An Introduction to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) and Life Cycle Thinking (LCT) Adam de Eyto-PhD, BDes (Hons) Industrial Design Lecturer/Sustainable Design Researcher

An Introduction to LCA-RX Source: Dassault Systèmes -SolidWorks Corp.

An Introduction to LCA Simple LCA (Life Cycle Analysis) Source: Bournemouth University SPD An Introduction to LCA-RX

What is LCA? A key quantitative environmental tool. Analyses product impact across its entire life cycle –Materials abstraction –Manufacturing –Distribution –Use –Disposal Identifies areas where environmental impact is highest Can Indentify where cost and environmental savings can be made Provides a quantitative analysis of how a product performs environmentally LCA needs to be done accurately or can be misleading An Introduction to LCA-RX

An Introduction to LCA-RX Goal & Scope definition, the product or service to be assessed is defined, a functional basis for comparison is chosen and the required level of detail is defined. Inventory analysis of extractions and emissions. An inventory list of all the inputs and outputs of a product or service. Impact assessment the effects of the resource use and emissions generated are grouped and quantified into a limited number of impact categories which may then be weighted for importance. Interpretation, the results are reported in the most informative way possible and the need and opportunities to reduce the impact of the product(s) or service(s) on the environment are systematically evaluated.

An Introduction to LCA LIFECYCLE 3.3mPtPhilips citrus juicer mains electricity LIFECYCLE = 15Pt LIFECYCLE = 51mPt Source: Alastair Fuad Luke 2009 An Introduction to LCA-RX

An Introduction to LCA Van + Small Car = 291Pt Van as commuter vehicle= 219Pt An Introduction to LCA-RX

An Introduction to LCA-RX Source: MBDC- Cradle to Cradle An Ideal Design Process An ‘Ideal’ Nutrient Cycle

An Introduction to LCA LCA Tools (A Selection) Sima Pro- PRé Consultants- Eco IT- PRé Consultants- Eco Packager- Bournemouth University SPD site- CES Edupack (Eco Selector) – Granta Design- Solid Works (Sustainability Express)- Dassault Systèmes -SolidWorks Corp. - An Introduction to LCA-RX

An Introduction to LCA Basic Lifecycle Analysis- For Domestic White Goods Extraction + Manufacture: mass (kg) X 50 MJ/kg Transport : 1 MJ airplane energy per item 1 MJ road per item Return car journey X 50MJ/ no of items purchased Use - Electrical: watts X seconds ( time in use (seconds) X times per day X days X life (years) ) X 3*/1,000,000 MJ to KWh X CO2 Emissions 1kWh = kg CO2 for Irish energy supply. - Material: mass (kg) X 50MJ/kg - Disposal: mass (kg) X 2MJ/kg (landfill direct cost) * Refers to Electrical efficiency Source: Erik Billet, Brunel University An Introduction to LCA-RX

An Introduction to LCA An Introduction to LCA-RX

An Introduction to Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) Adam de Eyto Questions? Adam de Eyto- design CORE, Institute of Technology, Carlow Thank you for Listening