Sustainability

&

Life Cycle Approach

A Scientific Way to Look at

Going Green!

Life Cycle Thinking: CASE STUDY

RESULT : Same for both students

CASE I : Studies Regularly CASE II :Studies one night before exam

What does it mean to be Green?? What is Sustainability??

What does it mean to be Green?? What is Sustainability??

What does it mean to be Green?? What is Sustainability??

What does it mean to be Green?? What is Sustainability??

What does it mean to be Green?? What is Sustainability??

Sustainability

United Nations World Commission on Environment and Development (1987) Sustainable Development definition:

“… development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own

needs.”

Basis: 50,000 Lighting hour

7 times Increase of CO2 in Last 50 years

Being Green is Trendy . . . . . . . . . . .What Does Science Say?

• Industry is looking for ways to green their products and manufacturing processes.

• Individuals and Families are looking to green their homes and lifestyles.

• How can you tell if something really is green??

• What is currently happening to achieve this goal?

• Scientists perform a Life Cycle Analysis

www.scienceinthebox.com

e Book V/S Paper Book

Which is more green ??How & Why?

Life Cycle Approach

Taking account of the environmental, social, economic impacts of a product over its entire life cycle

www.davidreport.com

Course Of Action

Definition:

“Compilation and evaluation of the inputs, outputs and the potential environmental impacts of a product system throughout its life cycle”

This establishes an environmental profile of the system!

WHAT CAN BE DONE WITH LCA?

1.Product or project development and improvement2.Strategic planning3.Public policy making4.Marketing and eco-declarations

www.davidreport.com

Items To Consider??

Inputs

What is needed to make the substance!

1. Energy

2. Materials

3. Labor

Outputs

What comes out of the system!

1. Products (electricity, materials, goods, services)

2. Waste

3. Emissions

4. Co-products

Case Study : LCA of a T-Shirt

Answer..

LCA in Action: Think About It!Paper Plate vs. China (Plate You Wash & Reuse)

What is the function?

What is the functional unit?

What materials & resources are used?

What does it take to produce both?

What are the impacts to the environment?

Is there waste?

Does washing the China produce waste?

What types of data do you need?

How do you know

which is better?