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LCA: The main steps
- Definition of scope: the entire scope of the study needs to be outlined. This can prove to be a very complex process as it must consider all impacts direct and indirect.
- Date collection: similar data regarding inputs and outputs needs to be collected throughout the study for example a certain type of emission, in order for that data to be added together at the end. This is life cycle inventory analysis
- Impact assessment: an assessment of the impact related to the factor involved following data collection is undertaken. This is often heavily based upon judgement (refer to significance evaluation later) and therefore is fraught with difficulties.
- Results analysis: the purpose of this stage is to find means by which impacts can be reduced.
Visit the websites below which provide more detail and examples on the subject.
Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) explained:
 http://www.pre.nl/lca.html
SETAC Foundation for Environmental Education: Life-Cycle Assessment:
http://www.setac.org/lca.html
Innovative and Environmentally Sound Products-From Life Cycle Assessment to Eco-Design:
http://www.ipa.fhg.de/100/projekte/eco/pb_e.html
Life Cycle Assessment on Silicon and Gallium Arsenide Transistors:
http://www.etek.chalmers.se/~e6lutman/miljopro.html
There are also an increasing number of software tools available in conducting LCA's such as a package termed Umberto. Visit the
web-site at:
http://www.ifu.com/software/umberto-e/index.htm
Map out a life cycle for a product of your choice. Suggest where alternatives could be used in both materials and processes. (Hint: This
could be for your own products, or a particularly hazardous substance that you use on site).
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