Life Cycle Assessment

Question 1

What are the 5 phases of life cycle assessment?

Answer 1

1. ) Material
2. ) Manufacture
3. ) Transport
4. ) Use
5. ) Disposal

Question 2

What are the two criteria for a life cycle assessment?

Answer 2

1. ) Ecological

2. ) Economic

Question 3

What is the process to material selection?,

Answer 3

All material -> Translate design requirements -> screen using constraints -> rank using object -> seek documentation -> final material choice

Question 4

What is embodied energy?

Answer 4

A measure of the energy required to produce 1

kg of a semi-finished material

Question 5

What does Embodied Energy consist of?

Answer 5

Energy inherent in material + Energy for
extraction + Energy for refining + Energy for transport to the factory
where it will be used

Question 6

Pros of Embodied Energy

Answer 6

> Data easily available (for building materials)
Good when process energy is major impact
(metals, plastics, concrete)
Simple to apply
Can be linked to embodied carbon (Global
warming)

Question 7

Cons of Embodied Energy

Answer 7

> Risk of missing other impacts
Poor for natural materials whose major impact
is often land use or bio-diversity

Question 8

Why use Eco-Informed Design?

Answer 8

> Resource productivity – get more out with fewer inputs and less waste.
Less hazardous materials/wastes.
Marketing benefits.

Question 9

What is the 8 Eco-Design Strategies?

Answer 9

> New concept development.
> Selection of low impact materials.
> Reduction of materials usage.
> Optimisation of production techniques.
> Optimisation of distribution systems.
> Reduction of impacts during use.
> Optimisation of initial lifetime.
> Optimisation of End-of-Life (EOL) system