Life Cycle Assessment as an Eco-Management Tool within the Power Industry

Abstract

The following paper presents how life cycle assessment (LCA) helps toestablish the environmental impact of energy production of three Polishpower plants. Ecological differences between discussed power plants aswell as reasons for such differences have also been pointed out. Thecalculations were based on the assessment procedure of Eco-indicator 99,which allows for the presentation of the impact results with respect tothree damage categories. The study also determines actions which, ifundertaken, will reduce the negative environmental impact of energyproduction. Even though coal-fired energy production is ecologicallyharmful, implementation of modem technologies allows for reduction ofraw material consumption and limits greenhouse gas emissions.