This book is a uniquely pedagogical while still comprehensive state-of-the-art description of LCA-methodology and its broad range of applications. The five parts of the book conveniently provide: I) the history and context of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) with its central role as quantitative and scientifically-based tool supporting society’s transitioning towards a sustainable economy; II) all there is to know about LCA methodology illustrated by a red-thread example which evolves as the reader advances; III) a wealth of information on a broad range of LCA applications with dedicated chapters on policy development, prospective LCA, life cycle management, waste, energy, construction and building, nanotechnology, agrifood, transport, and LCA-related concepts such as footprinting, ecolabelling,design for environment, and cradle to cradle. IV) A cookbook giving the reader recipes for all the concrete actions needed to perform an LCA. V) An appendix with an LCA report template, a full example LCA report serving as inspiration for students who write their first LCA report, and a more detailed overview of existing LCIA methods and their similarities and differences.

This first hands-on guide to ISO-compliant Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) makes this powerful tool immediately accessible to both professionals and students. Following a general introduction on the philosophy and purpose of LCA, the reader is taken through all the stages of a complete LCA analysis, with each step exemplified by real-life data from a major LCA project on beverage packaging. Measures as carbon and water footprint, based on the most recent international standards and definitions, are addressed. Written by two pioneers of LCA, this practical volume is targeted at first-time LCA users but equally makes a much-valued reference for more experienced practitioners. From the content: * Goal and Scope Definition * Life Cycle Inventory Analysis * Life Cycle Impact Assessment * Interpretation, Reporting and Critical Review * From LCA to Sustainability Assessment and more.

This book discusses the phase “Interpretation” in an outstanding way. According to the opinio communis within the LCA community, “Interpretation” is classified as fourth phase of the LCA framework. However, referring to ISO 14040, this book defines “Interpretation” according to its function in the LCA framework, and this means that “Interpretation has a much broader influence than generally accepted. It overarches goal and scope, inventory analysis and impact assessment. Conclusions are drawn from the results of the inventory and the impact assessment, and recommendations refer to the objective of the study, the goal and scope phase. Likewise to be considered are the defined framework conditions, the reasons for carrying out the study as well as the context of the intended applications and the target groups of the results). A second highlight of this book concerns “Interpretation” as discussed in conjunction with Critical Review and Reporting, which is an outstanding approach. The relationship between interpretation and critical review can be seen in the fact that interpretation is a kind of structured preparation of a critical review; in practice, the performance of a critical review can be made much easier if the preparers of a life cycle assessment study very carefully follow the requirements that are specifically placed on the interpretation. Because the critical review is the independent quality control of an LCA, the results improve the credibility of reporting. The critical review helps to avoid text weaknesses and potential misunderstandings because these aspects will easier be realized by independent readers from different viewpoints. The reviewers thus also represent the first readership of a study and can help to ensure that the specific requirements for good and clear reporting of life cycle assessments are met. Sound reporting needs clear conclusions.

This book describes the importance of the goal and scope phase for the entire LCA study. In this first phase of the LCA framework (ISO standardized), the purpose of the assessment is defined and decisions are made about the details of the industrial system being studied and how the study will be conducted. Selecting impact categories, category indicators, characterization models, and peer review is decided during goal and scope definition. The book provides practical guidance and an overview of LCIA methods available in LCA software. Although not specified in the ISO standards, Attributional LCA and Consequential LCA are presented in order to appropriately determine the goal and scope of an assessment. The book closes with the interconnection between goal and scope definition and the interpretation phase. Example goal and scope documents for attributional and consequential LCAs are provided in the annexes.

This open access book provides insight into the implementation of Life Cycle approaches along the entire business value chain, supporting environmental, social and economic sustainability related to the development of industrial technologies, products, services and policies; and the development and management of smart agricultural systems, smart mobility systems, urban infrastructures and energy for the built environment. The book is based on papers presented at the 8th International Life Cycle Management Conference that took place from September 3-6, 2017 in Luxembourg, and which was organized by the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) and the University of Luxembourg in the framework of the LCM Conference Series.

This book discusses the phase "Interpretation" in an outstanding way. According to the opinio communis within the LCA community, "Interpretation" is classified as fourth phase of the LCA framework. However, referring to ISO 14040, this book defines "Interpretation" according to its function in the LCA framework, and this means that "Interpretation has a much broader influence than generally accepted. It overarches goal and scope, inventory analysis and impact assessment. Conclusions are drawn from the results of the inventory and the impact assessment, and recommendations refer to the objective of the study, the goal and scope phase. Likewise to be considered are the defined framework conditions, the reasons for carrying out the study as well as the context of the intended applications and the target groups of the results). A second highlight of this book concerns "Interpretation" as discussed in conjunction with Critical Review and Reporting, which is an outstandingapproach. The relationship between interpretation and critical review can be seen in the fact that interpretation is a kind of structured preparation of a critical review; in practice, the performance of a critical review can be made much easier if the preparers of a life cycle assessment study very carefully follow the requirements that are specifically placed on the interpretation. Because the critical review is the independent quality control of an LCA, the results improve the credibility of reporting. The critical review helps to avoid text weaknesses and potential misunderstandings because these aspects will easier be realized by independent readers from different viewpoints. The reviewers thus also represent the first readership of a study and can help to ensure that the specific requirements for good and clear reporting of life cycle assessments are met. Sound reporting needs clear conclusions.

Life Cycle Assessment

Environmental Life Cycle Assessment is a pivotal guide to identifying environmental problems and reducing related impacts for companies and organizations in need of life cycle assessment (LCA). LCA, a unique sustainability tool, provides a framework that addresses a growing demand for practical technological solutions. Detailing each phase of the LCA methodology, this textbook covers the historical development of LCA, presents the general principles and characteristics of LCA, and outlines the corresponding standards for good practice determined by the International Organization for Standardization. It also explains how to identify the critical aspects of an LCA, provides detailed examples of LCA analysis and applications, and includes illustrated problems and solutions with concrete examples from water management, electronics, packaging, automotive, and other industries. In addition, readers will learn how to: Use consistent criteria to realize and evaluate an LCA independently of individual interests Understand the LCA methodology and become familiar with existing databases and methods based on the latest results of international research Analyze and critique a completed LCA Apply LCA methodology to simple case studies Geared toward graduate and undergraduate students studying environmental science and industrial ecology, as well as practicing environmental engineers, and sustainability professionals who want to teach themselves LCA good practices, Environmental Life Cycle Assessment demonstrates how to conduct environmental assessments for products throughout their life cycles. It presents existing methods and recent developments in the growing field of LCA and systematically covers goal and system definition, life cycle inventory, life cycle impact assessment, and interpretation.