1. Life Cycle Analysis

2. Life Cycle Analysis
Life Cycle Analysis is the assessment of the effect a product has on the environment from the initial concept to disposal
Life Cycle Analysis provides a framework within which clean production technologies can be assessed and evaluated holistically for a specific product.

3. Stages of the Life Cycle
In Life Cycle Analysis the life cycle stages are categorised as:
Pre-production
Production
Distribution (including packaging)
Utilisation
Disposal

4. Environmental Considerations
The Life Cycle of a product is evaluated by analysing it’s impact on:
Water
Soil pollution and degradation
Air contamination
Noise
Energy consumption
Consumption of natural resources
Effect on Ecosystems.

5. Life Cycle Matrix
These elements are all arranged into a grid and relative numbers are given to each item.
Pre-production
Production
Distribution
Utilisation
Disposal
Water Relevance
Soil Pollution
Air Contamination
Noise
Energy Consumption
Consumption of Natural Resources
Effect on Ecosystems

6. Life Cycle Analysis
The elements of the matrix differ in importance according to the particular design context. For example, in the case of refrigerators and cars the larger part of energy consumption occurs in use rather than manufacture.

7. Life Cycle Task
Analyze the environmental impact of either a washing machine, a car or a refrigerator using the assessment matrix below.
Pre-production
Production
Distribution
Utilisation
Disposal
Water Relevance
Soil Pollution
Air Contamination
Noise
Energy Consumption
Consumption of Natural Resources
Effect on Ecosystems

8. Product categories
Life Cycle analysis is targeted at products with a high environmental impact and in the global marketplace. It is then impossible for companies to argue that their products are being made uncompetitive. Life cycle analysis also targets companies with the resources to invest in R&D (research and development).

9. In practice
Life cycle analysis is not used for many products. However, in the re-innovation of the design of a product or its manufacture, specific aspects may be changed after considering the design objectives for green products.
Thus the materials selected may be changed to make them more environmentally friendly, for example, wood from sustainable forests or the selection of a less toxic varnish. A product may be distributed differently or its packaging may be redesigned.

10. In practice
Life cycle analysis is not used for many products. However, in the re-innovation of the design of a product or its manufacture, specific aspects may be changed after considering the design objectives for green products.
Thus the materials selected may be changed to make them more environmentally friendly, for example, wood from sustainable forests or the selection of a less toxic varnish. A product may be distributed differently or its packaging may be redesigned.

11. Eco–labeling
Environmentally sound disposal of products is not always easy, though. One problem related to the recycling of plastics is knowing which plastic is which. Government enforced and consumer supported labelling of plastic products can help overcome this issue. Similar issues can be identified in the timber industry.

12. Eco–labeling
As the following slides demonstrate, eco-labeling and energy-labeling schemes can help consumers compare potential purchases and make informed-buyer decisions. The availability of eco-friendly products, comparable in price, quality and service to their alternatives, will promote advance green design more than anything else.

13. The growth of consumer interest in the environmental performance of products has led some countries to introduce official eco-labeling schemes

14. Eco–labeling schemes Task
There are a number of approaches to eco-labelling around the world.
Task
Compare the objectives of two different eco-labelling schemes.
Use the following websites to research eco-labelling in:
UK:
Australia:

15. Eco–labeling schemes UK Objectives: Australian Objectives
Similarities Differences

16. Eco–labeling schemes
Explain how eco-labelling and energy labelling schemes can help consumers to compare potential purchases.