A METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH FOR INTRODUCING
STOCHASTIC FACTORS IN INDUSTRIAL LIFE CYCLE ANALYSIS
Agostino G. Bruzzone, Simone Viazzo
MISS DIP University of Genoa
Via Opera Pia 15, 16145 Genoa, Italy
agostino@itim.unige.it, viazzo@itim.unige.it
st.itim.unige.it
Marina Massei
Liophant Simulation
Via Molinero 1 - 17100 Savona, Italy
marina.massei@liophant.org
www.liophant.org
ABSTRACT
The authors propose the development of a new
methodology that integrates M&S (Modelling &
Simulation) in Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle
Cost Analysis to experiment these approaches in
industrial applications for estimating and validating their
efficiency. This paper focuses on developing of an
approach in creating models for estimating efficiency and
net costs in order to quantify environmental and
economic performance of industrial systems.
INTRODUCTION
The environmental performance of products and
processes has become a key issue: some companies are
investigating ways to minimise their effects on the
environment. Many companies have found it
advantageous to explore ways of moving beyond
compliance using pollution prevention strategies and
environmental management systems to improve their
environmental performance. One such tool is called life
cycle assessment (LCA). This concept considers the
entire life cycle of a product.
LCA is a technique for assessing all the inputs and
outputs of a product, process, or service (Life Cycle
Inventory); assessing the associated wastes, human health
and ecological burdens (Impact Assessment); and
interpreting and communicating the results of the
assessment (Life Cycle Interpretation) throughout the life
cycle of the products or processes under review.
The term "life cycle" refers to the major activities in the
course of the product's life span from its manufacture,
use, maintenance, and final disposal; including the raw
material acquisition required manufacturing the product.
By performing an LCA, researchers can:
· Develop a systematic evaluation of the
environmental consequences associated with a given
product.
· Analyse the environmental trade-offs associated with
one or more specific products/processes to help gain
stakeholder (state, community, etc.) acceptance for a
planned action.
· Quantify environmental releases to air, water, and
land in relation to each life cycle stage and/or major
contributing process.
· Assist in identifying significant shifts in
environmental impacts between life cycle stages and
environmental media.
· Assess the human and ecological effects of material
consumption and environmental releases to the local
community, region, and world.
· Compare the health and ecological impacts between
two or more rival products/processes or identify the
impacts of a specific product or process.
· Identify impacts to one or more specific
environmental areas of concern.
· Identify limitations of Conducting an LCA
.....