Efficient-LCI data exchange for approximate LCA in industry

This paper looks at the problems associated with shortening product development cycles and carrying out life cycle assessments (LCAs) during the design process. LCA is most effective during the early stages of the design process, due to the low cost of change and the high impact the concept stage has on the whole life cycle. The difficulties associated with carrying out LCAs during the concept stage are related to the low definition of the design. The resulting paradox of wanting to be able to carry out LCAs early and having a relative undefined design has been addressed by representing the life cycle inventory (LCI) as relationships to design parameters. This approach is used in combination with a database and a LCA model, where the component manufacturers enter the data used to establish LCI models. These LCI models are used to determine the approximate LCI and a subsequent order-of-magnitude LCA can be carried out. The approach is suitable for large enterprises with a large number of suppliers, where the database is administered by the large company; and for small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs), where the database is administered by a third party. The paper introduces the concept and a prototype software is briefly illustrated