Key Benefits And Limitations Of LCA Environmental Sciences Essay

Key Benefits And Limitations Of LCA purlieual Sciences EssayMajor benefits backside arise from LCA. Through the ability to analyses exchanges that take place in the environment, it enables finding-makers to pack the proceeds or deal that resolvent in the least reach to the environment. LCA selective information identifies the transfer of environmental partakes from maven media to an other and/or from one looktime history bout decimal point to another (EPA 2001). Quantification of emissions, detection of variation amid the various life cycle bods, the ability to estimate environmental karyon of materials, the ability to comp atomic number 18 and contrast competing products and the dominance to structure and correct the current of data between stakeholders argon just roughly of the obvious benefits that diff role fire be gained through watch overion of LCA. Papers by Deloitte Enhancing the note value of life cycle assessment and bread and buttercycle assessme nt where is it on your sustainability agenda? provide an perceptivity into several(prenominal) benefits from utilizing LCA, including (Deloitte, 2009)Innovation Through revealing the reference work and magnitude of environmental impacts, product level LCA data dirty dog inform the innovation agenda. speak to savings Clarity in relation to cost drivers chamberpot control to increased efficiency via material and zip fastener drivements minimizing the negative environmental impacts. Furtherto a greater completion, indisputable investments in RD and projects associate to renewable energy may be profound for tax credits or other incentives.Internal alignment LCA provides a common ground for internal goal-setting and communication. Different departments within an organization burn down unite on enterprise-wide priorities.Regulatory prep ardness LCA can help valuate the intercommunicate product cost implications of future carbon legislation and iris diaphragm those compas ss that warrant immediate action. LCA can excessively enhance general transp bency to deflect scrutiny from regulators and other stakeholders.Corporate reputation LCA can render a companys deeper commitment to improved environmental impact. Improved sustainability claims can strengthen stakeholder dealing.Risk reducing LCA helps companies develop their position around environmental issues to which their operations contribute. Increases awareness of dominance liabilities the company should be aware of.On make pass of these benefits examples of how customized LCA studies can support significant sustainability objectives include (Deloitte, 2012)Enhance brand value for competitive differentiation analyses the environmental impact of an organizations product to alternatives to determine which benefits are distinguishable.Improve frame decisions Evaluates resource and materials spend to inform product and process design decisions that increase environmental efficiencies.Make bet ter procurement decisions Engages ternary stakeholders and suppliers to anyow organizations to make procurement decisions that significantly boost their sustainability efforts.Meet communication theory directs Provides a platform for authentically communicating absolute environmental attributes rough products to buyers and consumers.Achieve compliance Addresses regulatory man get outs at local, national and internationalistic levels.Create better policies Evaluates internal and impertinent policies of the organization to determine practical(prenominal) objectives.While all of the preceding(prenominal) benefits help paint a positive degree picture of LCA, one also has to consider the various disadvantages or limitations of such(prenominal) systems. As with all new and evolving systems in that location allow always be significant teething problems during evolution. The more(prenominal) noteworthy of these include the fact LCAs utilizing the aforesaid(prenominal) an d different methodologies can commit vastly different results with assumptions, which can be subjective, being a requi target even for simple comparisons to be carried out. The rigourousness of data is always a concern and whether the to the highest degree up to date data has been theatrical roled. Performing LCA is resource consuming and gathering data can be problematic. As a result, it is essential to weigh the resources needed against the projected benefits to measure feasibility. There is still no widely current assess format for LCA, with most of the already existing ones such as ISO 14040 having several imperfections. Finally results of LCAs focused on national and regional level may not be suitable for local applications. These limitations do take some of the shine away from LCA and indicate that in essence at give in LCA is fundamentally f uprightnessed given it can be near hopeless in many cases to k right off the validity and relevance of conclusions drawn by the practitioner. While this may be true what has to be consider is that LCA is the trump out tool we have at present to tackle this significant area of concern. In reality the benefits of LCA far outreach its flaws and as transparency of methods and data becomes the norm its integrity will increase. What is for genuine is LCA is set to become a fundamental element of product and service design.Applications and potential of LCAApplications of LCAThe application of LCA has been well enter and includes supporting initiatives to assessing environmental impacts that need addressing. Studies (Frankl and Rubik, 1999 Frankl et al., 2000) have highlighted key areas of application including obstruct identification info and education to consumers and stakeholdersCompare existing products with intentionned alternativesCompare existing company products with products of competitorsProcurement specifications, supplier screening, product co-makershipInternal reading and trainingAnticipate and n egotiate legislationMarketing, advertising policies joining eco- designateling criteriaenvironmental cost allocationAssess the gap from eco-label criteriaRadical changes in product life cycleWhat can be taken from these determineings is that there are three principle areas of application are (1) comparison on an environmental soil which includes comparison of materials, methods and conformity. (2) In manufacturing LCA can be used to find the most ecological method through optimal material and processes selection. (3) In commercial outgrowth LCA can be used for commercialiseing purposes and as a frequent informational aid (in example EPDs).In reality there are many different views among the scientific populace as to use and surpass class period for LCA. What is of interest is that one article by Grantadesigns in 2011 called Grantas new Guide Five Steps to Eco Design proposed that up to 80% of the environmental footprint of a product is determined during the design phase. From this we must(prenominal) assume that the best application for LCA would be in the design phase via evaluation of design alternative.Potential of LCALCA is a methodology for quantifying and assessing the potential impacts of goods and service from an environmental perspective. From this viewpoint it can be taken that LCA can be applied to any kind of product or decision where environmental impacts are of concern. This in turn implies LCA can be applied by all the different stakeholders who are invested in a product or service including governmental, non-governmental and industries. While this dissertation cannot elaborate on all the opportunities open to LCA, focus will be placed on the following areas which are of accompaniment interest to this studyThe potential of LCA at multinational friendship levelThe potential of LCA for small and mass strength sized enterprises (SMEs)The potential of LCA at governmental levelThe potential of LCA for multinational enterprisesMultinationa l companies face primary(prenominal) strategic decisions that help return the direction of their environmental discoverment. The decision whether to adopt a global measuring or not is one such decision. While specific characteristics of multinationals make the application of LCA easier including dedicated resources made available, steal departments responsible for implementation and co-ordination, development of internal databases and operating methodologies, and the ability to work on stakeholders, among others there are equally other factors which present significant challenges including respective(a) cultural approaches and consensus on methodologies including weighting across impact categories (Schmidt and Sullivan, 2002 Reap et al., 2008), and how to commix LCA across the whole organisation as LCA in general slant to be reserved to environmental departments. The value which can be extracted by large corporations who adopt LCA tends to be in terms of material choice, applied science choice, infrastructure and location choice, and product and process improvement.The potential of LCA for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs)While the need for environmental practices have been widely accepted in SMEs, as can be seen through the widespread bankers acceptance of ISO 14001, the adoption of LCA has being met with less enthusiasm. This is largely to do with the fact most SMEs need to focus their available resources on establishing their position in the market and cant afford to extend resources to non essential activities. However, many small and medium enterprises are this instant seen the economic benefits that can be reaped from LCA implementation via alter low cost approaches. Significant advantages can be gained in the RD stage of products via material swap outs, process improvements or benchmarking (Hunkeler, 2003). One could even go as far as to say that LCA can be recyclable to improve credit terms as it improves resource allocation and minimises the risk of infection of resources being spent inappropriately. The tangible benefits with regard to environmental business insurance include (Hunkeler et al., 2004) reduced operating cost, improved resource efficiency, improved relations with authorities, improve external image, improved credit terms and reduced overheads. It is also worth noting that the addition of LCA will add value for firms in their initial offering (initial public offering) as it will be recognise that the company will be more likely to be sustainable with future environmental requirements.The potential of LCA at governmental levelThe pattern to which goods and services are produced and consumed is established and controlled via government regulated frameworks and conditions. LCA falls within the reams of sustainable development and is of key importance in addressing waste and emissions attributes of products and services. Government activities are ongoing in regards to LCA with supporting strate gies becoming widespread. This has led to the development of several nationwide managed databases along with new methodologies and tools. Government bodies, including the departments of environment, energy and defence etc., are now active in supporting LCA development via conducting case studies and making data available. Websites have been genuine and product orientated environmental polity is evolving, no(prenominal) more so than in the European Union (EU). In its chat on Integrated proceeds form _or_ system of government (COM (2003)302), the European Commission cerebrate that Life Cycle Assessments provide the best framework for assessing the potential environmental impacts of products currently available. There is an netherstanding within the EU for the need of life cycle thinking in stakeholder consultations and in policy implementation. There is an cite that information from LCA can support public policy making in eco-design criteria setting, such as contributing to p erformance targets within the Environmental applied science put to death Plan (ETAP) and for energy-using products within the EuP leading, in green public procurement (GPP), and in environmental product solutions (EPDs) (European commission, 2003). However, consideration has to be giving to the fact that LCA is only a decision supporting tool, and not a decision making tool. While advances aid its progression it is still limited with regards economic and social impacts, along with local environmental issues. As a result it can only be utilised in support of other tools to aid detection of potential improvement areas.Policies, Laws, Standards and IncentivesLife-cycle analysis (LCA) is not a new phenomenon with scientists and prevaricationrs increasingly using it to expose opportunities to reduce environmental impacts of products and services, from cradle to grave. This has led to the rise of policies, legislation, standards and incentives in the race to control and maximise the potential of this rapidly expanding sector.PoliciesLCAs offer the opportunity to shift the traditional policy basis away from waste and resource amounts to one where the potential environmental impacts they buzz off is the focus and in so far as is feasible the related consequences to graciouss and the ecosystems is catered for.LawsWhile traditionally focus has been on reducing impacts of proceeds processes, the responsibility is now being extended to manufacturers to reduce the impacts of products as well. This telephone extension of manufacturers responsibility to cover the entire lifecycle of a product is known as Extended Producer business (EPR). The EC Sixth Environmental effect Programme Environment 2010 emphasises the importance of product policy which is also reflected in the Integrated Product Policy.StandardsThe International Organization for Standardization introduced the ISO 9000 serial publication prime(a) attention standards in 1987. These were later followed in 1992 by various environmental standards known as the ISO 14000 series. These voluntary standards require verification by an external certification body to obtain the ISO certificate. In the ISO 14000 series there is a family of standards to acquire from, so when you want to get environmentally certified you need to consider which best matches your requirements. The point of note in relation to the ISO 14000 series is that it is generic, meaning any business, regardless of size or sector can apply.The following provides a brisk overview from a European perspective of the main(prenominal) policies, laws and standards where the life-cycle approach is emphasised as an important element.Table Overview of relevant policy, law and standards (Developed with data from European commission and Irish department of environment)Designation curriculumFoundationTitleSubject matterPolicy systema skeletale policy06/2008Sustainable Consumption and Production Action Plan, (SCP)This communication sets out the measures to economize more sustainable consumption and production, while improving the battle of the European economy. It builds on several EU policies including the renewed Sustainable Development Strategy. The association Lisbon Programme for 2008-2010 includes the furtherance of an industrial policy geared towards more sustainable consumption and production as one of its major orientations (European commission, 2008).Framing policy12/2005EUs thematic strategy on the sustainable use of natural resourcesThe objective is to reduce environmental impacts linked to resource use in a growing economy enabling sustainable development (European commission, 2005a). A review carried out by the Bio Intelligence Service in 2010 indicates the integration of key concepts conveyed by the resource strategies have had a positive but partial influence with the clear need for clear objectives and targets, and the proof of data centre for natural resources being highlighted (Mudgal et al., 2010).Framing policy12/2005EUs thematic strategy on prevention and recycling of wasteDescribes a number of key objectives as part of an evolving EU policy on waste including Prevent waste, Promote re-use, recycling and recovery and Establish the European recycling society. The aim of this strategy is to reduce the negative impact on the environment that is caused by waste end-to-end its life-span, from production to disposal, via recycling. The objective is that both item of waste is seen not only as a source of pollution but also a potential resource to be exploited (European commission, 2005b).Framing policy06/2003Communication Integrated Product Policy (IPP)Aims to support the realisation of environmental product innovations in order to win a broad reduction of all environmental impacts along a products life cycle (Commission, 2001). Due to the nature of products, IPP cannot consist of a sensation general policy instrument, a variety of measures must be occupied to ach ieve the IPP objective (In example standards or so-called soft environmental policy instruments such as activities regarding voluntary agreements or environmental labelling.) (Rehfeld et al., 2007). European Commission, Integrated Product Policy Communication (IPP), 2003 states LCA is the best framework for assessing the potential environmental impacts of products, but the debate is ongoing about good practice with the European commission committing to developing a handbook on best practice, Co-ordinating to make data more accessible and systematically collected, Regularly modify directory of LCA databases, and develop a platform to facilitate communication and exchanges. All of the above commitments have or are in the process of being delivered. detail instrument2005 revised 2009Eco-design directiveProvides for improving the environmental performance of energy related products (ERPs) through ecodesign and prevents distinct national legislations on environmental performance becomin g obstacles to the intra-EU trade. The ecodesign requirements must not lower the billetality of a product, its safety, or have a negative impact on its affordability or consumers health. The directing is under the responsibility of DG Enterprise and Industry and DG Energy (European commission, 2012b). circumstantial instrument2005Energy-using products (EuP) DirectiveThe main objective of the EuP Directive is to bring about improvements in energy efficiency throughout a products lifecycle, from cradle to grave. Its focuses on the design phase as it is considered that up to 80% of the environmental essence of a product is fixed during design. EuP is a Framework Directive which outlines the legal context within which implementing measures will be create and targeted at particular product groups (Premier Farnell, 2009). particular(prenominal) instrument1/2004Environmental engine room Action Plan (ETAP)The plan covers a range of actions to promote eco-innovation and the take-up of e nvironmental technologies including promoting research and development, mobilising funds, helping to drive demand and improving market conditions. Information from LCAs can contributing to conflux performance targets within the Environmental Technology Action Plan (ETAP). In Ireland specific consideration will be given to projects that have the potential to address the three specific challenges determine in the Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) State of the Environment Report 2004, viz. eutrophication of surface waters, meeting international commitments on air emissions and better management of waste (Department of the Environment, 2012a).Specific instrument2008Green public procurement (GPP) delimitate in the Communication (COM (2008) 400) Public procurement for a better environment as a process whereby public authorities seek to procure goods, services and works with a reduced environmental impact throughout their life cycle when compared to goods, services and works with t he same primary function that would otherwise be procured. The EU committed to aiming to achieve by 2010 a proposed a target of 50% of all the EUs public procurement tendering procedures to be green. Although this target has not been met a recent report monitoring the breathing in of GPP found 26% of the last contracts signed in the 2009-2010 period by public authorities in the EU included all core GPP criteria with 55% of these contracts having at least one EU core GPP criterion, demo that some form of green procurement is being done at a large scale (European commission, 2012c). In Ireland the GPP national action plan has been developed to make half the estimated 15 billion in public spending to meet green procurement criteria (Department of the Environment, 2012b).Specific instrument2002 and chthonian reviewEnvironmental product declarations (EPDs)Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are life-cycle found ecolabels that disclose the environmental performance of the produc t, similar to nutrition information labels. In France a law was passed in 2007 the Grenelle Environment which requires environmental product declarations for all mass produced consumer goods. 2012 has seen experiments begin to establish best practice to implement this law. The European Commission is following suit and has begun a program to develop counsellor on environmental product declarations indicating this will be widespread shortly.Specific Instument1992Eco-labellingIs in general a voluntary scheme where producers, importers and retailers can choose to apply for the label for their products. Ecolabel criteria focus on the stage / stages with the highest environmental impact during a products life cycle. By the end of 2011, more than 1,300 licences had been awarded, and at present, more than 17,000 products have the EU Ecolabel. A licence gives permission to use the EU Ecolabel logo. (European commission, 2012d).LawsLegal requirement2003Restriction on the use of Certain unci vilized Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment (RoHS)Adopted in 2003 by the European Union the directive took effect in 2006 becoming law in each member state. It restricts the use of six hazardous materials in the manufacture of electronic and electrical equipment. It correlates with the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) 2002/96/EC which is part of a legislative initiative to reduce cyanogenetic e-waste.Legal requirement2002Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE)The WEEE Directive 2002/96/EC is an EU Directive founded on the principle of Producer Responsibility and its general objectives are to prevent waste of electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and to improve the environmental performance of all operators involved in the life cycle of such including producers, distributors and consumers (European commission, 2012e).Legal requirement2000End of Life VehiclesDirective 2000/53/ EC of the European Parliament on end of life vehicles was developed to limit or exclude the presence of dangerous substances including lead, cadmium, chromium IV and mercury in vehicles with the purpose of minimising their environmental impact. In 2006, the target for utilize and recovery was a minimum of 85% of the materials rising to 95% in 2015 with most major OEMs such as Ford, Honda etc on the way to meeting these targets.Legal requirement1994EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive 94/62/ECThis directive regulates the heavy metal subject area of, and recovery of any packaging put on the market. Implemented in Ireland through the Waste Management (Packaging) Regulations S.I. No. 61 of 2003 as amend by the Waste Management (Packaging) (Amendment) Regulations S.I. No. 871 of 2004. While it should be illustrious the directive is under review at European level, the legislation is now well developed in Ireland with waste recovery schemes like REPAK in place.Legal requirement2007Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restricti on of Chemicals (REACH)REACH came into force in 2007 with the aim to ensure a high level of protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals, the promotion of alternative test methods, the free circulation of substances on the internal market and enhancing competitiveness and innovation (European commission, 2012f). Manufacturers have to register each substance, assess the risks it poses and pass on the safety information to downstream users.Legal requirement2006Batteries DirectiveDirective 2006/66/EC prohibits placing certain batteries and accumulators with mercury or cadmium content above a fixed threshold on the market and promotes a high rate of collection and recycling of waste batteries and accumulators. The aim is the reduction of hazardous substances (mercury, cadmium and lead) dumped in the environment (European commission, 2012g).Standards volunteer(prenominal)1997 revised 2000 and 2006Life cycle assessmentISO 14040/44When conce rned with the environmental impact of a new or existing product, it may well be secure to carryout a complete life cycle assessment. In such a case you would look to the ISO 14040 certificate. It evaluates the products LCA framework and is intended to make reliable and useful assessments. It endeavours to provide a clear overview of the findings to stakeholders, including those who have limited knowledge of life cycle assessment. The specific requirements and guidelines for LCAs are in ISO 14044. willful2001Environmental site assessmentISO 14015This International Standard provides guidance on how to conduct an Environmental assessment of sites and organizations (EASO) through a systematic process of identifying environmental aspects and environmental issues and determining, if appropriate, their business consequences.VoluntaryISO 14020 1998 rev 2000ISO 14024 1999ISO 14025 2000 rev 2006Environmental product declaration (EPD), Labelling ISO 14020/24/25ISO 14020/24/25 will help you label your product. It includes quantified data which helps ensure environmental data published is of a certain quality. These product labels are built upon the Life Cycle Assessment which pith the information generated is relevant, verified and comparable.Voluntary1999Environmental Performance EvaluationISO 14031When you dont require a certificate and just want to measure your environmental performance, this enter gives guidance on environmental performance evaluation. It provides management with reliable and nonsubjective information on an ongoing basis through its Plan-Do-Check-Act system (PCDA).Voluntary2002Integrating environmental aspects into product design and developmentISO 14062Guidance standard providing generic instruction on how to incorporate environmental criteria into product design and development. It can act as a reminder or a checklist and is applicable to all industry sectors. Other industry sectors have developed similar standards including-Standard ECMA 341, Environmental design considerations for electronic products developed by ECMA International.EN/BSI 134202000 Packaging Requirements for packaging recovery by material recycling.BS/EN 131932000 Packaging and the environment Terminology.Voluntary2006Impact on humor ChangeISO 14064ISO 14064-12006 facilitates quantification and coverage of glasshouse gas (GHG) emissions and reductions. It provides stakeholders with an integrated set of tools to achieve their objectives and it enables participation in emissions trading schemes using a globally recognised standard.Voluntary/ Under constructionN/AProduct cytosine FootprintISO 14067Strives to standardize the maze of product carbon footprint approaches.Voluntary/ Under constructionN/AWater FootprintISO 14046Aims to establish harmonized metrics for water footprints.OtherVoluntary2008GHG Protocol Product StandardThis is a product life cycle accounting and reporting standard developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World art Council on Sustainable Development (WBCSD). This standard is to a large extent in compliance with ISO 14040/44, except it is explicitly focused on greenhouse gas accounting.