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Valutazione del ciclo di vita (LCA)

1990

Ciclo di vita Assessment (LCA) is a systematic methodology for evaluating the environmental impacts associated with all stages of a product’s life. This “cradle-to-grave” or “cradle-to-cradle” analysis considers raw material extraction, processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, repair, maintenance, and final disposal or recycling. It quantifies inputs like energy and raw materials and outputs like emissions to air, water, and soil.

A Life-Cycle Assessment is typically conducted in four distinct phases as defined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14040 and 14044 standards. The first phase is Goal and Scope Definition, where the purpose of the study, the product system to be studied, the functional unit (a measure of the function of the studied system), and the system boundaries are clearly defined. This phase is crucial as it sets the context for the entire assessment.

The second phase is the Ciclo vitale Inventory (LCI) analysis. This involves compiling and quantifying all the inputs and outputs for a product system throughout its life cycle. Data is collected for all relevant energy and material inputs, as well as emissions and waste outputs. This is often the most data-intensive and time-consuming part of an LCA.

The third phase is the Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). Here, the LCI data is translated into potential environmental impacts. This involves classifying inventory data into impact categories (e.g., global warming potential, acidification, eutrophication, ozone depletion) and then characterizing the potential impacts using scientific conversion factors. For example, the global warming potential of various greenhouse gases is converted into CO2 equivalents.

The final phase is Interpretation. The results from the LCI and LCIA are summarized and discussed as a basis for conclusions, recommendations, and decision-making in line with the goal and scope definition. This phase includes identifying significant issues, evaluating the study for completeness and consistency, and drawing conclusions.

UNESCO Nomenclature: 3301
– Environmental sciences

Tipo

Abstract System

Disruption

Substantial

Utilizzo

Widespread Use

Precursors

  • Energy audits conducted during the 1970s energy crisis
  • Early studies in the 1960s by companies like Coca-Cola to assess resource use in packaging
  • Development of mass and energy balance principles in chemical engineering
  • The rise of systems thinking in ecologia and engineering

Applicazioni

  • environmental product declarations (epds) for building materials
  • impronta di carbonio calculations for consumer goods
  • eco-labeling programs like the eu ecolabel
  • corporate sustainability reporting to identify environmental hotspots in supply chains
  • policy making for waste management and resource efficiency

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Related to: life-cycle assessment, LCA, cradle-to-grave, environmental impact, carbon footprint, ISO 14040, sustainability, supply chain analysis

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