The proposed approach does not only evaluate the efficiency of each one of the different end-of-life treatment processes relative to one another, but it also suggests circular economy-driven policy-making scenarios towards more sustainable waste management in the country. Real-world data calculations indicate that improving the performance of the energy-intensive thermal recycling process could maximize the environmental benefits. Α circular zero-waste approach based on remanufacturing, repurposing or waste prevention through design-for-recycling of wind turbine blades, could also favor long-term sustainability.

Analysis of Environmental Management Strategy Based On Life Cycle Analysis In Coal Companies That Won Proper Emas In 2019-2021

This study aims to determine the limitations and application of life cycle analysis in the mining industry as well as recommendations for innovation programs and strategies in supporting environmental performance improvements that have an impact on the acquisition of “Proper emas”, the role of internal and external stakeholders as well as the relationship to the implementation of ISO 26000, especially the environment, governance and good operating practices and achievement of environmental SDGs indicators number 6,7 12 and 13.The data used in this study consists of primary data from coal mining companies receiving Proper Emas for 2019-2021, secondary data from sustainability reports, and annual reports of the companies studied. The research object was 4 (four) coal companies getting Proper Emas and sample was selected using a purposive sampling method in order to obtain 12 respondents were interviwed. This study uses descriptive qualitative analysis. The results of the study show that the scope limitations on coal mining use cradle to gate and are still limited to midpoint criteria covering only direct impacts such as carbon emissions produced, hot spots in the coal mining industry are material removal, especially the use of heavy equipment and the fuel used. The innovation program focuses on hot spots and has succeeded in significantly reducing carbon emissions. The role of internal stakeholders is the key to success in implementing environmental improvement strategies and successfully having an impact on the implementation of the core subject of ISO 26000 environment, good governance and operating practices, and the achievement of SDGs 6,7, 12, and 13

Analysis of Environmental Management Strategy Based On Life Cycle Analysis In Coal Companies That Won Proper Emas In 2019-2021

This study aims to determine the limitations and application of life cycle analysis in the mining industry as well as recommendations for innovation programs and strategies in supporting environmental performance improvements that have an impact on the acquisition of “Proper emas”, the role of internal and external stakeholders as well as the relationship to the implementation of ISO 26000, especially the environment, governance and good operating practices and achievement of environmental SDGs indicators number 6,7 12 and 13.The data used in this study consists of primary data from coal mining companies receiving Proper Emas for 2019-2021, secondary data from sustainability reports, and annual reports of the companies studied. The research object was 4 (four) coal companies getting Proper Emas and sample was selected using a purposive sampling method in order to obtain 12 respondents were interviwed. This study uses descriptive qualitative analysis. The results of the study show that the scope limitations on coal mining use cradle to gate and are still limited to midpoint criteria covering only direct impacts such as carbon emissions produced, hot spots in the coal mining industry are material removal, especially the use of heavy equipment and the fuel used. The innovation program focuses on hot spots and has succeeded in significantly reducing carbon emissions. The role of internal stakeholders is the key to success in implementing environmental improvement strategies and successfully having an impact on the implementation of the core subject of ISO 26000 environment, good governance and operating practices, and the achievement of SDGs 6,7, 12, and 13

Application of life cycle analysis to assess environmental sustainability of wheat cultivation in the west of Iran

Today, intensive use of energy sources leads to environmental damages such as global warming and resources depletion. Hence, this study provided energy, environmental and economic overview of wheat cultivation in Hamedan province, Iran. The initial data were collected from 75 wheat farms applying face-to-face interview technique. The prepared data related to the 2017–2018 production cycle. The energy analysis results demonstrated that the total energy consumption and output energy in wheat cultivation were 43054.63 MJ ha−1 and 117407.13 MJ ha−1, respectively. Energy productivity, energy use efficiency and net energy gain were computed as 0.12 kg MJ−1, 2.73 and 74352.50 MJ ha−1, respectively. Economic analysis showed that total value and cost of wheat production were 854.86 $ ha−1 and 366.57 $ ha−1, respectively. Net return was 488.29 $ ha−1 and benefit to cost ratio computed as 2.33 in the investigated region. Wheat environmental impacts were evaluated by applying life cycle assessment methodology. Results of environmental impacts showed the largest emissions were related to marine aquatic ecotoxicity (319757.6377 kg 1,4-DB eq.), abiotic depletion (fossil fuels) (6673.1319 MJ) and global warming potential (624.2944 kg CO2eq.). Electricity was a hotspot in abiotic depletion (fossil fuels), global warming potential, freshwater aquatic ecotoxicity, ozone layer depletion and photochemical oxidation impact categories. Cumulative exergy demand results indicated that the rates of non-renewable fossil (7088.05 MJ ha−1) for wheat farms mainly resulted from electricity and nitrogen fertilizer.

WHEN LCA APPLIES TO HEALTH SERVICE INDUSTRY

The health service industry involves activities that provide medical services (hospital), manufacture of medical equipment or drugs, and medical insurance services. Options of research methods to measure the impact of services on environmental aspects are available. One among which is life cycle analysis (LCA), the recently popular practice in Indonesia. This paper attempts to explore whether LCA could be fitted to the health service industry. A literature review would help in procuring related references from various publications accompanied by several research results and related studies. For describing the application of LCA in hospitals, several articles were collected, which were later arranged according to certain systematics from several sources. The LCA methodology used here consists of the following four stages: goal and scope definition, life cycle inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation. The stages follow the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 and UNEP SETAC, 2011. Several studies using the LCA method in hospitals have reported specific profiles such as the management of biohazardous medical waste (BMW) and waste water. Several studies have also used LCA methods to assess specifically the environmental and health impacts of a specific component of the hospital or hospital activities. For example, studies have assessed the impact of equipment used in the form of containers, catheter, laryngeal mask, gowns and also infrastructures’ facilities. The results of this study confirmed that the LCA method is suitable in health service industry, particularly in hospitals. Considering the merits and drawbacks involved in applying this method, one could further apply it to related health service issues.

The Global Warming Potential of Building Materials: An Application of Life Cycle Analysis in Nepal

This paper analyzes the global-warming potential of materials used to construct the walls of 3 building types—traditional, semimodern, and modern—in Sagarmatha National Park and Buffer Zone in Nepal, using the life-cycle assessment approach. Traditional buildings use local materials, mainly wood and stone, while semimodern and modern buildings use different amounts of commercial materials, such as cement and glass wool. A comparison of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the 3 building types, using as the functional unit 1 m2 of wall, found that traditional buildings release about one-fourth of the greenhouse gas emissions released by semimodern buildings and less than one-fifth of the emissions of modern buildings. However, the use of thermal insulation in the modern building walls helps to reduce the energy consumption for space heating and consequently to reduce the global warming potential. In 25 years, the total global warming potential of a traditional building will be 20% higher than that ...

Life Cycle Analysis and Transportation Energy

As government actors and the private sector attempt to de-carbonize the economy, the role of life cycle analysis (also know as life cycle assessment or “LCA”) has become increasingly important. In this essay, we explore the use of life cycle analysis in the transportation sector to assess its influence in federal and state policy efforts to move to a low carbon energy future. We first define life cycle analysis and explain its use in evaluating the environmental impacts of all stages of a product, from production, to use, to disposal. We then review the use of life cycle analysis in considering the carbon emissions associated with different types of biofuels, primarily ethanol, which now makes up 10% of every gallon of gasoline sold in the United States as a result of federal mandates. This evaluation shows that life cycle analysis for ethanol has undermined many of the basic premises federal policymakers relied upon to enact significant mandates and, for many years, major tax benefits, to promote the production and use of ethanol for transportation fuel. We then discuss the increasing application of life cycle analysis to electric vehicles (EVs), which compares the GHG emissions associated with the production, use, and disposal of EVs with conventional automobiles, and evaluates the source of electricity used to power EVs in different parts of the country. Not surprisingly, the lifecycle GHG emissions associated with an EV driven in California, where electricity is generated primarily by natural gas and renewable energy, are far lower than the GHG emissions associated with an EV driven in West Virginia, which relies almost exclusively on coal-fired electricity. We conclude by reflecting on the ways life cycle analysis can be used effectively to guide policymakers to incentivize the development of environmentally beneficial products and technologies. For instance, if today’s life cycle analysis had been used to evaluate corn ethanol in the 1990s and early 2000s, policymakers may have paused before creating the significant incentives and mandates that exist today and that are now very difficult to eliminate. At the same time, however, there are risks in relying too heavily on life cycle analysis when information gaps exist in comparing alternative fuels and vehicles with traditional fuels and vehicles. Such information gaps may result in creating disincentives for potentially beneficial new products and technologies that, with sufficient support, may be critical to meeting de-carbonization goals in the transportation sector and the economy as a whole.

Life cycle assessment and economic efficiency analysis of integrated management of wastewater treatment plants

This paper evaluates several Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) processes, an integrated sludge management system, and waste sludge disposal methods in a large city based on life cycle analysis (LCA) and economic efficiency analysis (EEA) together. Among the three WWTP processes considered, the A2O process (S-WWTP) showed the lowest eutrophication potential (EP) and global warming potential (GWP), but the highest acidification potential (AP) and human toxicity potential (HTP). Simple integration of sludge treatment by combining two sludge treatment lines resulted in enhanced anaerobic digestion and production of less sludge. For final sludge disposal, incineration with integrated sludge management showed the highest reduction of life cycle impact analysis (LCIA) in all four categories. The simple integration of sludge management could reduce the sludge handling cost by 6.1%. As a final sludge disposal method, incineration with integration of sludge management was the most economic: reducing operation and management (O&M) cost by 33%. These results demonstrated that application of LCA and EEA would be a useful tool for optimizing an integrated sludge-management system. The proposed integrated sludge-management alternatives could provide a valuable example for managing several WWTPs in a large city.

Analyses of the life cycle impact assessment of pharmaceutical product inventories

Life cycle impact assessment (LCIA) is one of basic steps in life cycle assessment methodology (LCA). This paper presents the application of approach LCA for the rejections of drugs company SAIDAL, in order to determine the environmental impacts relative to this industrial activity, since it is classified among industry leader in the pharmaceutical field in Algeria, and that it takes part largely in the environmental disturbance by generating various categories of impacts. For this purpose, an eco-balance was establish by the collection of the theoretical data to the meadows of the company and of the practical data, resulting from the assay of pharmaceutical liquid. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a tool to evaluate the environmental impacts of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle. LCA was first developed as a method to evaluate the impacts of a product over its entire ife cycle, but it has since grown to be used in evaluating the environmental impacts of a business activities or a nation’s economic activity as well. Over the last ten years there has been a rapid expansion in the demand for LCA studies to chart the environmental performance of products. Industries, environmental experts, academics, regulatory authorities, politicians, consumers associations, environmental organizations and the general public want to know how to assess the environmental quality of products and production process. LCAs have become a common environmental management tool and a good analytical method for assessing and optimizing the environmental quality of a system over the whole life cycle. Residues of drug for human and animals are found throughout the word. Nonetheless it was only very recently those we wearable to assay these compounds, thus proving their presence. This has drawn the attention of environmental managers to their interactions with aquatic fauna and flora and of local water users to issues of drinking water production. These compounds come from pharmaceutical industry reject, healthcare facilities (hospitals, clinics…), many of theme are nonetheless eliminated either by absorption or biodegradation, other pass through different barriers as; sewage treatment plants, soil…which are found in natural environment. For this, the present study relates to application of life cycle analysis (ACV) approach to the rejection of drug company SAIDAL Algeria. In order to determine the environmental impacts relative to this industrial activity, since it’s classified among industry leader in the pharmaceutical field in Algeria, and that it takes part largely in the environment disturbance by generating various category of impacts. The assessment is done by means of LCA, according to the ISO 14040 series by using SimaPro.6 LCA Software using the Eco Indicator 95 methodology.

The application of LCA to alternative methods for treating the organic fiber produced from autoclaving unsorted municipal solid waste: case study of Catalonia

Despite efforts to increase the selective collection of municipal solid waste (MSW) in developed countries, the amount of unsorted waste remains high, with the consequent difficulty of material recovery and recycling. In 2010, 61% of the MSW generated in the European Union (EU) ended up in landfill and incineration facilities. Autoclaving is a novel technology that can be used to treat unsorted MSW, producing organic fibers that can be composted. The life cycle analysis (LCA) was used to assess the effectiveness of autoclaving unsorted MSW and various alternative methods for treating organic fibers produced through this process. The alternative methods that were considered included composting in tunnels, composting in confined windrow and composting in turning windrow as well as anaerobic digestion. The environmental assessment results were compared to those associated with incineration and landfill. The results of this study showed that autoclaving with sorting, digesting anaerobically and composting had the lowest impact values for eutrophication and the global warming potential. It was also found that autoclaving is justified only if the products of the process, that is, polyethylene terephthalate, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, are recycled to avoid virgin material production and if the remaining mixed plastic wastes are incinerated for energy recovery.

Evaluation of the environmental benefits of new high value process for the management of the end of life of thin film photovoltaic modules

Abstract This paper presents the preliminary results of an environmental evaluation carried out by the application of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), to a new method proposed for managing the end of life of thin film photovoltaic panels that is being developed by a company leader in design and installation of photovoltaic solutions. The new method is being developed in an experimental test facility established by the company for implementing a series of mechanical and hydro mechanical treatments to thin film panels at the end of their life before the ultimate material recovery phase. The main innovation of the method consists in the elimination of the thermal treatments and the reduction of chemicals needed for recovering valuable materials, in favor of mechanical processes. The results demonstrate that the mechanical treatments used in the pre-treatment phase of the module has a positive effect in almost all the damage categories defined in the LCA and contribute significantly to the reduction of the global warming and the carbon footprint of the photovoltaic technology.

Life cycle analysis on the design of induction motors

Purpose Herein is reported an application of life cycle analysis (LCA), using the Methodology for the Ecodesign of Energy Using Products (MEEUP), in order to assess the influence of some design parameters in the environmental impact of three-phase induction motors. A motor design procedure to minimize the total environmental impact, based on data obtained from commercial motors, is presented. This procedure is specially intended for the low power range due to the greater potential for energy savings in motors having an output power of 0.75 to 4 kW.

Fuel life cycle emissions for electricity consumption in the world’s gaming center–Macao SAR, China

The gaming and hospitality sector has been expanding rapidly in recent years. Concurrently energy consumption in this sector has surged significantly. This paper reviews the literature on the relationship between electricity consumption and economic growth and introduces the 4-parameter logistic functions to model the growth of electricity consumption and other related parameters in the world’s gaming center–Macao, China. The accuracy of the growth models were assessed by using the mean absolute percentage error and the root mean squared percentage error. The paper also introduces the application of life cycle analysis to greenhouse gases emissions for electricity consumption. As Macao in recent years has imported a significant amount of electricity from a coal-fired power plant in its nearby area – Zhuhai, the impact analysis included greenhouse gases emissions from the extraction, transportation, processing, and combustion along fuel life cycles in the local power plant as well as Zhuhai’s power plant. We found that the emissions associated with the imported electricity contributed greatly to total emissions.

Application of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) in evaluating energyconsuming of Integrated Oxidation Ditch (IOD)

With the research on some critical technology going deeply, the problem of technology route and project approach for the saving energy & reducing consumption have become the focus of municipal wastewater treatment process. In this article, LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) is applied to identify and compare the energy consumption of each stage of different technologies in municipal wastewater treatment from the view of whole process. This is carried out after reviewing the condition of energy utilizing of typical technologies in China. And some measures are brought forward to improve the efficiency of energy utilizing. Integrated Oxidation Ditch (IOD) is taken as an example and the energy consumption from its raw and processed materials exploitation, construction, treatment and running, rebuilding to its discarding and removing is identified and quantified, which is also compared with traditional treatment process of wastewater and waste sludge in China. This study shows that application of the high-energy-efficiency aeration device and optimizing control operation are essential paths to improve the energy consumption of IOD during its life cycle. And LCA is an important foundation of improving products quality and a main measure of sales promotion for manufacturers in recent years.

Assessing the environmental burdens of anaerobic digestion in comparison to alternative options for managing the biodegradable fraction of municipal solid wastes

Biological treatment processes including anaerobic digestion (biogasification) and composting are increasingly being considered by waste management officials and planners as alternatives for managing the mainly organic residues of municipal solid wastes (MSW). The integrated waste management model which is based upon the application of life-cycle analysis was employed to compare the environmental burdens of landfilling, composting and anaerobic digestion of MSW at a mid-sized Canadian community. Energy consumption (or recovery), residue recoveries and emissions to air and water were quantified. Scenario comparisons were analyzed to demonstrate that the environmental burdens associated with anaerobic digestion are reduced in comparison with the alternative options. The major benefit occurs as a result of the electricity produced from burning the biogas and then supplying the 'green power' to the local electrical grid.

Alternative scenarios analysis concerning different types of fuels used for the coverage of the energy requirements of a typical apartment building in Thessaloniki, Greece. Part II: life cycle analysis

This paper constitutes a continuation of “Alternative scenarios analysis concerning different types of fuels used for the coverage of the energy requirements of a typical apartment building in Thessaloniki, Greece. Part I: fuel consumption and emissions”. It is concerned with the application of life cycle analysis (LCA) methodology to the model of the apartment building determined in Part I. The examination here includes emissions of light heating oil EL refining, transportation and combustion, of natural gas transportation and combustion and of electricity generation and use (lignite, natural gas, diesel oil and kerosene originated). All data used were collected from a typical power station in Greece.

The use of alternative energies in hatcheries: an application of Life Cycle Analysis

RiassuntoUso di energie alternative nelle avannotterie: applicazione del Life Cycle Analysis. Scopo principale del lavoro è stato quello di valutare, attraverso l’applicazione dell’analisi del ciclo di vita del prodotto (LCA), l’impatto ambientale provocato dalla produzione di avannotti di spigola in allevamenti intensivi. Identificate le categorie di impatto più significative ed i relativi processi coinvolti, si è evidenziata la necessità di individuare fonti energetiche, alternative alla convenzionale, da utilizzare per soddisfare gli elevati fabbisogni di questo tipo di attività. Sono state confrontate, dal punto di vista ambientale, le avannotterie alimentate con impianti elettrici convenzionali, ad ipotetiche avannotterie che utilizzano impani fotovoltaici e eolici. Questi ultimi sono risultati i meno impattanti.

Government and Environmental Innovation in Europe and North America

This article challenges certain tenets of the theories of reflexive law and ecological modernization. Although farsighted prevention-oriented and structural changes are needed, some proponents of these theories argue that the very industries and firms that create environmental problems can through continuous institutional learning, the application of life-cycle analysis, dialogue and networks with stakeholders, and implementation of “environmental management systems” be transformed into sustainable industries and firms. Although useful, these reforms are insufficient. It is not marginal or incremental changes that are needed for sustainability but rather major product, process, and system transformations—often beyond the capacity of the dominant industries and firms. This article also questions the alleged failure of regulation to stimulate needed technological changes and identifies the conditions under which innovation for sustainability can occur. Finally, it discusses differences in needed policies for industrialized and developing countries.