Product life cycle assessment - framework
Student name: Ms Naveenta
Guide: Ms Akshima Tejas Ghate
Year of completion: 2010
Host Organisation: Wipro Technologies
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Mr Sanjeev Ramakrishnan and Mr Sandeep Gopinathan
Abstract: Purpose – This report aims to make a framework covering definations, methodologies and different approaches to carry out Product Life Cycle Assessment. This includes the framework for each step of product life cycle assessment. The framework for the goal and scope definition related to LCA for a manufacturer (Boundary definition related to functions and processes a product undergoes). An inventory assessment methodology for measuring the inputs (in the form of energy, resources, etc.) And the outputs (in the form of Emissions, Waste, etc.) at each stage of the lifecycle. An impact assessment framework for the inventory identified (assigning of weightages, rationalizing, etc.) To arrive at the overall impact in equivalent terms at each stage of the lifecycle. A reporting framework for defining the format in which a PLCA is typically reported, covering all the stages, stating the conclusions and recommendations, and also covering the assumptions and other relevant data used to arrive at the results.
This report also aims a review of IT enabled tools in the market to carryout LCA and remedial features in an IT tool for LCA that becomes a breakthrough in market.
Methodology/approach –The review of procedures and guidelines to carry out LCA provided by ISO standards and other guidelines. The review of various IT tools to compare the field. The review of methodologies available to carry Life Cycle Impact Assessment.
Findings – The framework developed is based on the ISO standards skeleton. It follows the guidelines of established institutes and organsizations like Environmental protection agency.
There is a wide diversity in the application of LCA. The application of LCA can be at various levels in an organization.
The IT tools available in the market for conducting LCA are in abundance. The comparitive study of popular tools are convergent around certain features that makes it the unique feature of the software.
Conclusions- development of a framework for each of the step of Product Life Cycle assessment
For an IT tool to be introduced in such a market, such features should be introduced in the tool, that makes would make it complete in itself and could provide versality, flexibility and uniqeness by introducing certain add on feature like LCC.
