LCA Flashcards
What is meant by LCA?
LCA refers to assessing the environmental impacts of the stages associated with the life cycle of a commercial product , service or process.
True or false
Life cycle thinking , is thinking wholistically about a process form manufacturing through to use and disposal.
True
Which SDG does LCA directly relate to ?
SDG 12 responsible consumption and production.
What is the methodology of a life cycle assessment?
- Define Goal and scope of the assessment.
- Inventory
- Impact Assessment
Define and write what you know under the Goal and Scope.
The goal : this identifying the premise for which the LCA is being done. Why the need for the study and who the audience is.
The scope : this is the choice made regarding the methodology for the LCA modelling.
This is when you indentify the system boundaries and functional unit.
What is the first thing you do after deciding on the goal of the LCA modelling?
You design a flow chart.
The flow chart help you identify and understand the processes involved in the system being studied.
It also serves as a basis for the inventory phase of the LCA modelling.
What is a functional unit ?
This is the unit that quantifies the product being studied to be able to compare it to their products to determine the environmental impact assessment involved. Should relate to the functions of the product and not the product itself. Is not a one or two word state,ent
What is a system boundary ?
This refers to the scope of the LCA modelling. This determines what input and output as well process would be considered in the process.
Natural boundaries : these are resources from the env. that enter the production system without being influenced or transformed by human actions. These can also be flows that leave a production system into the env. Without prior human transformation.
What are fore ground and background systems
Foreground system consists of processes that are under the control of the decision maker for which the LCA is carried out for.
Background systems: these are process for which no or at best indirect influence may be exercised by the decisions maker .
What are the benefits of a flow chart ?
- It allows you to see where all your inputs and outputs occur.
- Helps to ensure you don’t miss anything critical.
- Makes it easier for you to set an appropriate boundary.
What is the difference between a functional unit and reference flow?
The difference is that a reference flow includes the type and, quantity of materials and energy linked to the functional unit. It also includes the number of times the materials must be replaced during its life time.
True or false
Allocation becomes a problem when the system produces more than one product. (Multi functionality )
True
How to solve multi functionality
Is014044 sugggest that
Preference 1 avoid it all together, subdivide processes , collect data with increased level of detail,expand system boundaries.
Preference 2= partition using underlying physical relationships.
Preference 3 : partition using underlying economic relationships.
What is the formula for Impact score (potential impact )
Impact score = Q*CF
Q= elementary flow per FU
CF = characterisation factor also elementary flow units .
What is the formula for Impact score (potential impact )
Impact score = Q*CF
Q= elementary flow per FU
CF = characterisation factor also elementary flow units .
