The White´R Energy Assessor Tool and its applications for the optimization of white´R island processes

In order to certify the positive environmental impact emerging from white´R results, a procedure to apply a specific Green Label was defined. At this purpose, a life cycle assessment study must be undertaken, broadening the WEATool´s investigations also to the Beginning Of Life phase, which includes the design, the extraction of materials, their processing and the assembly of the machine, and the End of Life, which concerns disassembly and potential recycling of components. To better evaluate production and disposal phases of the machinery, the MEErP tool (Methodology for the Eco-design of Energy-related Products) was introduced. Since energy is not the only relevant value, to verify that white´R satisfies the objectives set, the WEATool provides some more data such as the time cycle and the unit production cost. All those indicators are identified as KPIs, "Key Performance Indicators", very significant parameters that describe the economic, technical and environmental characteristics of the robotic island. At this phase of the project, the WEATool provides guidelines for manufacturing partners such as decision-making instrument, by picking best technical choices like the identification of materials or the size of the robotic island. When the prototype will be ready to work, a campaign of measurements will be made by populating databases with real measured values, in order to develop logical optimization scenarios identifying the most economically efficient and environmentally sustainable solutions. Finally, after results validation, the calculated KPIs will be used to submit the request for a green label.