Product life cycle assessment (PLCA) and product carbon footprint (PCF)

Abstract

Ecodesign, an integration of environmental aspects into product design, requires identification of significant parameters of a product in its entire life cycle. Significant parameters are processes, materials, parts, activities, and life cycle stages that contribute significantly (e.g., >1%) to the total impact of a product. Product life cycle assessment (PLCA) is a tool that enables quantification of the input and output from the processes and activities of a product, assessment of their potential impact on the environment, and then identification of significant parameters. PLCA has two major applications: the identification of significant parameters and the development of the environmental profile of a product. Significant parameters can be used for clarifying the environmental needs for Ecodesign, while environmental profile for assessing the Ecodesign results or eco-product and environmental communication of the eco-product. Product carbon footprint (PCF) is one of the most visible applications of the product's environmental profile by communicating to the market only the data related to greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions. Practical guidance and relevant examples related to the topics such as product modeling, data collection and processing, data compiling, calculation of the life cycle impact, identifying significant parameters, and development of an environmental and carbon profile are given in this chapter to aid understanding of the PLCA and PCF.