Life Cycle Carbon Footprint Methodology - National Geographicimages.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/file/2009-Life-Cycle... · HE2009030002 National Geographic Society 10.01.09

HE2009030002 National Geographic Society 10.01.09

Final Report

Life Cycle Carbon Footprint National Geographic Magazine

(peer reviewed)

Prepared for National Geographic Society

by Harmony Environmental, LLC

Olathe, KS

October 1, 2009

Table of Contents

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TABLE OF CONTENTS TABLE OF CONTENTS ...............................................................................................................................................i

PREFACE.....................................................................................................................................................................vi

Limitations and Exceptions of Report ......................................................................................................................vi

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ..................................................................................................................................... ES-1

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................... ES-1

GOAL AND INTENDED USE .......................................................................................................................... ES-1

SCOPE AND BOUNDARIES ............................................................................................................................ ES-1

FUNCTIONAL UNIT ......................................................................................................................................... ES-2

ENERGY RESULTS .......................................................................................................................................... ES-3

GHG EMISSIONS AND GWP RESULTS ........................................................................................................ ES-5

CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................................. ES-8

CHAPTER 1 .............................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

LIFE CYCLE CARBON FOOTPRINT METHODOLOGY .................................................................................... 1-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 1-1

GOAL .................................................................................................................................................................... 1-1

SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................................. 1-2

FUNCTIONAL UNIT ........................................................................................................................................... 1-2

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES .................................................................................................................................... 1-3

DATA REQUIREMENTS .................................................................................................................................... 1-4

Material Inputs and Outputs .............................................................................................................................. 1-5

Energy Requirements ........................................................................................................................................ 1-6

Environmental Emissions ................................................................................................................................. 1-7

ALLOCATION PROCEDURES .......................................................................................................................... 1-8

Coproduct Allocation ........................................................................................................................................ 1-8

Recycling Allocations ....................................................................................................................................... 1-9

LCIA METHODOLOGY ..................................................................................................................................... 1-9

Impacts Studied ................................................................................................................................................. 1-9

DATA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................... 1-10

Time-Related Coverage .................................................................................................................................. 1-10

Geographical Coverage ................................................................................................................................... 1-10

Technology Coverage ..................................................................................................................................... 1-11

Other Measures of Data Quality ..................................................................................................................... 1-11

ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS ............................................................................................................. 1-12

Geographic Scope ........................................................................................................................................... 1-12

End of Life Management ................................................................................................................................ 1-13

System Components Not Included .................................................................................................................. 1-15

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CRITICAL REVIEW .......................................................................................................................................... 1-16

CHAPTER 2 .............................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES and DATA REQUIREMENTS ...................................................................................... 2-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 2-1

SYSTEM COMPONENTS ................................................................................................................................... 2-1

DISTRIBUTION OF MAGAZINES TO CONSUMERS ..................................................................................... 2-2

Transport by the Printer .................................................................................................................................... 2-2

Transport by the United States Postal Service (USPS) ..................................................................................... 2-3

Transport by Newsstand Distributors ............................................................................................................... 2-4

Transport by Canadian Postal Service .............................................................................................................. 2-4

Surface Transport by Postal Services in Other Countries, excluding Canada ................................................... 2-5

END-OF-LIFE FOR MAGAZINES ..................................................................................................................... 2-5

CHAPTER 3 .............................................................................................................................................................. 3-1

LIFE CYCLE CARBON FOOTPRINT RESULTS .................................................................................................. 3-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. 3-1

GOAL AND INTENDED USE ............................................................................................................................ 3-1

SCOPE .................................................................................................................................................................. 3-1

FUNCTIONAL UNIT ........................................................................................................................................... 3-1

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES .................................................................................................................................... 3-2

ENERGY RESULTS ............................................................................................................................................ 3-2

Energy by Category .......................................................................................................................................... 3-2

Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy ........................................................................................................................... 3-4

Energy Profile ................................................................................................................................................... 3-4

GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS ..................................................................................................................... 3-6

GWP by Category ............................................................................................................................................. 3-7

GWP by Chemical ............................................................................................................................................ 3-8

GWP Results using Updated IPCC GWP Emission Factors ............................................................................. 3-9

GHG Protocol Categories ................................................................................................................................. 3-9

Biomass Carbon Dioxide Emissions ............................................................................................................... 3-12

GWP for Different Quantities of Magazines .................................................................................................. 3-13

SENSITIVITY ANALYSES ............................................................................................................................... 3-14

CONCLUSIONS ................................................................................................................................................. 3-15

APPENDIX A: SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT ....................................................... A-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ A-1

APPENDIX B: ... B-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. B-1

APPENDIX C: CHAPTER 3 RESULTS IN METRIC UNITS ............................................................................... C-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. C-1

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APPENDIX D: SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS FOR OPEN LOOP RECYCLING OF MAGAZINES .................... D-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................ D-1

APPENDIX E: PEER REVIEW COMMENTS ...................................................................................................... E-1

INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................. E-1

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LIST OF TABLES Table ES-1 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (pounds CO2-equiv) .................... ES-8 Table ES-1 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (kilograms CO2-equiv) ............... ES-9 Table 1-1 2008 National Geographic Shipments .................................................................................................1-11 Table 1-2 Data Quality Summary ........................................................................................................................1-12 Table 2-1 Weighted Average Ton-miles Shipped by Printer for 1,000 Pounds of Magazines ..............................2-3 Table 2-2 USPS Data for Delivering Periodicals to Consumers ...........................................................................2-4 Table 2-3 Magazine End of Life Management Estimates .....................................................................................2-8 Report Results Table 3-1 Energy Results by Category ..................................................................................................................3-3 Table 3-2 Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results ...................................................................................................3-5 Table 3-3 Energy Profile .......................................................................................................................................3-6 Table 3-4 Global Warming Potential by Category ................................................................................................3-8 Table 3-5 Global Warming Potential by Chemical .............................................................................................3-10 Table 3-6 Comparison of GWP Results using Different IPCC Estimates ...........................................................3-11 Table 3-7 Global Warming Potential by GHG Protocol Scope ...........................................................................3-12 Table 3-8 Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral) ..............................................................3-13 Table 3-9 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by process) .................................3-13 Table 3-10 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by GHG Protocol scope) ............3-14 End-of-L ife Sensitivity Summary Table A Magazine Disposal Sensitivity Analysis ................................................................................. A-2 Table A-1 Energy Results by Category ................................................................................................................. A-3 Table A-2 Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results .................................................................................................. A-4 Table A-3 Energy Profile ...................................................................................................................................... A-5 Table A-4 Global Warming Potential by Category ............................................................................................... A-6 Table A-5 Global Warming Potential by Chemical .............................................................................................. A-7 Table A-6 Comparison of GWP Results using Different IPCC Estimates ............................................................ A-8 Table A-7 Global Warming Potential by GHG Protocol Scope ............................................................................ A-9 Table A-8 Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral) ............................................................... A-9 Table A-9 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by process) ................................ A-10 Table A-10 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by GHG Protocol scope) ........... A-10 Electr icity G rid Sensitivity for Pulp/Paper M ill Summary Table B Pulp and Paper Mill Electricity Grid Sensitivity Analysis ....................................................... B-2 Table B-1 Energy Results by Category ................................................................................................................. B-3 Table B-2 Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results .................................................................................................. B-4 Table B-3 Energy Profile ...................................................................................................................................... B-5 Table B-4 Global Warming Potential by Category ............................................................................................... B-6 Table B-5 Global Warming Potential by Chemical .............................................................................................. B-7 Table B-6 Comparison of GWP Results using Different IPCC Estimates ............................................................ B-8 Table B-7 Global Warming Potential by GHG Protocol Scope ............................................................................ B-9 Table B-8 Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral) ............................................................... B-9 Table B-9 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by process) ................................ B-10 Table B-10 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by GHG Protocol scope) ........... B-10 Report Results in M etr ic Units Table C-1 Energy Results by Category ................................................................................................................. C-1 Table C-2 Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results .................................................................................................. C-2 Table C-3 Energy Profile ...................................................................................................................................... C-3

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Table C-4 Global Warming Potential by Category ............................................................................................... C-4 Table C-5 Global Warming Potential by Chemical .............................................................................................. C-5 Table C-6 Comparison of GWP Results using Different IPCC Estimates ............................................................ C-6 Table C-7 Global Warming Potential by GHG Protocol Scope ............................................................................ C-7 Table C-8 Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral) ............................................................... C-7 Table C-9 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by process) .................................. C-8 Table C-10 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by GHG Protocol scope) ............. C-8 Sensitivity Analysis of Open Loop Recycling of Postconsumer M agazines Summary Table D Sensitivity Analysis of Open Loop Recycling ......................................................................... D-3 Table D-1 Energy Results by Category ................................................................................................................. D-4 Table D-2 Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results .................................................................................................. D-5 Table D-3 Energy Profile ...................................................................................................................................... D-6 Table D-4 Global Warming Potential by Category ............................................................................................... D-7 Table D-5 Global Warming Potential by Chemical .............................................................................................. D-8 Table D-6 Comparison of GWP Results using Different IPCC Estimates ............................................................ D-9 Table D-7 Global Warming Potential by GHG Protocol Scope .......................................................................... D-10 Table D-8 Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral) ............................................................. D-10 Table D-9 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by process) ................................ D-11 Table D-10 Global Warming Potential for Different Quantities of Magazines (by GHG Protocol scope) ........... D-11 LIST OF FIGURES Figure ES-1 System Boundaries ........................................................................................................................... ES-2 Figure ES-2 Total Energy by Category ................................................................................................................ ES-3 Figure ES-3 Fossil and Non-fossil Energy ........................................................................................................... ES-4 Figure ES-4 Total Energy by Process ................................................................................................................... ES-5 Figure ES-5 Total GWP by Category ................................................................................................................... ES-6 Figure ES-6 Total GWP by Chemical ................................................................................................................... ES-7 Figure ES-7 Total GWP by Process ...................................................................................................................... ES-8 Figure 1-1 System Boundaries ............................................................................................................................... 1-4 Figure 1-2 Black Box Method for Developing LCI Data ...................................................................................... 1-5

Preface

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PREFACE This Life Cycle Carbon Footprint (LCCF) was conducted for National Geographic Society by Harmony Environmental, LLC. Franklin Associates, Ltd life cycle inventory models were used (with permission) to generate report results. The report incorporates results from a previous Franklin Associates, Ltd. cradle-to-gate carbon footprint of coated magazine paper. Descriptions of methodology reflect text written for the previous Franklin Associates, Ltd. study. Both studies were managed by Terrie Boguski, P.E., President of Harmony Environmental, LLC. Limitations and Exceptions of Report This report has been prepared following generally accepted life cycle assessment practices including consistency with the International Standards Organization (ISO) guidance for conducting LCI studies and with the WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard to the extent possible. Neither international, nor United States specific standards for conducting product carbon footprints currently exist. The conclusions presented in this report are professional opinions, based solely upon information obtained from others and interpretation of documents prepared by others. Neither Harmony Environmental, nor any employee of Harmony Environmental, LLC: (a) makes any warranty or representation whatsoever, express or implied, (i) with respect to the use of any information, method, process, or similar item disclosed in this document, including merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose or (ii) that this document is suitable to any particular user's circumstance; or (b) assumes responsibility for any damages or other liability whatsoever resulting from your selection or use of this document or any information, method, process, or similar item disclosed in this document.

Executive Summary


ES-1

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY INTRODUCTION

gas (GHG) emissions caused by a particular activity or entity. To calculate a carbon footprint, emission quantities of individual greenhouse gases (GHG) are converted to the measurement of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2 equivalents) using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) factors. This allows the potential effect on climate change from different activities to be evaluated on a common basis. In this study, the GHG emissions from each activity within the product system boundary are converted to CO2 equivalents and summed to calculate the carbon footprint of the life cycle of the National Geographic magazine. Product life cycle carbon footprints or greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories are increasingly being used to convey to customers and the public the potential contribution of a product to climate change, a global concern. Additionally, companies are using results of these studies to make operating, manufacturing, and supply chain decisions, as well as decisions for purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or carbon offsets. The results presented in this study quantify the total energy requirements, energy sources, and greenhouse gas emissions from combustion of fuel and emissions from other processes resulting from the life cycle of National Geographic magazines. GOAL AND INTENDED USE The results of this study will aid NGS in making decisions to reduce and/or offset GHG emissions associated with the life cycle of the magazine, as well as provide information that NGS may share with subscribers or other interested persons. The study is specific to the National Geographic Magazine, the magazine supply chain, and distribution of the magazine. The study does not make comparative assertions about other magazines or products. SCOPE AND BOUNDARIES The product system modeled is the life cycle of 1000 pounds of National Geographic magazines, beginning with raw material acquisition and ending with final disposal of magazines. Weighted averages for magazine weights, transport distances, and transport modes for the calendar year of 2008 are used to model the life cycl Energy use for building occupancy, pulp and paper mill, and printing data are for the calendar year of 2007. Coatings data and data for manufacture of recycled pulp are for the calendar year of 2006. Data from the supplier of the coated magazine paper and the printer are specific to the National Geographic magazine. Figure ES-1 is a simplified illustration of the boundaries and material flows for the system.

Executive Summary


ES-2

The use of 0%, 5% and 10% recycled fiber content in the coated magazine paper is evaluated in this study. Recycled fiber was modeled using the most favorable method for life cycle impacts. The unit processes for recycled fiber began with collection of post-consumer paper. No burdens from manufacturing of the original virgin paper were included. Open-loop recycling (allocating burdens between the virgin and recycled products) is an alternative, less favorable for the recycled product, allocation method. A sensitivity analysis was not performed on the allocation method for recycled fiber content because using the most favorable method did not significantly affect the study results for energy or GHG emissions when comparing 0% recycled fiber content to 10% recycled fiber content. The coated magazine paper currently contains about 5% recycled fiber.

W eighted average transport distances from the printer to newsstand or postal distribution is

790 miles by truck, 666 miles by rail, 704 miles by ship, 866 by air. The majority of magazines are transported by truck to newsstand or postal distribution facilities in the United States. FUNCTIONAL UNIT The reference flow for this study is 1000 pounds of National Geographic magazines produced and delivered to consumers. Results are first provided on this basis to allow users of the report to easily calculate results for different amounts of magazines and to also allow the National Geographic Society to estimate changes in results if the magazine paper basis weight is changed. The functional unit for the study is one magazine. An average magazine in 2008 weighed approximately 0.77 pounds. Global Warming Potential (GWP) results are also calculated for one million magazines and the 2008 annual production of magazines. As explained above, not all manufacturing data were collected for the calendar year of 2008. However, the most recent data available were used.

F igure ES-1. System Boundaries

DisposalConsumerUse/Reuse

NGS StaffEditorial Content Development and Advertising Sales

Printing

CoatedMagazine Paper Mill

Inks and Solvents

Distribution

Forestry/ Wood Harvest

Saw MillOperations

Chemicals Manufacture

(Digester, Bleaching, Coating)

Recovered Paper

Collection

Recycled Pulp Mill

closed-‐loop recycling

Magazine Recycling

Executive Summary


ES-3

ENERGY RESULTS Total energy (fossil and nonfossil) is reported in the units of million Btu for magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content. Total energy for magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content is 24.9, 24.6, and 24.3 million Btu, respectively. Differences in total energy for the magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content are not significant. Using 10% recycled fiber reduces energy by less than 2% compared to 0% recycled fiber content. Percent difference1 in energy results is not considered significant unless the difference is at least 10%. Figure ES-2 shows energy by the categories of process energy, transport energy, and energy of material resource (EMR). For each scenario, process energy is about 88% of the total energy. Transportation energy is about 10% and EMR is about 2% of total energy. The category of process energy includes energy for manufacturing processes, including precombustion energy (the energy required to extract and process raw materials into usable fuels). T ransportation energy is the energy used to move material from location to location during its journey from raw material to the next step in the manufacturing process, including precombustion energy. Energy of material resource (E M R) is not an expended energy but the

e fossil reserves and used as material inputs for materials such as fertilizers or chemicals. Use of fuel resources as a material input is a depletion of fuel resources just as the combustion of fuels for energy. (EMR is described in more detail in Chapter 1.)

1

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

0% recycled content

5% recycled content

10% recycled content

Million Btu

Figure ES-‐2. Total Energy by Category(per 1000 pounds of magazines)

EMR

Transport

Process

Executive Summary


ES-4

Figure ES-3 shows total energy by fossil and non-fossil fuel. Fossil fuels are natural gas, petroleum and coal used for direct combustion as process and transportation fuels and to produce electricity. Wood-derived energy is a non-fossil source used in pulp and paper mills when wood wastes are used for fuel. Other non-fossil sources are hydropower, nuclear and other (geothermal, wind, etc.) energy sources used to produce purchased electricity. For each scenario, fossil fuels account for about 53% of the total energy use for the life cycle of the magazines.

Figure ES-4 shows total energy by major process steps. Cradle-to-gate energy for coated magazine paper is about 79% of the total energy for each scenario. This is the summed energy for forestry operations and harvesting trees through producing and delivering coated magazine paper to the printer. Printing operations, solvents manufacture, and transportation by the printer make up another 17% of the total energy. The remaining 4% is due to manufacture of pallets and plastic packaging; transport of magazines by the USPS and other carriers; NGS operations (space conditioning and lights for buildings and travel attributed to content development and advertising); collection of magazines as part of municipal solid waste and landfill operations; and a combustion credit of about -1% of the total. The energy credit is for waste-to-energy combustion of a portion of the magazines that end up in municipal solid waste.

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

0% recycled content

5% recycled content


Million Btu

Figure ES-‐3. Fossil and Non-‐Fossil Energy(per 1000 pounds of magazines)

Non-‐Fossil

Fossil

Executive Summary


ES-5

GHG EMISSIONS AND GWP RESULTS

Life cycle GHG emissions are converted to global warming potential (GWP) and reported in units of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-equiv) in Figures ES-5 through ES-7. Total GWP includes GHG emissions from:

combustion of fuels directly consumed in process and transportation steps, combustion of fuels and transmission losses to produce and deliver purchased electricity, precombustion GHG emissions (the GHG emissions from extraction and processing of

fuels used for process energy and transportation energy), and GHG emissions from unit processes that emit non-fuel related GHGs.

GWP is reported in the units of CO2-equiv for magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content. Total GWP for magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content is 2384, 2370, and 2357 pounds CO2-equiv, respectively. Differences in total GWP for the magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content are not significant. Using 10% recycled fiber reduces GWP by about 1% compared to 0% recycled fiber content. Percent difference2 in emission results is not considered significant unless the difference is at least 25%. Figure ES-5 shows GWP results by the categories of process, fuel, and self-reported. For each scenario, fuel-related GWP is about 90% of the total GWP. Self-reported GWP is 8% to 9% of total GWP. Process GWP is about 1% of total GWP. Process GWP is calculated from emissions directly from processes, such as carbon dioxide emissions from the conversion of make-up calcium carbonate to lime in lime kilns at 2 The percent difference between system results is calculated as the difference between the

0.0

5.0

10.0

15.0

20.0

25.0

30.0

0% recycled content 5% recycled content 10% recycled content

Million Btu

Figure ES-‐4. Total Energy by Process(per 1000 pounds of magazines)

Other

Printing

Paper

Executive Summary


ES-6

pulp and paper mills. Fuel-related GWP is from combustion of fuels to operate equipment, generate purchased electricity, or to extract and process raw materials into useable fuels (precombustion). Self-reported GWP refers to the cradle-to-gate GWP for coatings reported to the paper mill by coating suppliers. Also, the GWP for hotel stays by NGS personnel to develop content for the magazine are labe - 2-equiv is reported directly using calculators provided by 3 different hotel chains, without any review of the underlying data sources for those calculators by the analysts for this study.

Figure ES-6 shows total GWP by type of greenhouse gas emitted. These are fossil fuel-derived carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and different types of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) used as refrigerants. Non-fossil carbon dioxide emissions, such as those from the burning of wood wastes, are considered part of the natural carbon cycle and are not considered a net contributor to global warming. The 100-year global warming potential (GWP) for carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, as reported in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1996 report3, are: 1, 21, and 310, respectively. GWP varies from 1300 to 3500 for the different HFCs. Fossil carbon dioxide is the GHG that contributes the most to the GWP for each scenario. Carbon dioxide GWP is about 75% of total GWP in each case. Methane contributes about 14%, nitrous oxide contributes about 2%, and HFCs contribute less than 1% of total GWP. Self-reported GWP contributes 8% to 9% of the total GWP. Self-reported GWP is believed to be primarily fossil carbon dioxide from combustion of fuels. Self-reported GWP is explained above as the carbon dioxide equivalents reported by coating manufacturers and by calculators for hotel stays.

3 IPCC Second Assessment Report: Climate Change 1995.

0.0

500.0

1000.0

1500.0

2000.0

2500.0

3000.0

0% recycled content

5% recycled content


CO2-‐eq

uiv

Figure ES-‐5. Total GWP by Category(per 1000 pounds of magazines)

Self-‐Reported

Fuel

Process

Executive Summary


ES-7

Figure ES-7 shows total GWP by major process steps. Cradle-to-gate GWP for coated magazine paper is about 70% of the total GWP for each scenario. This is the summed GHG emissions (converted to carbon dioxide equivalents) for forestry operations and harvesting trees through producing and delivering coated magazine paper to the printer. Printing operations, solvents manufacture for inks, and transportation by the printer account for about 26% of the total GWP. The remaining 4% of the total GWP is from transport of magazines by USPS and other carriers; manufacture of pallets and plastic packaging; NGS operations (space conditioning and lights for buildings and travel attributed to content development and advertising); municipal solid waste collection and landfill equipment; and an end-of-life management credit of about -2% of the total GWP. The credit for end-of-life management is due to the sequestering of carbon by disposal of coated magazine paper into landfills. When measured as potential GWP, more carbon is sequestered than is released as methane gas from the degradable portion of the magazines. End-of-life management is discussed in more detail in Chapter 1.

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

0% recycled content

5% recycled content


CO2-‐eq

uiv

Figure ES-‐6. Total GWP by Chemical(per 1000 pounds of magazines)

Self-‐Reported

HFCs

Nitrous Oxide

Methane

Fossil CO2

Executive Summary


ES-8

CONCLUSIONS As shown in Table ES-1, the life cycle of the National Geographic Magazine produces about 1.8 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per average magazine, 1.8 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per 1 million magazines, and 142 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents for the 2008 annual production. Table ES-2 gives the same information in metric units of kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents. The amount of GHG emissions per each magazine produced is about the same amount of GHG emissions produced by driving an automobile (at 20 mpg) about 2 miles.

0

500

1000

1500

2000

2500

3000

0% recycled content

5% recycled content


CO2-‐eq

uiv

Figure ES-‐7. Total GWP by Process(per 1000 pounds of magazines)

Other

Printing

Paper

Life Cycle StepsOne

M agazineOne M illion M agazines

Annual Production

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 0.01 7,620 595,476Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 0.01 13,826 1,080,425Scope 3 (Other) 1.80 1,797,367 140,451,131 T O T A L 1.82 1,818,814 142,127,032

Table ES-1. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)

Executive Summary


ES-9

Total GWP results have an estimated uncertainty of plus or minus 25%. This means that it is likely that other LCI practitioners, using the same data sources to do the same study, would find that the life cycle of the National Geographic magazine produces between 1.4 to 2.3 pounds (0.6 to 1.0 kg) of carbon dioxide equivalents per magazine.

Life Cycle StepsOne


Annual Production

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 0.0035 3,456 270,057Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 0.0063 6,270 489,989Scope 3 (Other) 0.82 815,133 63,696,658 T O T A L 0.82 824,859 64,456,704

Source: Harmony Environmental, LLC

(kilograms of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents) Table ES-2. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines

Life Cycle Carbon Footprint Methodology

HE2009030002 National Geographic Society 10.01.09 1-1

CHAPTER 1

LIFE CYCLE CARBON FOOTPRINT METHODOLOGY INTRODUCTION

gas (GHG) emissions caused by a particular activity or entity. To calculate a carbon footprint, emission quantities of individual greenhouse gases (GHG) are converted to the measurement of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2 equivalents) using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) factors. This allows the potential effect on climate change from different activities to be evaluated on a common basis. In this study, the GHG emissions from each activity within the product system boundary are converted to CO2 equivalents and summed to calculate the carbon footprint of the life cycle of the National Geographic magazine. Product life cycle carbon footprints or GHG inventories are increasingly being used to convey to customers and the public the potential contribution of a product to climate change, a global concern. Additionally, companies are using results of these studies to make operating, manufacturing, and supply chain decisions, as well as decisions for purchasing renewable energy certificates (RECs) or carbon offsets. There are currently no national or international standards for conducting product life cycle greenhouse gas inventories. However, The World Resource Institute (WRI) is leading an effort to provide standards. This study follows ISO Standards for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)4 and also takes direction from the EPA Climate Leaders5 program and the WRI GHG Protocol Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard.6 GOAL This study is being conducted for National Geographic Society (NGS) to estimate the carbon footprint or life cycle GHG emissions of the National Geographic Magazine (the magazine). NGS is committed to reducing its impact on the climate. The results of this study will aid NGS in making decisions to reduce and/or offset GHG emissions associated with the life cycle of the magazine. Furthermore, the study will provide information that NGS may share with subscribers or other interested persons. 4 International Standards Organization. ISO 14040:2006 Environmental management Life cycle assessmentPrinciples and framework, ISO 14044:2006, Environmental management Life cycle assessment Requirements and guidelines. 5 United States Environmental Protection Agency. Climate Leaders Technical Resources. http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/resources/index.html March 2009. 6 The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition). World Business Council for Sustainable Development/World Resources Institute. 2001

http://www.epa.gov/climateleaders/resources/index.html



The study is specific to the National Geographic Magazine, the magazine supply chain, and distribution of the magazine. The study does not make comparative assertions about other magazines or products. SCOPE The product system modeled is 1000 pounds of average National Geographic magazines produced and delivered to the average consumer. Consumers receive magazines by delivery through a postal service or by purchasing at newsstands. The weighted average of monthly magazines produced in 2008 and delivered by different transport methods to different regions of the United States, Canada, and other countries are used to calculate a final life cycle carbon footprint result for the magazine. If one were to follow the precise production and delivery route of each individual magazine produced and delivered in 2008, there would be variations in magazine weight, delivery paths, transport modes, vehicle fuel efficiency, etc. Magazine weight varies with the number of pages per issue. Also, magazine weight for foreign distribution is slightly different than the magazine weight for domestic distribution. The results presented in this study are average values for an annual time period. Data used for the study were the most recent data available. Energy use for building occupancy for content development and advertising by NGS, pulp and paper mill, and printing data are for the calendar year of 2007. Coatings data and data for manufacture of recycled pulp are for the calendar year of 2006.

The use of 0%, 5% and 10% recycled fiber content in the coated magazine paper is evaluated in this study. Recycled fiber was modeled using the most favorable method for life cycle impacts from including recycled fiber. The unit processes for recycled fiber began with collection of post-consumer paper. No burdens from manufacturing of the virgin paper were included. Open-loop recycling (allocating burdens between the virgin and recycled products) is an alternative, less favorable for the recycled product, allocation method. A sensitivity analysis was not performed on the allocation method for recycled fiber content because using the most favorable method did not significantly affect the study results for energy or GHG emissions when comparing 0% recycled fiber content to 10% recycled fiber content. FUNCTIONAL UNIT In LCI studies, the functional unit is the reference unit that quantifies the performance of the product system. The functional unit for this study is one average magazine. Results are also presented for one million magazines and for the 2008 production of magazines to provide additional information for the National Geographic Society. The reference flow for the study is 1000 pounds of National Geographic magazines produced and delivered to consumers. The LCI models are based on this reference flow and results are provided on the basis of 1,000 pounds of magazines to allow the National Geographic Society to easily estimate results if the basis weight of the magazine paper is changed.



An average magazine in 2008 weighed approximately 0.77 pounds. All material inputs, energy, and emissions for the system are related to the functional unit of the system. As explained above, not all data collected were for the calendar year of 2008. The most recent data available were used for the study. SYSTEM BOUNDARIES The system studied is a cradle-to-grave life cycle inventory (LCI), beginning with the management and harvest of wood from forests and ending with long term storage, recycling, or disposal of the magazine after use by the consumer. Figure 1-1 is a simplified illustration of the boundaries and material flows for the system.

The wood used to manufacture the coated magazine paper is acquired from managed forests. It was assumed that current land use is static and that there is no additional sequestration of carbon or reduction in carbon sequestration due to forestry to produce wood for this product. Processes and steps included within the life cycle boundaries of the magazine system are listed below:

Cradle-to-Gate manufacture of coated magazine paper includes the following: o planting trees and managing forests (generic forestry data from NREL LCI

database for the quantity of wood used)transportation of wood to sawmills (purchased wood chips) and to the paper mill for chipping

o manufacture of several chemicals used in the paper mill for digesting wood to create pulp, bleaching the pulp, and coating the paper (such as but not limited to, sodium hydroxide, granular lime, sulfuric acid, latex, clay, titanium dioxide, starch, and calcium carbonate)

o transport of chemicals to the paper mill o collection and transport of postconsumer and post industrial paper for the

manufacture of recycled pulp o manufacture of chemicals used to make recycled pulp and transport of

these chemicals to the recycled pulp recovery mill o shredding, pulping, deinking, drying of recovered paper to make recycled

pulp o transport of recycled pulp to the paper mill for making magazine paper o pulp and paper manufacture and paper coating operations o transport of the coated magazine paper to the printer

Cradle-to-gate manufacture of Kraft paperboard cores and Kraft paper roll wrappers to package rolls of paper sent to the printer

Magazine printing operations Manufacture of ink components (solvents used in the manufacture of ink) National Geographic operations to create magazine content

o Energy and emissions for buildings



Transportation and hotel stays for NGS staff for editorial content development and staff advertising sales.

Distribution of finished magazines o Transport by the printer to drop off locations or United States Postal

Service (USPS) Sectional Center Facilities (SCF). See Table 2-1. o Transport by USPS to consumers o Transport by postal services in other countries to consumers

End-of-Life management activities o Removal from the waste stream (personal and institutional archives,

recycling programs, informal recycling, i.e. scavenging in some countries) o Landfill or Waste-to-Energy incineration disposal

F igure 1-1: System Boundaries

DATA REQUIREMENTS The system boundaries determine what data are required for the study. Materials flows, energy inputs, and non-fuel GHG emissions were determined for each of the subsystems listed above. Emission factors for fuels were used to calculate the GHG emissions from fuel combustion. Emission factors in the Franklin Associates LCI template for LCI models are published in the online, publicly available NREL LCI database (http://www.nrel.gov/lci/) for most fuels. Franklin

DisposalConsumerUse/Reuse

NGS StaffEditorial Content Development and Advertising Sales

Printing

CoatedMagazine Paper Mill

Inks and Solvents

Distribution

Forestry/ Wood Harvest

Saw MillOperations

Chemicals Manufacture

(Digester, Bleaching, Coating)

Recovered Paper

Collection

Recycled Pulp Mill

closed-‐loop recycling

Magazine Recycling

http://www.nrel.gov/lci/



Associates recently updated some of their fuel emission factors with emission factors published in the publicly available Argonne National Laboratory GREET software, version 1.8 (http://www.transportation.anl.gov/modeling_simulation/GREET/index.html). Data for fuels used to generate electricity in different regions of the United States were obtained from The Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) (http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/egrid/faq.html). Figure 1-2 illustrates the basic approach to data development for each major process in an LCI. This approach provides the essential building blocks of data used to construct a complete materials, energy, and emissions input/output profile for the entire life cycle of a product. Using this approach, each individual process included in the study is examined as a closed system, or

rocess outputs associated with that particular process. Resource inputs accounted for in the LCI include raw materials and energy use, while process outputs accounted for include products manufactured and environmental emissions to land, air, and water.

F igure 1-2: Black Box Method for Developing L C I Data

Material Inputs and Outputs A material balance is performed for each individual process. This analysis identifies and quantifies the input raw materials required per standard unit of output, such as 1000 pounds, for each individual process included in the LCI. The purpose of the material balance is to determine the appropriate weight factors used in calculating the total energy requirements and environmental emissions associated with each process studied. Energy requirements and environmental emissions are determined for each process and expressed in terms of the standard unit of output. Once the detailed material balance has been established for a standard unit of output for each process included in the LCI, a comprehensive material balance for the entire life cycle of the product system is constructed. The quantities of materials required from each individual process needed to produce the functional unit of the system under study (1 magazine for this

Process or Activity

Material 1

Material 2

Material 3

Product

Co-‐products

By-‐products

Energy Inputs

Air Emissions

Water Emissions

Solid Wastes

http://www.transportation.anl.gov/modeling_simulation/GREET/index.html

http://www.epa.gov/cleanenergy/energy-resources/egrid/faq.html



study) are determined. It is typically illustrated as a flow chart, such as Figure 1-1. Data must be gathered for each process shown in the flow diagram, and the weight relationships of inputs and outputs for the various processes must be developed. Energy Requirements The average energy requirements for each individual process identified in the LCI are first quantified in terms of fuel or electricity units, such as cubic feet of natural gas, gallons of diesel fuel, or kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity. The fuels used to transport raw materials to each process are included as a part of the LCI energy requirements. Transportation energy requirements for each step in the life cycle are typically developed in the conventional units of ton-miles by each transport mode (e.g. truck, rail, barge, etc.). Government statistical data for the average efficiency of each transportation mode are used to convert from ton-miles to fuel consumption. For some processes, actual fuel use per unit of product shipped is available and used in the LCI model instead of ton-miles. This is believed to be more accurate information. Once the fuel consumption for each industrial process and transportation step is quantified, the fuel units are converted from their original units to an equivalent Btu value based on standard conversion factors. The conversion factors have been developed to account for the energy required to extract, transport, and process the fuels and to account for the energy content of the fuels. The energy to extract, transport, and process fuels into a usable form is labeled precombustion energy. For electricity, precombustion energy calculations include adjustments for the average efficiency of conversion of fuel to electricity and for transmission and distribution losses in power lines based on national averages. Precombustion energy results in emissions attributable to the life cycle of the product. The LCI methodology assigns a fuel-energy equivalent to raw materials that are derived from fossil fuels. Therefore, the total energy requirement for coal, natural gas, or petroleum based materials includes the fuel-energy of the raw material (called energy of material resource or inherent energy). In this study, this applies to the crude oil, natural gas, or coal used to produce fertilizers and some chemicals. No fuel-energy equivalent is assigned to combustible materials, such as wood used to make paper, that are not major fuel sources in North America. Since this study is focused on greenhouse gas emissions, some energy of material resource may be missing due to coatings suppliers self-reporting CO2-equivalents, without reporting the associated resources or energy use. The Btu values for fuels and electricity consumed in each industrial process are summed and categorized into an energy profile according to the seven basic energy sources listed below:

Natural gas Petroleum



Coal Nuclear Hydropower Wood Other

s sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Also included in the LCI energy profile are the Btu values for all transportation steps and all fossil fuel-derived raw materials. Energy results are provided in Chapter 3. Environmental Emissions In a typical LCI study, environmental emissions are categorized as atmospheric emissions, waterborne emissions, or solid wastes. The LCI emissions represent discharges into the environment after the effluents pass through existing emission control devices. For this life cycle carbon footprint, only the GHG emissions are included. No other atmospheric, waterborne, or solid wastes are included in the study. Similar to energy, GHG emissions associated with extracting petroleum and natural gas from the earth and processing fuels into usable forms are also included in the inventory. When it is not possible to obtain actual industry emissions data, published emissions factors are used as the basis for determining environmental emissions. This is the case for carbon dioxide emissions related to fuel use for every process. Carbon dioxide has not yet been regulated and is typically not measured by manufacturing facilities.

The GHG emissions in this report are converted to carbon dioxide equivalents and totaled, following common life cycle impact assessment methodology. The three most prevalent GHGs reported in this study are fossil fuel-derived carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. In addition to these, small quantities of uncontrolled releases of refrigerants (HFCs) are reported. Non-fossil carbon dioxide emissions, such as those from the burning of wood wastes, are considered part of the natural carbon cycle and are not considered a net contributor to global warming because carbon dioxide taken up by the biomass during its growth cycle is being returned to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide so there is no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. The 100-year Global Warming Potential (GWP) for GHGs in this study, as reported in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1996 report7, are: fossil carbon dioxide (1), methane (21), nitrous oxide (310), HFCs (1300 to 3500, depending on the type of HFC). This is the basis for calculating GWP from GHG emissions in this study.

Subsequent reports by IPCC have modified GWP estimates, but the 1996 values are commonly used because they are written into the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) treaty and the Kyoto Protocol. The GHG Protocol recommends

7 IPCC Second Assessment Report: Climate Change 1996.



using these values. The values for the IPCC 2001 report8 are: fossil carbon dioxide (1), methane (23), and nitrous oxide (296). The values for the IPCC 2007 report9 are: fossil carbon dioxide (1), methane (25), and nitrous oxide (298). The global warming potential (GWP) represents the relative global warming contribution of a pound of a particular greenhouse gas compared to a pound of carbon dioxide. The weight of each greenhouse gas is multiplied by its GWP to arrive at the total GWP.

ALLOCATION PROCEDURES Coproduct Allocation

One unique feature of life cycle inventories is that the quantification of inputs and outputs are related to a specific amount of product from a process. However, it is sometimes difficult or impossible to identify which inputs and outputs are associated with individual products of interest resulting from a single process (or process sequence) that produces multiple useful products. The practice of allocating inputs and outputs among multiple products from a process

10 11.

Coproduct credit is done out of necessity when raw materials, energy use, and emissions cannot be directly attributed to one of several product outputs from a system. It has long been recognized that the practice of giving coproduct credit is less desirable than being able to identify which inputs lead to particular outputs. But, it is necessary where direct measurement is not possible.

Harmony Environmental and Franklin Associates follow the guidelines for allocating coproduct credit shown in the ISO 14040 series. In the ISO 14040 series, the preferred hierarchy for handling allocation is (1) use sub-process modeling or other techniques to avoid allocation where possible, (2) allocate flows based on direct physical relationships to product outputs, (3) use some other relationship between elementary flows and product output. For example, one may use the relationship between the mass of the product of interest and the mass of all products. No single allocation method is suitable for every scenario. How product allocation is made will vary from one unit process to another but the choice of parameter is not arbitrary. ISO 14044 section

Allocation procedures should therefore approximate as much as possible such fundamental

For this study, coproduct allocation for sawmill operations is based on the mass of total

product shipped. The product of interest for magazine paper is the wood chips used for 8 IPCC Third Assessment Report: Climate Change 2001. 9 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007. 10

Chapter of Environmental Life-Cycle Assessment. Mary Ann Curran, editor. McGraw-Hill. 1996. 11 Boustead, Ian. Eco-balance M ethodology for Commodity Thermoplastics. A report for The Centre for

Plastics in the Environment (PWMI). Brussels, Belgium. December, 1992.



papermaking. Wood chips are treated as a coproduct with lumber. Coproduct allocation for different types of pulp or paper product made at the paper mill is based on the mass of total product output from different processes within the mill. Nationprovided detailed energy and emissions data for mill operations and made engineering estimates to assist with coproduct allocation for the paper mill. Recycling Allocations At the paper mill, paper waste (broke) is recycled internally within the mill. This is closed-loop recycling and the energy and emissions from the mill for a ton of finished paper reflect the closed-loop recycling occurring at the mill. The printing facility creates paper waste that is returned to paper mills for recycling. This is also counted as closed-loop recycling because it continuously keeps the trim scrap and other paper waste from the printing facility out of the waste stream. Closed-loop recycling is indicated in Figure 1-1 in the System Boundaries section of this chapter. It is estimated that about 6.7% of the paper purchased by the printer for making magazines is returned to paper mills for recycling. An assumption is made that 10% of the fiber returned for recycling is lost from the system and made up with virgin fiber. For the magazines that are recycled at end of life, all initial production burdens for the magazines are charged to NGS, while the product system using the magazines as raw material takes the burdens for collection, reprocessing, and ultimate disposal of the material. A sensitivity analysis using open loop recycling of magazines into one additional recycled product is presented in Appendix D. LCIA METHODOLOGY Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA) is an optional phase of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) in which inventory flows (from the LCI) are classified into categories in which they may contribute to impacts on the environment and human health. Impact categories include global warming, acidification, eutrophication, etc. Once classified into impact categories, characterization factors are used to normalize all inventory flows within each category to equivalent quantities of a reference substance. For example, global warming potential is commonly reported in pounds (or kg) of carbon dioxide equivalants. Impacts Studied This analysis includes only one aspect of life cycle impact assessment global warming potential (GWP) as measured by the emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs), expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents. It is recognized that other environmental and economic considerations are important to decision-making.



DATA QUALITY REQUIREMENTS

enable the goal and scope of the LCA to b -related coverage, geographical coverage, technology coverage, and more.

The data quality goal for this study was to use data that most accurately represents the specific processes and supply chain for producing and delivering the National Geographic Magazine to customers. Data from the paper supplier, printer, and National Geographic Society were collected directly for this study. These data include detailed information on the pulp and paper mill operations, printing operations, development of editorial content, and NGS advertising activities associated with the magazine. Engineers and company representatives reviewed and assisted in allocating resources, energy, and emissions correctly to the magazine. The United States Postal Service (USPS) provided detailed spreadsheets to assist with the effort of determining the transportation fuel use and emissions for delivering the magazine. Time-Related Coverage Production quantities, magazine weights, and transportation distances and modes received from NGS and printer are for the calendar year, 2008. Building occupancy data for content development and advertising of the National Geographic magazine are for the calendar year of 2007. Data collected from the pulp and paper mill and printer are annual data for the calendar year, 2007. Fuel related emission factors in the Franklin database were reviewed and updated in 2008 by Franklin Associates staff. Refinery, chemicals, wood harvesting, and sawmill data are from the NREL LCI database12. USPS transportation data for magazines arefrom a peer reviewed LCI report13 dated June 2008. End-of-life management for magazines delivered in the United States is from the November 2008 EPA MSW study14. Additional research was conducted to estimate end-of-life management for magazines delivered outside of the United States. Data for LDPE plastic film and Kraft paper/paperboard are from a published LCI report of packaging materials for Oregon Department of Environmental Quality conducted by Franklin Associates, a Division of ERG in 200415. Geographical Coverage Manufacturing data used for this study are United States data, which is appropriate because the manufacture of the paper, magazine, and nearly all chemicals and packaging materials in the life cycle occurs in the United States. The National Geographic Magazine is 12 National Renewable Energy Laboratory. http://www.nrel.gov/lci/. Accessed March 2008. 13 United States Postal Service. The Environmental Impacts of the Mail: Initial Life Cycle Inventory Model and Analysis. June 2008. 14 United States Environmental Protection Agency. Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2007 Facts and Figures. November 2008. EPA530-R-08-010 15 Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). Life Cycle Inventory of Packaging Options for Shipment of Retail Mail-Order Soft Goods. April 2004.

http://www.nrel.gov/lci/



shipped to several countries. Table 1-1 shows the number and total weights of magazines shipped to different regions. Transportation energy to ship the magazines to other countries is estimated based on transportation modes and distances used to transport the magazines from the U.S. to destination countries, using fuel emission factors in the LCI database, which are based on the production and combustion of fuels in the United States. Likewise, transportation for content development and advertising is global, and distances are estimated from company travel records. End-of-life management for magazines in other countries is estimated based on research of disposal practices in other countries. Fuel use for transport of disposed magazines and landfill operations is based on United States data.

Technology Coverage Data in the LCI database reflects typical technology at the time the data were collected. Technology coverage is not a major issue for this study. The processes that contribute the most to the results are pulp and paper manufacture and printing. These are the suppliers for the magazine; therefore, the appropriate technologies are covered. Other Measures of Data Quality Other measures of data quality include precision, completeness, representativeness, consistency, reproducibility, relevance, accuracy, transparency, uncertainty, and data sources. The data sources used for this study that account for the largest energy use and emissions are primarily sources directly from the life cycle supply chain for the magazine. Numerous company representatives have assisted in obtaining accurate, relevant, and current data for the study, as

DestinationNumber of M agazines

Total W eight (pounds)

Canada 4,634,885 3,451,640United States 49,503,301 38,631,704total foreign 12,457,049 8,840,855Australia 1,723,500 1,068,570New Zealand 439,100 272,242Asia 1,582,989 1,013,113UK and Ireland 4,745,165 3,891,035Latin America 390,735 226,626Europe 2,741,000 1,836,470Middle East/Africa 654,560 418,918Chile 14,000 8,120Columbia 8,000 4,640India 153,000 97,920Zimbabwe 5,000 3,200


Table 1-1: 2008 National Geographic Shipments



well as assisting in handling coproduct allocation issues to accurately and fairly represent the life cycle data for the magazine. Data has additionally been reviewed by Harmony Environmental for reasonableness and calculations have been reviewed internally. Data quality is summarized in Table 1-2. The highest quality data (A) accounts for about 88% of the total energy results and about 75% of the total GHG emissions (carbon dioxide equivalents).

ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

The life cycle carbon footprint results were developed using the most up-to-date data available, including primary data collected from NGS and NGS suppliers. Some assumptions and limitations are part of every LCI study. For this study, these are discussed in the subsections below.

Geographic Scope

Data for foreign processes are generally not available. This is usually only a consideration for the production of oil that is obtained from overseas. In cases such as this, the energy requirements and emissions are assumed the same as if the materials originated in the

L C I Step Source of Data Data Quality

Coated Magazine Paper Actual paper supplier to NGS ARecycled Pulp for Magazine Paper Actual pulp supplier to paper supplier APrinting Actual magazine printer AChemicals, coatings, ancillary materials Franklin Associates LCI database B-CMagazine Delivery by USPS Peer reviewed LCI study - detailed tables BMagazine Delivery by Other Carriers Estimates based on actual distances CNGS Operations and Travel 2008 Utility and transportation records APallets and Packaging Public LCI data sources BDisposal Practices in U.S. EPA MSW 2007 Facts and Figures BDisposal Practices in Other Countries Literature search for this study DLandfill Operations in U.S. Estimates based on Research Triangle

Institute's Municipal Solid Waste Decision Support Tool

C

Lanfill emissions from decomposition Best estimates available based on most recent landfill research results

D

A = Appropriate and best possible data, reviewed for accuracy B = Typical LCI data sets, reviewed for appropriateness to studyC = Estimates made using limited, but high quality dataD = Estimates made using data known to be uncertain


Table 1-2: Data Quality Summary



United States. Since foreign standards and regulations vary from those of the United States, it is acknowledged that this assumption may introduce some error. Transportation of crude oil used for fuels, fertilizers, and chemicals is modeled based on the current mix of domestic and imported crude oil used. End of Life Management In this study, estimates of the end results of disposing of magazines and packaging materials to a landfill or waste-to-energy (WTE) incinerator are limited to global warming potential from WTE combustion, emissions of landfill methane, credit for sequestering the un-decomposed portion of paper fiber in landfills, as well as energy and CO2 credits for displaced grid electricity. The explanation below describes how end-of-life management is handled by the Franklin Associates LCI model.

In the U.S., municipal solid waste (MSW) that is not recovered for recycling or composting is managed approximately 80% by weight to landfill (LF) and 20% by weight to waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration.16

The analysis of the environmental emissions from disposal of postconsumer materials is complex and generally based on average data from a small number of studies. The analysis includes:

Conservation of fossil fuels that are replaced when postconsumer materials are discarded for WTE combustion

Greenhouse gas contributions from WTE combustion of postconsumer materials Greenhouse gas contributions from fugitive emissions of landfill methane from

decomposition of postconsumer materials Avoided fossil fuel use and avoided greenhouse gas emissions for grid electricity

displaced by the generation of electricity from WTE combustion of postconsumer materials

Avoided greenhouse gas emissions for WTE combustion of methane recovered from decomposition of paper in landfills

Sequestration of carbon in the fraction of paper fiber that does not decompose in landfills (Note that magazines contain a high percent of groundwood fiber, which does not degrade readily in landfills.) Energy C redits. For each material that is burned in a WTE incinerator, heat generation is

estimated based on the pounds of material burned and the higher heating value of the material.17

16 U.S. EPA. Municipal Solid Waste Facts and Figures 2006. Accessible at

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/msw99.htm 17 Sources for heating value of individual materials were: Combustibility of Plastics. Frank L. Fire.Van Nostrand Reinhold 1991. Thermodynamic Data for Biomass M ater ials and Waste Components. Edited by Domalski and Milne.

ASME 1987.

http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/nonhaz/municipal/msw99.htm



An energy credit is given for materials burned in a WTE incinerator based on the higher heating value of each material.

Landfill Emissions. Magazines and paper or paperboard packaging that are landfilled may decompose gradually over a long period of time. This analysis includes an estimate of the methane and carbon dioxide that may be released from decomposition of the paper items studied. The methane and carbon dioxide releases are modeled based on the maximum degree of decomposition of the carbon in the cellulose and hemicellulose fractions of the material, based on landfill simulation experiments.18 The calculated emissions shown in this report represent a

-inhibit decomposition, it is unknown to what extent the magazines will ultimately decompose, or how long it may take to decompose.

The composition of landfill gas generated from decomposition of paper and paperboard

products is approximately 50% by volume methane and 50% by volume CO2. Currently, about 51 percent of methane generated from solid waste landfills is converted to CO2 before it is released to the environment. 22 percent is flared, 23 percent is burned with energy recovery, and 6 percent is oxidized as it travels through the landfill cover.19 The biomass CO2 released from decomposition of paper/board (or from oxidation of biomass-derived methane to CO2) is considered carbon neutral. The CO2 released represents a return to the environment of the carbon taken up as CO2 atmospheric CO2; thus, this CO2 is not included in the global warming potential (GWP) results. All recognized GHG accounting protocols recognize this approach for including biogenic CO2 in GHG totals. Methane releases to the environment from anaerobic decomposition of biomass are not considered carbon neutral, however, since these releases resulting from human intervention have a higher GWP than the CO2 taken up or released during the natural carbon cycle.

W T E Emissions. For combustible materials, CO2 emissions are estimated based on the carbon content of each material. For simplicity, the CO2 estimate is based on all of the carbon content of each combusted material converting to CO2. For paper products, the CO2 from combustion is classified as biomass CO2 (carbon neutral).

Emission C redits. For each material that is burned in a WTE incinerator, heat generation is estimated based on the pounds of material burned and the higher heating value of the material.20 Similarly, useful heat is generated from the fraction of landfill methane gas that is generated, captured, and burned with energy recovery. The gross energy recovered from WTE

18 Barlaz, Morton, et -

Published in Environmental Science & Technology. Volume 31, Number 3, 1997. 19 U.S. EPA. Inventory of U.S. Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Sinks: 1990-2005. USEPA #430-R-07-002. April

2007. Table 8-3. Accessible at http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html. 20 Sources for heating value of individual materials were: Combustibility of Plastics. Frank L. Fire.Van Nostrand Reinhold 1991. Thermodynamic Data for Biomass M ater ials and Waste Components. Edited by Domalski and Milne.

ASME 1987.

http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/emissions/usinventoryreport.html



combustion of LF gas from each material is converted to displaced quantities of grid electricity using an efficiency factor of 1 kWh generated per 11,700 Btu of LF gas burned.21 The magazine life cycle system is then given credits for avoiding CO2 associated with the equivalent kWh of grid electricity generated using the national mix of fuels used for electricity production.

For the magazine, the net end-of-life CO2 emissions are calculated as the global warming potential for fugitive methane emissions from landfill decomposition minus avoided CO2 for grid electricity displaced by electricity generated from WTE combustion and landfill gas combustion with energy recovery.

Sequestration. For the carbon that remains fixed in landfilled material (the carbon in the undecomposed fraction of the paper fiber of the magazine and wood fiber of pallets), a sequestration credit is given for the equivalent pounds of CO2 that the sequestered carbon could produce. For consistency with the approach used in the U.S. EPA inventory report on greenhouse gas emissions and sinks, no sequestration credit is given to landfilled plastic packaging derived from fossil resources. Storage of plastics in a landfill essentially transfers carbon from one type of geologic storage (crude oil) to another (landfill). Newsprint and magazines tend to sequester more carbon than is released by decomposition22. This appears to be due to the high amounts of groundwood used to make these types of paper. Likewise, disposing of wood pallets to the landfill appears to sequester more carbon than is released by decomposition as methane23. In the LCI model, the more magazines or wood pallets that are disposed to landfills, the more carbon is sequestered. System Components Not Included

The following components of each system are not included in this LCI study: Water Use. Because of the lack of availability of good data on water use for raw material

water use. Capital Equipment. The energy and wastes associated with the manufacture of capital equipment are not included. This includes equipment to manufacture buildings, motor vehicles, and industrial machinery. The energy and emissions associated with such capital equipment generally, for 1,000 pounds of materials, become negligible when averaged over the millions of pounds of product manufactured over the useful lifetime of the capital equipment.

21 U.S. EPA Landfill Methane Outreach Program (LMOP) Benefits Calculator. Calculations and References tab.

Accessible at http://www.epa.gov/lmop/res/lfge_benefitscalc.xls 22 -Scale Land

Published in Environmental Science & Technology. Volume 31, Number 3, 1997. 23 F.A. Ximenesa , W.D. Gardnerc and A.L. Cowiea. Science Direct. The decomposition of wood products in landfills in Sydney, Australia. November 9, 2007

http://www.epa.gov/lmop/res/lfge_benefitscalc.xls



Space Conditioning. For this study, only the space conditioning and lighting for the National Geographic Society buildings are specifically included, as shown in the study results. The fuels and power consumed to heat, cool, and light manufacturing establishments are omitted from the calculations in most cases. For manufacturing plants that carry out thermal processing or otherwise consume large amounts of energy, space conditioning energy is quite low compared to process energy. Experience with numerous LCI studies indicates that energy consumed for space conditioning is usually less than one percent of the total energy consumption for the manufacturing process. ISO 14044:2006 allows for cut-off criteria for material and energy inputs of a defined percentage. The defined percentage for energy inputs for this study is 1%. Support Personnel Requirements. The energy and GHG emissions associated with use of NGS buildings and staff travel for content development and advertising are included in the study. Otherwise, the energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with research and development, sales, and administrative personnel or related activities have not been included in this study. Similar to space conditioning, energy requirements and related emissions are assumed very small for support personnel activities for industrial operations. Miscellaneous Materials and Additives. Selected materials such as catalysts, chemicals, and additives, which total less than one percent by weight of the net process inputs are typically not included in the LCI unless there is reason to suspect that their contributions to relevant inventory flows or impacts are disproportionately large relative to their very small weight. Omitting miscellaneous materials and additives helps keep the scope of the study focused and manageable within budget and time constraints. CRITICAL REVIEW Different levels of review have been conducted to enhance the accuracy and credibility of this study. The LCI carbon footprint for the coated magazine paper was conducted first. Data were reviewed by engineers for the pulp and paper company and also by the LCI practitioners for errors, omissions, and appropriate handling of allocations, calculations, and models. Subsequently, the LCI carbon footprint for the magazine was conducted using the same data gathering and review process with data suppliers, the LCI practitioner, and an independent reviewer familiar with the LCI models. A staff member from WRI is also providing review of the report from the perspective of conducting the GHG inventory. The report has been peer reviewed. Peer review comments and responses are presented in Appendix E.

System Boundaries and Data Requirements


2-1

CHAPTER 2

SYSTEM BOUNDARIES and DATA REQUIREMENTS INTRODUCTION System boundaries for life cycle studies determine the unit processes and components that are considered within the life cycle of the system studied. System components and other data requirements for the life cycle of National Geographic magazines are discussed in this chapter. A diagram of the system is presented in Chapter 1 and in the Executive Summary. SYSTEM COMPONENTS Processes and steps included within the life cycle boundaries of the magazine system are listed below:

Cradle-to-Gate manufacture of coated magazine paper includes the following: o planting trees and managing forests (generic forestry data from NREL LCI

database for the quantity of wood used) o transportation of wood to sawmills (purchased wood chips) and to the

paper mill for chipping o manufacture of several chemicals used in the paper mill for digesting

wood to create pulp, bleaching the pulp, and coating the paper (such as but not limited to, sodium hydroxide, granular lime, sulfuric acid, latex, clay, titanium dioxide, starch, and calcium carbonate)

o transport of chemicals to the paper mill o collection and transport of postconsumer and post industrial paper for the

manufacture of recycled pulp o manufacture of chemicals used to make recycled pulp and transport of

these chemicals to the recycled pulp recovery mill o shredding, pulping, deinking, drying of recovered paper to make recycled

pulp o transport of recycled pulp to the paper mill for making magazine paper o pulp and paper manufacture and paper coating operations o transport of the coated magazine paper to the printer

Cradle-to-gate manufacture of Kraft paperboard cores and Kraft paper roll wrappers to package rolls of paper sent to the printer

Magazine printing operations Manufacture of ink components (solvents used in the manufacture of ink) National Geographic operations to create magazine content

o Energy and emissions for buildings Transportation and hotel stays for NGS staff for editorial content development

and staff advertising sales. Distribution of finished magazines



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o Transport by the printer to drop off locations or United States Postal Service (USPS) Sectional Center Facilities (SCF),

o Transport by USPS to consumers o Transport by postal services in other countries to consumers

End-of-Life management activities o Removal from the waste stream (personal and institutional archives,

recycling, informal recycling, i.e. scavenging in some countries) o Landfill or Waste-to-Energy incineration disposal

DISTRIBUTION OF MAGAZINES TO CONSUMERS Transportation energy requirements for each step in the life cycle are developed in the conventional units of ton-miles by each transport mode (e.g. truck, rail, barge, etc.). Government statistical data24 for the average efficiency of each transportation mode are used to convert from ton-miles to fuel consumption. Transport by the Printer Transportation of National Geographic Magazine from the printer in Martinsburg, West Virginia to drop sites is accomplished by semi truck, rail, airplane, and ocean freighter. Shipments to destinations in the United States are by truck or rail. Shipments are made to 216 United States Postal Service (USPS) Sectional Center Facilities (SCF), as well as to bulk drop-off destinations and newsstand local distributors. Shipments for Canada are all sent to Toronto by truck or rail for distribution by the Canadian postal service. Trucks were assumed to back haul freight. Shipments to other countries are made by ocean transport or by air into each country. Some air shipments to other countries are handled by International Surface Air Lift® (ISAL®) service, which provides expedited dispatch and transportation for all types of First Class Mail International items25. Prior to leaving the U.S. postal system, ISAL shipments are tendered to an

basis. Upon arrival at that overseas location, the magazines are handled as surface mail by each

newsstands by the printer in this study, as the same fuel use per mile traveled is calculated for air transport. Shipment data for the number of magazines and total weights shipped by the printer in 2008 were averaged for each mode of transport. Ton-miles of transport by each mode were calculated for an average 1000 pounds of magazines shipped by the printer in 2008. Differences

24 Department of Energy. Transportation Energy Data Book and other resources. 25 United States Postal Service. http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub51/pub51txt_013.htm. Accessed April 6, 2009.

http://pe.usps.gov/text/pub51/pub51txt_013.htm



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in weights of magazines for different shipments to different locations in 2008 were considered. The average weight of one magazine shipped by the printer in 2008 is about 0.77 pounds. The transport data shown in Table 2-1 were input into the LCI model and used to calculate results.

Table 2-1: W eighted Average Ton-miles Shipped by Printer for 1,000 Pounds of M agazines

Mode Average M iles

Ton-miles

truck 790 395 rail 666 333 airplane 866 433 ocean freighter 704 352

Transport by the United States Postal Service (USPS) About 14% of magazine shipments from Martinsburg, West Virginia, the printer's location, are picked up directly by the USPS via semi trucks instead of being transported by the printer to a drop off location. These magazines and the 57% of magazines shipped by the printer to SCFs are further distributed by the USPS to residential or business addresses. The USPS provided LCI worksheets of supporting information to their 2008 LCI report26, to assist with the development of this life cycle carbon footprint of the National Geographic Magazine. The data from the USPS worksheets used in this study are listed in Table 2-2 below. Data specifically for distributing periodicals were converted from the basis of energy per kilogram of periodicals delivered to consumers to the basis of energy per 1000 pounds of periodicals delivered to consumers. For the 14% of magazines picked up by the USPS, all the data shown in Table 2-2 apply.

Less than 1% of magazines are shipped by United Parcel Service (UPS). The transport data for these magazines are estimated to be about the same as for transport by USPS. The effect of this estimate on the final results of the study is negligible. 26 United State -Cycle Inventory Model and



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Table 2-2: USPS Data for Deliver ing Per iodicals to Consumers

(per 1,000 pounds per iodicals)

USPS Processing and Shipment through Delivery to Destinating Unit Transport Diesel 0.86 gallons Gasoline 0.14 gallons Jet Fuel 0.091 gallons Bldg and Equip Electricity 8.9 kwh Natural Gas 10.4 cubic feet Delivery to Consumer Transport Gasoline 0.14

Transport by Newsstand Distributors Magazines delivered by the printer to newsstand distributors are transported to stores and other local newsstand locations, and unsold magazines are picked up and returned to the newsstand distributor for disposal or recycling. For this study it was estimated that newsstand distributors supply newsstands within a 100 mile radius. An average distance of 50 miles (100 miles round trip; 50 miles return trip for empty trucks) is used as the estimate for transport of magazines from the newsstand distributor to the newsstand. It is further estimated that 50% of the deliveries are made in single unit diesel trucks (e.g. delivery vans) and 50% of the deliveries are made in single unit gasoline trucks. For delivery of 1000 pounds of magazines, the transportation estimate is 25 ton-miles by single unit diesel truck and 25 ton-miles by single unit gasoline truck. Subsequent to modeling the system, this additional information was provided by NGS through personal communication with several newsstand representatives: For a high density market, as much as 90% of the copies will be distributed within 25 miles of the wholesale depot. For the rest of the wholesale depot regions, as few as 50% of the copies will be distributed within 25 miles of the depot. Certain distributors ship nationally via third party carrier from three depots. A review of the model indicates that this additional information would cause a change in the total GHG emissions of less than 1 %. Transport by Canadian Postal Service Data on the number of magazines shipped from the drop off location in Toronto to various cities in Canada were used to calculate an average transport of 570 ton-miles per 1000 pounds of magazines transported be the Canadian Postal Service. It is assumed that magazines are transported in diesel engine combined tractor trailer trucks (semi trucks). It is further



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assumed that magazines are transported an average distance of 50 miles to consumer locations in single unit gasoline trucks after reaching the destination cities. A very small percentage (less than 1%) of magazines delivered within Canada are shipped by air to Iqualuit. Deliveries to Canadian locations make up less than 6% of total magazine shipments. Surface Transport by Postal Services in Other Countries, excluding Canada Approximately 15% of magazines (by weight) are shipped by the printer via airplane or ocean freighter to other countries including Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Ireland, Chile, Columbia, India, Zimbabwe, and other countries in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. There is no data for transport of magazines to consumers within each country. An assumption is made that the transport will be similar to the transport of magazines in Canada. This adds some uncertainty to the study. However, the majority of magazines are sold in the United States. The contribution to the total LCI energy results from transportation other than by the printer is less than 2%. The contribution from delivery of magazines in other countries is estimated to be less than 1% of the total LCI energy. The contribution to the total LCI GHG emissions results (carbon dioxide equivalents) from transportation other than by the printer is less than 3%. The contribution from delivery of magazines in other countries is estimated to be about 1% of the total GHG emissions. END-OF-LIFE FOR MAGAZINES country and largely depend on how municipal solid waste (MSW) and recycling are handled in each area. In the United States, standard mail was recovered for recycling at an estimated 40.3%, and magazines at an estimated 39.6% in 200727. Furthermore, MSW that is not recycled is disposed by about 80% to landfills and 20% burned with energy recovery. In Canada, 2.8% of MSW is burned with energy recovery, 22% is recovered for recycling, and 75% is sent to a landfill28 29 30 31. The Paper Recycling Association (PRA) estimates that Canada recovered 49% of paper in 200632. Due to lack of specific data, the assumption was made that magazine recycling in Canada is about the same as magazine recycling in the United States, about 40%. In the European Union (EU), 42% of MSW is sent to a landfill, 20% is incinerated, and 39% is recycled or composted33. Of the portion of MSW not recovered for recycling or

27 United States Environmental Protection Agency. Municipal Solid Waste in the United States: 2007 Facts and Figures. November 2008. EPA530-R-08-010 28 Waste Management Industry Survey: Business and Government Sectors-2006. Statistics Canada. 29 Environment Canada. Waste Management, Thermal Treatment. April 8, 2009. 30 Statistics Canada. Waste Management Industry Survey Business and Government Sectors Analysis. 31 Statistics Canada. Waste Management Industry Survey Business and Government Sectors Table 1-1 Disposal of waste. 32 Paper Recycling Association. http://www.pppc.org/en/2_0/2_4.html 33 EuroStat, http://www.letsrecycle.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=37&listcatid=217&listitemid=31212. Accessed April 10 2008.

http://www.pppc.org/en/2_0/2_4.html

http://www.letsrecycle.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=37&listcatid=217&listitemid=31212



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composting, 68% is sent to a landfill and 32% is incinerated. Ten years ago, it was estimated that 89% of waste incinerators in the EU recovered energy34. Within the EU, these rates vary widely by country. Germany only has 1% of municipal waste sent to a landfill and 64% recycled or composted; whereas, Poland has 90% of municipal waste sent to a landfill and only 10% recycled or composted35. The recycling rate for paper in Europe in 2006 was 63.4%,36 according to the European Recovered Paper Council, or 55.4%, according to the European Recovered

Rural Affairs (DEFRA) signed an agreement with the Periodical Publishers Association (PPA) in 2005 to increase recycling rates of post-consumer magazines to 50% by 2007 and 60% by 2010. Audits show that the 2007 target was achieved37.

Waste collection and disposal varies widely by area in Latin America. An average of 81% of the population has access to waste collection services, but only 23% of waste is disposed of in sanitary landfills. It is believed that the uncollected remainder is either burned or dumped in uncontrolled areas. Formal recycling only accounts for 2.2% of waste materials; however, informal recycling is widely promoted and it is difficult to assess the effect it has overall38. In South American countries Chile and Colombia, nearly 100% of MSW is sent to a landfill. There is no formal recycling done by cities after waste is collected. In both countries, however, informal recycling (scavenging) occurs to some degree. In Chile, an estimated 9% of waste is recycled informally39. No specific information about paper or magazine recycling was found in the literature for this region.

In Asia, it is estimated that about 60% of MSW from urban areas is taken to a disposal

site. Many towns and cities use open-air dumping sites and only about 10% of waste is disposed of in properly managed landfills. Informal recycling is a common practice, with anywhere between 5%-25% of waste being recycled by individuals40. In India, 94% of collected municipal solid waste is sent to a landfill and about 5% is composted41. No specific information about paper recycling was found in the literature for Asia as a whole. More developed countries, such as Japan, have more information about recycling rates. The paper recovery rate for Japan in 2006 was 72.4%42.

34 Bontoux, Laurent. Institute For Prospective Technological Studies The Incineration of Waste in Europe: Issues and Perspectives. March 1999. 35 EuroStat, http://www.letsrecycle.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=37&listcatid=217&listitemid=31212. Accessed April 10 2008 36 European Recovered Paper Council, European Declaration on Paper Recycling 2006-2010, pg 3. 37 Defra, http://www.defra.gov.uk/Environment/waste/topics/paper.htm 38 Integrated Municipal Solid Waste Manual: In Latin American and Caribbean Cities, http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12126095221SWM_Manual-English.pdf 39 Hincapie, Ingrid, Solid Waste Management in Bogota. IWWG International Waste Working Group, 2007. Estevez, Paula. Management of Municipal Sold Waste in Santiago, Chile. http://www.seas.columbia.edu/earth/wtert/sofos/Estevez_MStheses.pdf 40 Cities Development Initiative for Asia, http://citiesdevelopmentinitiative.org/node/136 41 http://www.indiatogether.org/environment/articles/wastefact.htm 42P. 9, Paper Recycling in Japan, http://www.prpc.or.jp/kami-recycling/english-paperrecycling.pdf

http://www.letsrecycle.com/do/ecco.py/view_item?listid=37&listcatid=217&listitemid=31212

http://www.defra.gov.uk/Environment/waste/topics/paper.htm

http://www.idrc.ca/uploads/user-S/12126095221SWM_Manual-English.pdf

http://www.seas.columbia.edu/earth/wtert/sofos/Estevez_MStheses.pdf

http://citiesdevelopmentinitiative.org/node/136

http://www.indiatogether.org/environment/articles/wastefact.htm

http://www.prpc.or.jp/kami-recycling/english-paperrecycling.pdf



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In Australia, nearly 100% of municipal solid waste that is not recycled is sent to a landfill. The recycling rate for paper in Australia is about 55%43. New Zealand also sends almost 100% of its MSW to landfills. No specific information for recycling paper or magazines was found for New Zealand. However, it is known that over 95% of New Zealand residents have access to recycling facilities. 77% of New Zealand councils offer curbside recycling services to residents44.

In Africa, between 20%-80% of municipal solid waste is collected, depending on the

area. The rest remains uncollected or is illegally dumped and unmanaged. Incineration technology is rarely used45. A paper recycling program created in Mutare, Zimbabwe increased the paper recycling rate to 2.3%. Mutare Board and Paper Mills is one of only two mills in Southern Africa with paper recycling technology46. In contrast, 54.5% of recoverable paper is recovered in South Africa, including 44,617 metric tons of magazines47. Based on the information found in the literature search, two cases were developed for the amounts of magazines disposed by different methods, a base case and an alternative sensitivity analysis. The base case is our best estimate. It assumes that 60% of magazines are removed from the waste stream by personal or institutional archiving based on surveys by NGS. Archived magazines are assumed to be indefinitely diverted from disposal, with ultimate disposition not modeled in this study. No carbon sequestration credit is assigned for archived magazines. The magazines that are not archived are estimated to be disposed by methods common to each country. These include landfill, incineration with energy recovery (WTE), incineration without energy recovery, and removal from the waste stream by formal recycling programs, informal recycling/reuse, and open dumping. The sensitivity analysis assumes that no archiving of magazines occurs and disposal of all magazines is achieved by the methods common to each country. Table 2-3 shows the two scenarios. Study results presented in Chapter 3 include end-of-life management as represented by the best estimate. The alternative results for the sensitivity analysis are presented in Appendix A. In Table 2-3, the first column shows the percent of magazines sent to customers in different locations. The values shown in columns 2 through 5 show the estimates for how the percent of magazines for each location is disposed, including the assumption that 60% of magazines are archived by customers and do not enter the waste stream. The sum of values in each row in columns 2 through 5 equal the value shown in column 1. The values shown in

43 44 Page 11 Ministry for the EnvirOctober 2005 45 Achankeng, Eric. Globalization, Urbanization and Municipal Solid Waste Management in Africa, p.7. 46 Pgs. 3-4, Paper Profits-Zimbabwe, Hands On TV. http://www.tve.org/ho/series4/green_endings_reports/green_endings_mm/paperprofits.pdf 47 Paper Recycling Association of South Africa, http://www.prasa.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=74

http://www.tve.org/ho/series4/green_endings_reports/green_endings_mm/paperprofits.pdf

http://www.prasa.co.za/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=64&Itemid=74



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columns 6 through 9 shows the estimates for how the percent of magazines for each location is disposed assuming no magazines are archived by customers.

Percent of Total

Magazine Production landfill W T E

Incinerate without energy

recovery

Removed from Waste

Stream * landfill W T E

Incinerate without energy

recovery

Removed from Waste

Stream *United States 78.1 14.8 3.91 0.00 59.4 37.5 9.37 0.00 31.2Canada 5.94 1.37 0.06 0.00 4.51 3.56 0.12 0.00 2.26Europe 3.51 0.53 0.12 0.12 2.74 1.40 0.35 0.35 1.37UK/Ireland 6.08 0.85 0.18 0.18 4.86 2.55 0.55 0.55 2.43Latin America 0.50 0.05 0.00 0.00 0.46 0.28 0.00 0.00 0.23Chile 0.02 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.01Columbia 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00Asia 2.03 0.28 0.00 0.00 1.75 1.16 0.00 0.00 0.87India 0.20 0.00 0.08 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.12 0.00 0.08Australia 2.21 0.49 0.00 0.00 1.72 1.35 0.00 0.00 0.86New Zealand 0.56 0.11 0.00 0.00 0.45 0.34 0.00 0.00 0.22Middle East/Africa 0.84 0.34 0.00 0.00 0.50 0.59 0.00 0.00 0.25Zimbabwe 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.01 0.01 0.00 0.00 0.00SU M 100 18.9 4.3 0.3 76.5 48.7 10.5 0.9 39.8

* Magazines removed from the waste stream for the purposes of calculating GHG emissions are archived, recycled, composted, informally recycled, or dumped in an open area where aerobic degradation occurs.


Table 2-3: Magazine End of L ife Management Estimates(W eighted Percent)

Best Estimate Sensitivity Analysis

Life Cycle Carbon Footprint Results


3-1

CHAPTER 3

LIFE CYCLE CARBON FOOTPRINT RESULTS INTRODUCTION The life cycle carbon footprint results presented in this study quantify the total energy requirements, energy sources, and greenhouse gas emissions resulting from the life cycle of National Geographic magazines. The life cycle begins with the acquisition of raw materials, such as forest management and wood harvesting and ends with the delivery of magazines to consumers and final disposal of magazines. This life cycle analysis includes only one aspect of life cycle impact assessment global warming potential (GWP) as measured by the emission of greenhouse gases, expressed as carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-equiv). It is recognized that other environmental and economic considerations are important to decision-making. GOAL AND INTENDED USE The results of this study will aid NGS in making decisions to reduce and/or offset GHG emissions associated with the life cycle of the magazine, as well as provide information that NGS may share with subscribers or other interested persons. The study is specific to the National Geographic Magazine, the magazine supply chain, and distribution of the magazine. The study does not make comparative assertions about other magazines or products. SCOPE The product system modeled is the life cycle of 1000 pounds of National Geographic magazines, beginning with raw material acquisition and ending with final disposal of magazines. Weighted averages for magazine weights, transport distances, and transport modes for the

ata from the supplier of the coated magazine paper and the printer are specific to the National Geographic magazine. Data used for the study were the most recent data available. Energy use for building occupancy for content development and advertising by NGS, pulp and paper mill, and printing data are for the calendar year of 2007. Coatings data and data for manufacture of recycled pulp are for the calendar year of 2006. FUNCTIONAL UNIT The reference flow for the LCI model and calculations is is 1000 pounds of National Geographic magazines produced and delivered to consumers. The functional unit for this study is one magazine. An average magazine in 2008 weighed approximately 0.77 pounds. As explained



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above, not all data collected were for the calendar year of 2008. The most recent data available were used for the study. SYSTEM BOUNDARIES The system studied is a cradle-to-grave life cycle inventory, beginning with the management and harvest of wood from forests and ending with long term storage, recycling, or disposal of the magazine after use by the consumer. Figure 1-1 in Chapter 1 is a simplified illustration of the boundaries and material flows for the system. ENERGY RESULTS Energy results are presented in Tables 3-1 through 3-3. Total energy (fossil and nonfossil) includes not only the energy directly consumed in process and transportation steps, but also precombustion energy (the energy used to extract and process fuels used for process energy and transportation energy), and the content of fuel resources used as material inputs for production of fertilizers or other chemicals. Wood is not considered a major commercial fuel in the United States and the energy content of wood as a material resource is not included. Based on the uncertainty in the energy data, energy differences between systems are not considered meaningful unless the percent difference between systems is greater than 10 percent. (Percent difference between systems is defined as the difference between energy totals divided by the average of the two system totals.) This minimum percent difference criterion was developed based on the experience and professional judgment of the analysts. Franklin Associates has been using this uncertainty estimate for more than twenty years, and Harmony Environmental has adopted the same estimate based on professional experience with numerous life cycle assessment inventories for many different types of products. Energy by Category The category of process energy includes totals for manufacturing processes, including precombustion energy for producing the fuels used. T ransportation energy is the energy used to move material from location to location during its journey from raw material to the next step in the manufacturing process, including precombustion energy. Energy of material resource (E M R) is not an expended energy but the energy value of fuel resources withdrawn from the

chemicals. Use of fuel resources as a material input is a depletion of fuel resources just as the combustion of fuels for energy. (EMR is described in more detail in Chapter 1.) Table 3-1 reports energy by the categories of process energy, transport energy, and energy of material resource (EMR). Results are reported for magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content. For each scenario, process energy is about 88% of the total energy. Transportation energy is 10% to 11% of total energy. EMR is about 2% of total energy.



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Differences in total energy for the magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content are not significant. Using 10% recycled fiber reduces energy by less than 2% compared to 0% recycled fiber content. Including recycled pulp reduces energy by only a small amount because the processes of collecting and transporting recovered paper, pulping, deinking, drying, and transporting recycled pulp to the coated magazine paper mill require energy inputs. An issue that is not addressed in this study, but may be important to the climate change problem is that using recycled fiber in coated magazine paper requires more cleaning and possibly more transportation than use of recycled fiber in lower end paper products. Diverting recycled paper for use in magazine paper may force the use of more virgin fiber for lower end uses where the recycled fiber would be of more benefit if more were available.

Life Cycle StepsProcess Energy

T ransport Energy

Energy of M ater ial Resource

T O T A L E N E R G Y

Percent of Total

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 18.9 0.74 0.0027 19.6 79%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 17%Transport by USPS and others 0.098 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.019 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.12 0 0.12 0%Combustion Credit -0.31 -0.31 -1% T O T A L 21.9 2.60 0.39 24.9 100%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 18.6 0.76 0.0025 19.4 79%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 17%Transport by USPS and others 0.098 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.019 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.12 0 0.12 0%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 -1% T O T A L 21.6 2.62 0.39 24.6 100%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 18.3 0.79 0.0024 19.1 78%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 17%Transport by USPS and others 0.10 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.02 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.12 0 0.12 0%

-0.31 -0.31 -1% T O T A L 21.3 2.65 0.39 24.3 100%

Source: Harmony Environmental

Table 3-1. Energy Results by Category(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



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Cradle-to-gate energy for coated magazine paper is about 79% of the total energy for each scenario. This is the summed energy for forestry operations and harvesting trees through producing and delivering coated magazine paper to the printer. Printing operations, solvents manufacture, and transportation by the printer make up another 17% of the total energy. Cradle-to-gate energy for manufacture of pallets, plastic film, and plastic sleeves is about 3% of total energy. Disposal and landfill operations (i.e., municipal solid waste collection and landfill equipment) contribute about 1% of the total energy. NGS operations (space conditioning and lights for buildings and travel attributed to content development and advertising) contribute about 1% to the total energy. A combustion credit of about -1% of the total energy is included. The energy credit is for waste-to-energy combustion of the magazines that end up in municipal solid waste. Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Fossil fuels natural gas, petroleum and coal are used for direct combustion as process and transportation fuels, as well as being used to generate over 70 percent of the purchased electricity in the United States. The use of natural gas and petroleum as raw material inputs for the production of fertilizers or chemicals (reported as energy of material resource in Table 3-1) is included in the totals for fossil energy in Table 3-2. Wood-derived energy is a non-fossil source used in pulp and paper mills when wood wastes are used for fuel. This occurs primarily at virgin mills; recycling mills typically do not have wood wastes available, since they are using postconsumer paper rather than wood as a feedstock, so recycling mills rely predominantly on purchased fuels for energy. Other non-fossil sources, including hydropower, nuclear and other (geothermal, wind, etc.), are part of the fuel mix used to produce purchased electricity. The amounts vary by geographic region. The cradle-to-gate energy for the coated paper portion of the magazine life cycle is about 43% fossil energy due to wood waste being used as fuel in the pulp and paper mill. Energy for other life cycle processes is primarily (76-99%) fossil fuel derived energy. Non-fossil fuel for these processes is primarily due to non-fossil fuels used to produce electricity. For the total life cycle of the magazine, about 53% fossil fuel is used. Energy Profile Table 3-3 shows the total energy profile for each scenario by type of energy source used. The values include the fuels used to generate electricity, including transmission and delivery losses, as well as precombustion energy (the energy used to extract and process fuels used for process energy and transportation energy). The fuels for the United States average electricity grid are used for all processes, unless the geographic location specific to the NGS supply chain is known, in which case the appropriate regional grid is used. Fuels for the Northeastern United States average grid are used for purchased electricity for forestry, roundwood harvesting, sawmill operations, and the recycled pulp mill. Fuels for the eGRID subregion in which the facilities are located are used for purchased electricity by the coated magazine paper mill, printer, and NGS operations.



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Life Cycle Steps Fossil EnergyNon-Fossil

EnergyT O T A L

E N E R G YPercent

Fossil EnergyUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8.35 11.3 19.6 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.11 0.0010 0.12 99%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 T O T A L 13.1 11.8 24.9 53%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8.27 11.1 19.4 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.11 0.0010 0.12 99%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 T O T A L 13.1 11.6 24.6 53%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8.19 10.9 19.1 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.11 0 0.12 99%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 T O T A L 13.0 11.4 24.3 53%


Table 3-2. Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



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GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Life cycle GHG emissions are converted to global warming potential (GWP) and reported in units of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO2-equiv) in Tables 3-4 through 3-7. Total GWP includes GHG emissions from combustion of fuels directly consumed in process and transportation steps, precombustion GHG emissions (the GHG emissions from extraction and processing of fuels used for process energy and transportation energy), and GHG emissions from unit processes that emit non-fuel related GHGs. The greenhouse emissions reported in this study include those associated with production of materials and production and combustion of fuels. The emissions tables present emission quantities based upon the best data available. However, in the many unit processes included in the system models, some emissions data have been reported from industrial sources, some are estimated from EPA emission factors, and some have been calculated based on reaction chemistry or other information. This means there are significant uncertainties with regards to the application of the data. of a given substance is not considered meaningful unless the percent difference exceeds 25 percent. (Percent difference is defined as the difference between two system totals divided by their average.) This minimum percent difference criterion was developed based on the experience and professional judgment of the analysts. Franklin Associates has been using this uncertainty estimate for more than twenty years, and Harmony Environmental has adopted the same estimate based on professional experience of the analyst with numerous life cycle assessment inventories for many different types of products.

Life Cycle Steps Nat. Gas Petroleum Coal Hydropower Nuclear Wood Other

W T E energy C redit Total

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 3.62 3.60 1.14 0.92 0.39 9.89 0.077 19.6Printing 0.98 1.46 1.45 0.0046 0.29 0 0.020 4.21Transport by USPS and others 0.039 0.25 0.057 0.0024 0.013 0 0.0037 0.36NGS Operations and Travel 0.036 0.026 0.065 0.0015 0.034 0 0.0033 0.17Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.18 0.11 0.0027 0.015 0.071 0.0041 0.71Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.11 0 0 0.00069 0 0.00020 -0.31 -0.20 T O T A L 5.01 5.62 2.82 0.94 0.75 9.96 0.11 -0.31 24.9

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 3.58 3.56 1.14 0.89 0.39 9.72 0.076 19.4Printing 0.98 1.46 1.45 0.0046 0.29 0 0.020 4.21Transport by USPS and others 0.039 0.25 0.057 0.0024 0.013 0 0.0037 0.36NGS Operations and Travel 0.036 0.026 0.065 0.0015 0.034 0 0.0033 0.17Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.18 0.11 0.0027 0.015 0.071 0.0041 0.71Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.0054 0.11 0.0030 0.00013 0.00069 0 0.00020 -0.31 -0.20 T O T A L 4.96 5.58 2.82 0.91 0.74 9.80 0.11 -0.31 24.6

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 3.53 3.52 1.14 0.87 0.39 9.56 0.075 19.1Printing 0.98 1.46 1.45 0.0046 0.29 0 0.020 4.21Transport by USPS and others 0.039 0.25 0.057 0.0024 0.013 0 0.0037 0.36NGS Operations and Travel 0.036 0.026 0.065 0.0015 0.034 0 0.0033 0.17Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.18 0.11 0.0027 0.015 0.071 0.0041 0.71Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.11 0 0 0 0 0 -0.31 -0.20 T O T A L 4.92 5.54 2.82 0.88 0.74 9.63 0.11 -0.31 24.3


Table 3-3. Energy Profile(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



3-7

In this study, no credit is given for reduction of GHG emissions due to using recycled fiber in coated magazine paper. GWP credit for recovered paper is a complex estimate of the lifetime reduction of GHG emissions due to avoiding disposal of the used paper that becomes feedstock for the recycled pulp mill. The credit is based on avoiding methane emissions from office paper that would degrade in a landfill if not recycled. The assumption in this study is that market demand for recycled fiber would prevent landfilling of the office paper used to make recycled pulp even if the office paper were not recycled into the NGS coated magazine paper. GWP by Category Table 3-4 reports GWP results by the categories of process, fuel, and self-reported. Results are reported for magazines made with paper containing 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content. The differences in GWP for different quantities of recycled fiber are not significant, about 1% difference between 0% recycled fiber content and 10% recycled fiber content. For each scenario, fuel-related GWP is about 90% of the total GWP. Self-reported GWP is about 8% of total GWP. Process GWP is about 1% of total GWP. Process GWP is from emissions directly from processes, such as carbon dioxide emissions from the make-up calcium carbonate converted to lime in lime kilns at pulp and paper mills. Fuel-related GWP is from combustion of fuels to operate equipment, generate purchased electricity, or to extract and process raw materials into useable fuels (precombustion). Self-reported GWP refers to the cradle-to-gate GWP for coatings reported to the paper mill by coating suppliers. These values are for the calendar year 2006 and are believed to be accurate, but were not calculated as part of this study. Also, the GWP for hotel stays by NGS personnel to develop

-three different hotel chains were used to estimate the GWP for hotel stays. These calculators report only pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per room per night. Cradle-to-gate GWP for coated magazine paper is about 70% of the total GWP for each scenario. This is the summed GHG emissions (converted to carbon dioxide equivalents) for forestry operations and harvesting trees through producing and delivering coated magazine paper to the printer. Printing operations, solvents manufacture, and transportation by the printer account for about 26% of the total GWP. Cradle-to-gate GWP for manufacture of pallets, plastic film, and plastic sleeves is about 2% of total GWP. Disposal and landfill operations (i.e., municipal solid waste collection and landfill equipment) contribute less than 1% of the total GWP. NGS operations (space conditioning and lights for buildings and travel attributed to content development and advertising) contribute less than 2% to the total GWP. End-of-life management results in a GWP credit of about -2% of the total GWP. The credit for end-of-life management is due to the sequestering of carbon by disposal of coated magazine paper into landfills. When measured as potential GWP, more carbon is sequestered than is released as methane gas from the degradable portion of the magazines. End-of-life management is discussed in more detail in Chapter 1.



3-8

GWP by Chemical Table 3-5 shows the amount of each type of greenhouse gas that contributes significantly to the GWP for each scenario. The three atmospheric emissions reported in this analysis that contribute the most to global warming are fossil fuel-derived carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide. Non-fossil carbon dioxide emissions, such as those from the burning of wood wastes, are considered part of the natural carbon cycle and are not considered a net contributor to global warming. The fourth type of chemical is refrigerants used in different process units. Small amounts of fugitive refrigerant emissions are released into the atmosphere over time. The results

Life Cycle Steps Process FuelSelf-

Reported TotalUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.6 1392 198 1663Printing 0.22 614 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.99 46.5 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.00 18.9 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -57.6 T O T A L 29.4 2153 201 2384 Percent of Total 1.2% 90% 8.4% 100%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.4 1378 198 1650Printing 0.22 613.9 0 614.1Transport by USPS and others 0 58.19 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.99 46.5 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.00 18.9 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -57.6 T O T A L 29.2 2140 201 2370 Percent of Total 1.2% 90% 8.5% 100%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.2 1365 198 1636Printing 0.22 614 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.99 46.5 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.00 18.9 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -57.6 T O T A L 29.0 2126 201 2357 Percent of Total 1.2% 90% 8.5% 100%

* Emissions from WTE and landfill decomposition/sequestration


Table 3-4. G lobal Warming Potential by Category(Pounds of C O2-Equiv per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



3-9

shown in Table 3-5 are the sum of different types of hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerants. The GWP is calculated using the weighted average of the GWP for each specific refrigerant. In some cases, the HFC was not specified, in these cases a 100 year GWP of 3500 is used, which is the average of the specific HFCs listed in the IPCC Second Assessment Report . The 100-year global warming potential (GWP) for carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide, as reported in the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 1996 report48, are: 1, 21, and 310, respectively. This is the basis for calculating GWP in this study. Fossil carbon dioxide is the GHG that contributes the most to the GWP for each scenario. Carbon dioxide GWP is about 75% of total GWP for 0%, 5%, and 10% recycled fiber content magazines. Methane contributes about 14%, nitrous oxide contributes about 2%, and HFCs contribute less than 1% of total GWP. Self-reported GWP contributes 8-9% of the total GWP. Self-reported GWP is believed to be primarily fossil carbon dioxide. GWP Results using Updated IPCC GWP Emission Factors Subsequent reports by IPCC have modified GWP estimates, but most studies still use the 1996 values from the Second Assessment Report because of the requirements of United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Kyoto Protocol. The GWP values for the IPCC 2001 report49 are: fossil carbon dioxide (1), methane (23), and nitrous oxide (296). The values for the IPCC 2007 report50 are: fossil carbon dioxide (1), methane (25), and nitrous oxide (298). The global warming potential (GWP) represents the relative global warming contribution of a pound of a particular greenhouse gas compared to a pound of carbon dioxide. The weights of each greenhouse gas are multiplied by its GWP to arrive at the total GWP. Table 3-6 compares the study results to the GWP calculations using GWP factors from the IPCC 2001 and 2007 reports. Using different GWP emission factor estimates causes the total GWP estimates to vary by about 2%. GHG Protocol Categories Table 3-7 reports GHGs and GWP by the GHG Protocol51 specified categories of Scope 1-Direct emissions, Scope 2-Indirect emissions, and Scope 3-Other emissions, for each product. NGS is the entity for which the study is being conducted. Therefore, direct combustion of fuels for NGS controlled or owned operations are considered Scope 1 emissions. Scope 2 emissions are emissions from the production of purchased electricity used for NGS operations. Scope 3 emissions are all other emissions associated with the life cycle of the National Geographic Magazine. Scope 3 includes all unit processes not owned or controlled by NGS, transportation of

48 IPCC Second Assessment Report: Climate Change 1995. 49 IPCC Third Assessment Report: Climate Change 2001. 50 IPCC Fourth Assessment Report: Climate Change 2007. 51 The Greenhouse Gas Protocol, A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard (revised edition). World Business Council for Sustainable Development/World Resources Institute. 2001.



3-10

magazines by other entities, travel by NGS personnel for advertising or content development, and all precombustion emissions for all unit processes and fuel processing. Scope 1 and 2 emissions for NGS account for approximately 1% of the total GWP for each magazine scenario.

Fossil C O2 M ethaneNitrous Oxide H F Cs

C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb)Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1276 6.76 0.15 2.3E-06 198 1663Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.25 0.013 0 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.2 0.02 0.00063 0 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -202 6.88 0 0 0 -57.6 T O T A L 1794 15.5 0.18 0.0055 201 2384

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1264 6.72 0.15 2.3E-06 198 1650Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.25 0.013 0 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.2 0.02 0.00063 0 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -202 6.88 0 0 0 -57.6 T O T A L 1782 15.4 0.18 0.0055 201 2370




(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)Table 3-5. G lobal Warming Potential by Chemical



3-11

C O2-Equiv (IPC C 1996)



(lb) (lb) (lb)L ife Cycle StepUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1663 1674 1688Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.5 52.8 53.3Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.9 26.1 19.0End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -43.9 -30.1 T O T A L 2384 2419 2443

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1650 1661 1675Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.5 52.8 53.3Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.9 26.1 19.0End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -43.9 -30.1 T O T A L 2370 2406 2430




Table 3-6. Comparison of G WP Results using Different IPC C Estimates(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



3-12

Biomass Carbon Dioxide Emissions

The GHG Protocol requires the reporting of carbon dioxide emissions from biomass. These emissions are considered carbon neutral because the biomass takes carbon from the air in the form of carbon dioxide during the growing cycle. Combustion of biomass returns this carbon to the air in the form of carbon dioxide, so that there is no net increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide. For sustainable practices, this cycle of carbon uptake and release continues. Biomass carbon dioxide emissions are reported in Table 3-8. Increasing recycled fiber content for the coated magazine paper causes biomass carbon dioxide emissions to decrease slightly (about 1% for 10% recycled fiber content.


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb)Using 0% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1774 15.4 0.18 3.8E-06 201 2356 T O T A L 1794 15.5 0.18 0.0055 201 2384

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine PaperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 5.5E-03 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1762 15.4 0.18 3.80E-06 201 2342 T O T A L 1782 15.4 0.18 0.0055 201 2370

Using 10% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1750 15.4 0.18 3.8E-06 201 2329 T O T A L 1770 15.4 0.18 0.0055 201 2357


Table 3-7. G lobal Warming Potential by G H G Protocol Scope(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



3-13

GWP for Different Quantities of Magazines GWP results are shown in Tables 3-9 and 3-10 for one magazine, one million magazines, and the 2008 annual production of National Geographic magazines. Calculations are based on an average magazine weight of about 0.77 pounds per magazine and a recycled fiber content of 5%. The results of this study show that the life cycle of one magazine creates a GWP of about 1.82 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents. Annual production of the magazine creates about 142 million pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents over the life cycle of the magazine. Of this amount, only about 1% is attributable to Scope 1 and Scope 2 activities by NGS, as shown in Table 3-10.

0% Recycled Content Paper



L ife Cycle Step (lb) (lb) (lb)Coated Magazine Paper 1940 1927 1914Printing 4.35 4.35 4.35Transport by USPS and others 0.24 0.24 0.24NGS Operations and Travel 0.33 0.33 0.33Pallets and Packaging 14.1 14.1 14.1Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.014 0.014 0.014End-of-Life Management * 117 117 117 T O T A L 2077 2064 2050



Table 3-8. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral)(pounds of biomass C O2-equiv per 1,000 pound of magazines)

L ife Cycle StepsOne


Annual Production

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1.27 1,265,905 98,921,200Printing 0.47 471,271 36,826,401Transport by USPS and others 0.04 44,657 3,489,607NGS Operations and Travel 0.03 26,419 2,064,429Pallets and Packaging 0.04 40,259 3,145,975Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.01 14,538 1,136,027End-of-Life Management * -0.04 -44,235 -3,456,607 T O T A L 1.82 1,818,814 142,127,032


Table 3-9. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)



3-14

SENSITIVITY ANALYSES Life cycle studies such as this one utilize numerous decisions that affect the results of the study. These include decisions about methods for coproduct allocation for different unit processes, estimates for final disposal of magazines, decisions about which utilities or regional electricity grids best represent fuels for electricity consumption for different unit processes, and more. Two sensitivity analyses are presented in Appendices A and B. In Appendix A, the amount of magazines disposed to landfill or WTE incineration is revised from 240 pounds per 1,000 pounds of magazines to 600 pounds per 1,000 pounds of magazines. In Appendix B, the source of electricity for the paper mill supplying coated magazine paper is revised from the average Canadian grid to the NPCC New England subregion electricity grid. Total GWP potential decreases by about 2% for the sensitivity analysis presented in Appendix A and increases by about 7% for the sensitivity analysis presented in Appendix B. These variations are within the 25% uncertainty limits that are placed on GHG emissions and GWP results for this study. An alternative set of Chapter 3 tables are provided in Appendix C with values in metric units. Each Appendix C table corresponds to the same Chapter 3 table number. For example Table C-1 is the same information as Table 3-1, except units have been converted to metric units, as noted in the heading of the table. An additional sensitivity analysis is presented in Appendix D. In this analysis, the amount of magazines disposed to landfill or WTE incineration is revised from 240 pounds per 1,000 pounds of magazines to 600 pounds per 1,000 pounds of magazines, as in Appendix A. Also, the 400 pounds of magazines recovered for recycling are modeled as an open loop system with the raw materials, energy, and emissions for the virgin paper and the recycled paper shared equally by the coated magazine paper and the recycled paper product. This method of allocation results in the coated magazine paper carrying 80% of the virgin paper burdens and 20% of the recycled paper system burdens (i.e. one half of the 40% of magazine paper that is recycled). Total GWP

Life Cycle StepsOne


Annual Production



Table 3-10. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)



3-15

potential decreases by about 7% for the sensitivity analysis presented in Appendix D. This is within the 25% uncertainty limits that are placed on GHG emissions and GWP results for this study. CONCLUSIONS The life cycle of the National Geographic Magazine produces about 1.8 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per magazine, plus or minus 25%. This means that it is expected that other LCI practioners, using the same data sources to do the same study, would find that the magazine produces between 1.4 to 2.3 pounds of carbon dioxide equivalents per magazine. Results are based on 2008 production and transportation data from NGS. Data for the calendar year of 2007 were provided for NGS building occupancy (content development and advertising), printing, and coated magazine paper manufacture.

Sensitivity Analysis of Waste Management


A-1

APPENDIX A SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF WASTE MANAGEMENT INTRODUCTION Table 2-3 in Chapter 2 shows the best estimate and an alternative sensitivity analysis scenario for end-of-life management of National Geographic magazines based on surveys by NGS and additional research by Harmony Environmental. The study results shown in Table 3-1 through Table 3-10 reflect the best estimate scenario. For this scenario, 1000 pounds of magazines handled in this manner: 600 pounds are archived (indefinitely diverted from disposal, with ultimate disposition not modeled in this study); 160 pounds are recycled, and 240 pounds are disposed (80% landfill and 20% WTE). Recycled magazines leave the system and become a raw material for another product system. For the magazines that are recycled at end of life, all initial production burdens for the magazines are charged to NGS, while the product system using the magazines as raw material takes the burdens for collection, reprocessing, and ultimate disposal of the material. The study results shown in Table A-1 through Table A-10 reflect the sensitivity analysis scenario indicated in Table 2-3. For this scenario, 1000 pounds of magazines handled in this manner: none are archived; 400 pounds are recycled, 600 pounds are disposed (80% landfill and 20% WTE). Recycled magazines leave the system and become a raw material for another product system. A comparison of the energy results in Tables A-1 through A-3 to Tables 3-1 through 3-3 shows a slight decrease in total energy use of about 1% if the sensitivity analysis scenario is used instead of the best estimate for end-of-life waste management. The energy for waste disposal operations increases if magazines are not archived, but this increase is more than offset by the energy production by the 20% of magazines that are disposed by WTE incineration. The comparison of total energy results is summarized below in Summary Table A. A comparison of the GHG emission results in Tables A-4 through A-7 to Tables 3-4 through 3-7, shows that total GHG emissions measured as carbon dioxide equivalents decrease by about 2% if the sensitivity analysis scenario is used instead of the best estimate for end-of-life waste management. The comparison of GHG emissions is summarized in Summary Table A. Coated magazine paper in landfills sequesters more carbon, measured as carbon dioxide equivalents, than is released by the degradation of the magazine paper52. This is because the magazine paper contains a large portion of groundwood pulp. Groundwood contains lignin, which prevents degradation of the wood pulp in landfills. The portion of the paper that degrades

52 -Published in Environmental Science & Technology. Volume 31, Number 3, 1997.



A-2

in the landfill produces methane, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 21 compared to a GWP of 1 for carbon dioxide. Emissions from degradation of paper in landfills are highly uncertain and vary from site to site depending on landfill and climate conditions, which can vary from year to year. Likewise, sequestration estimates are based on limited experimental data. Thus, the waste management scenarios, energy use, WTE energy credits, and GHG emissions for the end-of-life management of the magazines should be considered to have a much higher uncertainty than GHG emissions reported for other life cycle stages.

Life Cycle Steps Best Estimate Sensitivity % Diff Best Estimate Sensitivity % DiffUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.6 19.6 0% 1663 1663 0%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.71 0% 52.5 52.2 0%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.12 0.29 86% 18.9 47.4 86%Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.66 72% -57.6 -142 85% T O T A L 24.9 24.7 -1% 2384 2327 -2%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.4 19.4 0% 1650 1650 0%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.71 0% 52.5 52.2 0%Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.12 0.29 86% 18.9 47.4 86%Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.66 72% -57.6 -142 85% T O T A L 24.6 24.4 -1% 2370 2314 -2%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.1 19.1 0% 1636 1636 0%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.71 0% 52.5 52.2 0%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.12 0.29 86% 18.9 47.4 86%Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.66 72% -57.6 -142 85% T O T A L 24.3 24.1 -1% 2357 2300 -2%


Total Energy Total G H G Emissions(million B T U) (pounds C O2-equiv)

Summary Table A . M agazine Disposal Sensitivity Analysis



A-3


T ransport Energy



Percent of Total

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 18.9 0.74 0.0027 19.6 79%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 17%Transport by USPS and others 0.098 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.019 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.29 0 0.29 1%WTE Credit -0.66 -0.66 -3% T O T A L 21.5 2.77 0.39 24.7 100%




Table A-1. Energy Results by Category(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



A-4

Life Cycle StepsFossil

EnergyNon-Fossil

EnergyT O T A L

E N E R G YPercent

Fossil EnergyUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8.35 11.3 19.6 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.29 0.0025 0.29 99%WTE Credit -0.66 -0.66 T O T A L 13.0 11.8 24.7 52%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8.27 11.1 19.4 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.29 0.0025 0.29 99%WTE Credit -0.66 -0.66 T O T A L 12.9 11.6 24.4 53%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8.19 10.9 19.1 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.29 0 0.29 99%WTE Credit -0.66 -0.66 T O T A L 12.8 11.4 24.1 53%


Table A-2. Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



A-5

Life Cycle Steps Nat. Gas Petroleum Coal Hydropower Nuclear Wood OtherW T E C redit Total





Table A-3. Energy Profile(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



A-6


Reported TotalUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.6 1392 198 1663Printing 0.22 613.9 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.75 46.5 0 52.2Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0 47.4 0 47.4End-of-Life Management * -142 -142 T O T A L -55.3 2181 201 2327 Percent of Total -2.4% 94% 8.7% 100%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.4 1378 198 1650Printing 0.22 614 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.75 46.5 0 52.2Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0 47.4 0 47.4End-of-Life Management * -142 -142 T O T A L -55.5 2168 201 2314 Percent of Total -2.4% 94% 8.7% 100%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.2 1365 198 1636Printing 0.22 614 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.75 46.5 0 52.2Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0 47.4 0 47.4End-of-Life Management * -142 -142 T O T A L -55.7 2155 201 2300 Percent of Total -2.4% 94% 8.8% 100%



Table A-4. G lobal Warming Potential by Category(pounds of C O2-equiv per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



A-7


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb)Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1276 6.76 0.15 2.3E-06 198 1663Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.24 0.013 0 0 52.2Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 45.6 0.06 0.0016 0 0 47.4End-of-Life Management * -486 16.4 0 0 0 -142 T O T A L 1537 25.0 0.18 0.0055 201 2327

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1264 6.72 0.15 2.3E-06 198 1650Printing 580 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.24 0.013 0 0 52.2Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 45.6 0.06 0.0016 0 0 47.4End-of-Life Management * -486 16.4 0 0 0 -142 T O T A L 1525 25.0 0.18 0.0055 201.4 2314

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1252 6.68 0.15 2.2E-06 198 1636Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.24 0.013 0 0 52.2Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 45.6 0.06 0.0016 0 0 47.4End-of-Life Management * -486 16.4 0 0 0 -142 T O T A L 1513 25.0 0.18 0.0055 201 2300



(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)Table A-5. G lobal Warming Potential by Chemical



A-8




(lb) (lb) (lb)L ife Cycle StepUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1663 1674 1688Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.2 52.5 53.0Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 47.4 65.3 47.6End-of-Life Management * -142 -109 -76.6 T O T A L 2327 2393 2425

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1650 1661 1675Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.2 52.5 53.0Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 47.4 65.3 47.6End-of-Life Management * -142 -109 -76.6 T O T A L 2314 2379 2412

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1636 1647 1661Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.2 52.5 53.0Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 47.4 65.3 47.6End-of-Life Management * -142 -109 -76.6 T O T A L 2300 2366 2398



Table A-6. Comparison of G WP Results using Different IPC C Estimates(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



A-9


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb)Using 0% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1517 25.0 0.18 3.8E-06 201 2299 T O T A L 1537 25.0 0.18 0.0055 201 2327

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine PaperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1505 24.9 0.18 3.8E-06 201 2286 T O T A L 1525 25.0 0.18 0.0055 201 2314



Table A-7. G lobal Warming Potential by G H G Protocol Scope(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)







Table A-8. Carbon Dioxide emissions from biomass (Carbon Neutral)(pounds of biomass C O2-equiv per 1,000 pound of magazines)



A-10

Life Cycle StepsOne


Annual Production



Table A-9. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)



Annual Production



Table A-10. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)

Sensitivity Analysis of Paper Mill Purchased Electricity Supplier


B-1

APPENDIX B

SUPPLIER INTRODUCTION The coated magazine paper supplier to NGS purchases electricity from a power company in Canada. The average mix of fuels used to produce electricity for the Canadian power grid includes nearly 60% hydroelectric power, which reduces the GHG emissions associated with purchased electricity for the paper mill compared to purchasing electricity from the U.S. electricity grid. As a sensitivity analysis, the fuel mix for purchased electricity has been revised to reflect the average mix of fuels used by the NPCC New England subregion electricity grid as reported by the Emissions & Generation Resource Integrated Database (eGRID) 2007. The paper mill is located in this region. eGRID reports that more than 60% fossil fuel is used to produce electricity for this subregion. Tables B-1 through B-10 are the same as Tables 3-1 through 3-10 in Chapter 3, with the exception that the results shown in each table reflect the NPCC New England subregion electricity grid fuels instead of the Canadian electricity grid fuels for electricity purchased by the paper mill that supplies coated magazine paper to NGS. A comparison of the energy results in Tables B-1 through B-3 to Tables 3-1 through 3-3 shows an increase in total energy use of about 4% if purchased electricity were obtained from the NPCC New England subregion electricity grid instead of the Canadian electricity grid. These results are summarized in Summary Table B, below. Fossil fuel derived energy increases by about 7%, as calculated from Tables 3-2 and B-2. Also shown in Summary Table B, a comparison of the GHG emission results in Tables B-4 through B-7 to Tables 3-4 through 3-7, shows that total GHG emissions measured as carbon dioxide equivalents also increase by about 6-7% if purchased electricity were obtained from the NPCC New England subregion electricity grid instead of the Canadian electricity grid. There may be some controversy over the electricity grid that best represents the coated magazine paper. Some GHG experts are proponents of using the fuel mix from the utility from which electricity is actually purchased. Others subscribe to the idea that a regional or national average fuel mix should be used because the electricity grids are all interconnected.



B-2

Life Cycle Steps Canada G rid NPC C G rid % Diff Canada G rid NPC C G rid % DiffUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.6 20.5 5% 1663 1826 9%Printing 4.21 4.2 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.4 0% 58.2 58 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.2 0% 34.4 34 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.7 0% 52.5 52 0%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.12 0.1 0% 18.9 19 0%Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.3 0% -57.6 -58 0% T O T A L 24.9 25.8 4% 2384 2546 7%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.4 20.2 4% 1650 1807 9%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.71 0% 52.5 52.5 0%Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.12 0.12 0% 18.9 18.9 0%Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.31 0% -57.6 -57.6 0% T O T A L 24.6 25.5 4% 2370 2528 6%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.1 19.9 4% 1636 1788 9%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.71 0% 52.5 52.5 0%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.12 0.12 0% 18.9 18.9 0%Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.31 0% -57.6 -57.6 0% T O T A L 24.3 25.2 3% 2357 2509 6%


Total Energy (million B T U)

Total G H G Emissions(pounds C O2-equiv)

Summary Table B . Pulp and Paper M ill E lectr icity G rid Sensitivity Analysis



B-3


T ransport Energy



Percent of Total

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.8 0.76 0.0027 20.5 80%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 16%Transport by USPS and others 0.098 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.019 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.12 0 0.12 0%Combustion Credit -0.31 -0.31 -1% T O T A L 22.8 2.62 0.39 25.8 100%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.4 0.79 0.0025 20.2 79%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 17%Transport by USPS and others 0.098 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.019 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.12 0 0.12 0%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 -1% T O T A L 22.4 2.65 0.39 25.5 100%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.1 0.81 0.0024 19.9 79%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 17%Transport by USPS and others 0.10 0.26 0 0.36 1%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.02 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.35 0.027 0.33 0.71 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.12 0 0.12 0%

-0.31 -0.31 -1% T O T A L 22.1 2.67 0.39 25.2 100%


Table B-1. Energy Results by Category(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



B-4


EnergyNon-Fossil

EnergyT O T A L

E N E R G YPercent

Fossil EnergyUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 9.37 11.2 20.5 46%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.11 0.0010 0.12 99%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 T O T A L 14.1 11.6 25.8 55%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 9.25 11.0 20.2 46%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.11 0.0010 0.12 99%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 T O T A L 14.0 11.5 25.5 55%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 9.14 10.8 19.9 46%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.62 0.092 0.71 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.11 0 0.12 99%Combustion Energy Credit -0.31 -0.31 T O T A L 13.9 11.3 25.2 55%


Table B-2. Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



B-5







Table B-3. Energy Profile(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



B-6







(pounds of C O2-equiv per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines) Table B-4. G lobal Warming Potential by Category



B-7


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb)Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1426 7.34 0.15 2.3E-06 198 1826Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.25 0.013 0 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.2 0.02 0.00063 0 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -202 6.88 0 0 0 -57.6 T O T A L 1943 16.1 0.18 0.0055 201 2546

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1409 7.28 0.15 2.28178E-06 198.0 1807Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.51783E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.25 0.013 0 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.2 0.02 0.00063 0 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -202 6.88 0 0 0 -57.6 T O T A L 1927 16.0 0.18 0.0055 201.4 2528




(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)Table B-5. G lobal Warming Potential by Chemical



B-8




(lb) (lb) (lb)L ife Cycle StepUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1826 1838 1853Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.5 52.8 53.3Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.9 26.1 19.0End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -43.9 -30.1 T O T A L 2546 2583 2608





Table B-6. Comparison of G WP Results using Different IPC C Estimates(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



B-9


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb) (lb)Using 0% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 0 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1924 16.0 0.18 0 201 2518 T O T A L 1943 16.1 0.18 0.0055 201 2546

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine PaperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 0 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1907 16.0 0.18 0 201 2500 T O T A L 1927 16.0 0.18 0.0055 201 2528

Using 10% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 0 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1890 15.9 0.18 0 201 2481 T O T A L 1910 16.0 0.18 0.0055 201 2509


Table B-7. G lobal Warming Potential by G H G Protocol Scope(pounds per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)







Table B-8. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral)(pounds of biomass C O2-equiv per 1,000 pound of magazines)



B-10

Life Cycle StepsOne


Annual Production



Table B-9. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)



Annual Production



Table B-10. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(pounds of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)

Results in Metric Units


C-1

APPENDIX C CHAPTER 3 RESULTS IN METRIC UNITS INTRODUCTION The Tables in this appendix are an alternative set of Chapter 3 tables with the values expressed in metric units. Each Appendix C table corresponds to the same Chapter 3 table number. For example Table C-1 is the same information as Table 3-1, except units have been converted to metric units, as noted in the heading of the table.


T ransport Energy



Percent of Total

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 43,955 1,719 6 45,681 78%Printing 6,324 3,336 129 9,788 17%Transport by USPS and others 229 611 0 840 1%NGS Operations and Travel 341 45 0 386 1%Pallets and Packaging 809 62 779 1,651 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 268 0 268 0%Combustion Credit -723 -723 -1% T O T A L 51,276 6,086 914 58,276 100%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 43,240 1,778 6 45,024 78%Printing 6,324 3,336 129 9,788 17%Transport by USPS and others 229 611 0 840 1%NGS Operations and Travel 341 45 0 386 1%Pallets and Packaging 809 62 779 1,651 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 268 0 268 0%Combustion Energy Credit -723 -723 -1% T O T A L 50,560 6,145 914 57,619 100%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 42,524 1,837 6 44,367 78%Printing 6,324 3,336 129 9,788 17%Transport by USPS and others 229 611 0 840 1%NGS Operations and Travel 341 45 0 386 1%Pallets and Packaging 809 62 779 1,651 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 268 0 268 0%

-723 -723 -1% T O T A L 49,844 6,205 913 56,962 100%


Table C-1. Energy Results by Category(megajoules per metr ic tonne of National Geographic M agazines)



C-2


EnergyNon-Fossil

EnergyT O T A L

E N E R G YPercent

Fossil EnergyUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19,432 26,249 45,681 43%Printing 9,053 735 9,788 92%Transport by USPS and others 796 44 840 95%NGS Operations and Travel 295 91 386 76%Pallets and Packaging 1,436 215 1,651 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 266 2 268 99%Combustion Energy Credit -723 0 -723 T O T A L 30,848 27,428 58,276 53%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19,237 25,787 45,024 43%Printing 9,053 735 9,788 92%Transport by USPS and others 796 44 840 95%NGS Operations and Travel 295 91 386 76%Pallets and Packaging 1,436 215 1,651 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 266 2 268 99%Combustion Energy Credit -723 -723 T O T A L 30,653 26,966 57,619 53%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19,042 25,325 44,367 43%Printing 9,053 735 9,788 92%Transport by USPS and others 796 44 840 95%NGS Operations and Travel 295 91 386 76%Pallets and Packaging 1,436 215 1,651 87%Disposal and Landfill Operations 266 2 268 99%Combustion Energy Credit -723 0 -723 T O T A L 30,458 26,504 56,962 53%


Table C-2. Fossil and Non-Fossil Energy Results(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)



C-3



Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 8,420 8,371 2,640 2,149 910 23,011 178 45,681Printing 2,285 3,394 3,374 11 678 0 47 9,788Transport by USPS and others 91 573 132 5 30 0 9 840NGS Operations and Travel 85 59 151 3 80 0 8 386Pallets and Packaging 752 427 257 6 34 165 10 1,651Disposal and Landfill Operations 13 246 7 0 2 0 0 -723 -455 T O T A L 11,731 13,130 6,710 2,179 1,814 23,176 259 -723 58,276




(M illion B T U per 1,000 pound of National Geographic M agazines)Table C-3. Energy Profile



C-4



Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 73.4 1378 198 1650Printing 0.22 613.9 0 614.1Transport by USPS and others 0 58.19 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.99 46.5 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.00 18.9 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -57.6 T O T A L 29.2 2140 201 2370 Percent of Total 1.2% 90% 8.5% 100%




Table C-4. G lobal Warming Potential by Category(kilograms of C O2-equiv per metr ic tonne of National Geographic M agazines)



C-5


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg)Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1276 6.76 0.15 2.3E-06 198 1663Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 43.1 0.25 0.013 0 0 52.5Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.2 0.02 0.00063 0 0 18.9End-of-Life Management * -202 6.88 0 0 0 -57.6 T O T A L 1794 15.5 0.18 0.0055 201 2384





Table C-5. G lobal Warming Potential by Chemical(kilograms per metr ic tonne of National Geographic M agazines)



C-6




(kg) (kg) (kg)L ife Cycle StepUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 1663 1674 1688Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 52.5 52.8 53.3Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 18.9 26.1 19.0End-of-Life Management * -57.6 -43.9 -30.1 T O T A L 2384 2419 2443





Table C-6. Comparison of G WP Results using Different IPC C Estimates(kilograms per metr ic tonne of National Geographic M agazines)



C-7


C O2-Equiv (self-

reported)C O2-Equiv

(IPC C 1996)L ife Cycle Steps (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg) (kg)Using 0% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1774 15.4 0.18 3.8E-06 201 2356 T O T A L 1794 15.5 0.18 0.0055 201 2384

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine PaperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 5.5E-03 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1762 15.4 0.18 3.80E-06 201 2342 T O T A L 1782 15.4 0.18 0.0055 201 2370



Table C-7. G lobal Warming Potential by G H G Protocol Scope(kilograms of C O2-equiv per metr ic tonne of National Geographic M agazines)




L ife Cycle Step (kg) (kg) (kg)Coated Magazine Paper 1940 1927 1914Printing 4.35 4.35 4.35Transport by USPS and others 0.24 0.24 0.24NGS Operations and Travel 0.33 0.33 0.33Pallets and Packaging 14.1 14.1 14.1Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.014 0.014 0.014End-of-Life Management * 117 117 117 T O T A L 2077 2064 2050



(kilograms of biomass C O2-equiv per metr ic tonnes of magazines)Table C-8. Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Biomass (Carbon Neutral)



C-8

Life Cycle StepsOne


Annual Production

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 0.57 574,106 44,862,222Printing 0.21 213,728 16,701,316Transport by USPS and others 0.02 20,253 1,582,588NGS Operations and Travel 0.01 11,981 936,249Pallets and Packaging 0.02 18,258 1,426,746Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.01 6,593 515,205End-of-Life Management * -0.02 -20,061 -1,567,622 T O T A L 0.82 824,859 64,456,704


Table C-9. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(kilograms of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)



Annual Production

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 0.0035 3,456 270,057Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 0.0063 6,270 489,989Scope 3 (Other) 0.82 815,133 63,696,658 T O T A L 0.82 824,859 64,456,704


Table C-10. G lobal Warming Potential for Different Quantities of M agazines(kilograms of Carbon Dioxide Equivalents)

Sensitivity Analysis of Open Loop Recycling of Magazines


D-1

APPENDIX D SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF OPEN LOOP RECYCLING OF POSTCONSUMER MAGAZINES INTRODUCTION Table 2-3 in Chapter 2 shows the best estimate and an alternative sensitivity analysis scenario for end-of-life management of National Geographic magazines based on surveys by NGS and additional research by Harmony Environmental. The study results shown in Table 3-1 through Table 3-10 reflect the best estimate scenario. For this scenario, 1000 pounds of magazines are handled in this manner: 600 pounds are archived (indefinitely diverted from disposal, with ultimate disposition not modeled in this study); 160 pounds are recycled, and 240 pounds are disposed (80% landfill and 20% WTE). Recycled magazines leave the system and become a raw material for another product system. For the magazines that are recycled at end of life, all initial production burdens for the magazines are charged to NGS, while the product system using the magazines as raw material takes the burdens for collection, reprocessing, and ultimate disposal of the material. The study results shown in Table D-1 through Table D-10 reflect the sensitivity analysis scenario indicated in Table 2-3 and Appendix A plus the allocation of raw materials, energy, and GHG emissions are made by the open loop recycling method. For this scenario, 1000 pounds of magazines are handled in this manner: none are archived; 400 pounds are recycled, 600 pounds are disposed (80% landfill and 20% WTE). For the 400 pounds of magazines that are recycled into another product, the magazine product system carries one half (200 pounds) of the virgin paper inputs and outputs and one half (200 pounds) of the recycled paper inputs and outputs. Thus, all inputs and outputs of raw materials, energy, and emissions are shared equally between the virgin paper and the recycled paper. A cradle-to-gate generic recycled paper model from the Franklin Associates database was used to model the collection of postconsumer paper and recycling process. The sensitivity analysis of Appendix A and the sensitivity analysis of open loop recycling for postconsumer magazines are combined here because the deviation in results from the base case is greater than if open loop recycling sensitivity analysis is conducted on only the 16% of magazines assumed recycled in the base case. In this sensitivity analysis, open loop recycling is assumed for 40% of the postconsumer magazines. A comparison of the energy results in Tables D-1 through D-3 to Tables 3-1 through 3-3 shows a significant decrease in total energy use (fossil and nonfossil) of about 12% if the sensitivity analysis scenario is used instead of the best estimate for end-of-life waste management. The reduction in wood-derived energy is about 20%. The energy for waste disposal operations increases if magazines are not archived, but this increase is more than offset by the energy production by the 20% of magazines that are disposed by WTE incineration. The



D-2

comparison of total energy results is summarized below in Summary Table D. A sensitivity analysis of open loop recycling of 16% of magazines would cause only a 4% difference in total energy. A comparison of the GHG emission results in Tables D-4 through D-7 to Tables 3-4 through 3-7, shows that total GHG emissions measured as carbon dioxide equivalents decrease by about 7% if the sensitivity analysis for open loop recycling of magazines scenario is used instead of the best estimate for end-of-life waste management. This is not a significant difference. The reduction in GHG emissions is a lower percent than the reduction in energy use because a large portion of the energy savings is wood-derived energy. Carbon dioxide emissions from biomass such as wood are not considered to be GHG emissions because the growth of wood in managed forests takes up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The comparison of GHG emissions is summarized in Summary Table D. A sensitivity analysis of open loop recycling of 16% of magazines would cause less than 2% difference in total GHG emissions.

Coated magazine paper in landfills sequesters more carbon, measured as carbon dioxide equivalents, than is released by the degradation of the magazine paper53. This is because the magazine paper contains a large portion of groundwood pulp. Groundwood contains lignin, which prevents degradation of the wood pulp in landfills. The portion of the paper that degrades in the landfill produces methane, which has a global warming potential (GWP) of 21 compared to a GWP of 1 for carbon dioxide. Emissions from degradation of paper in landfills are highly uncertain and vary from site to site depending on landfill and climate conditions, which can vary from year to year. Likewise, sequestration estimates are based on limited experimental data. Thus, the waste management scenarios, energy use, WTE energy credits, and GHG emissions for the end-of-life management of the magazines should be considered to have a much higher uncertainty than GHG emissions reported for other life cycle stages.

53 omponents in Laboratory-Published in Environmental Science & Technology. Volume 31, Number 3, 1997.



D-3

Li fe Cyc l e Steps B est Esti mate Sensi t i vi ty % Di ff B est Esti mate Sensi t i vi ty % Di ffUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 19.6 15.7 -22% 1663 1330 -22%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.69 -3% 52.5 50.2 -4%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.12 0.38 108% 18.9 63.1 108%Recycled Paper (20%) - 1.37 - 268Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.85 93% -57.6 -189 106% TO TAL 24.9 22.0 -12% 2384 2230 -7%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.4 15.5 -22% 1650 1320 -22%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.69 -3% 52.5 50.2 -4%Disposal and Landfill Operations Fuels 0.12 0.38 108% 18.9 63.1 108%Recycled Paper (20%) - 1.37 - 268Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.85 93% -57.6 -189 106% TO TAL 24.6 21.8 -12% 2370 2219 -7%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper 19.1 15.3 -22% 1636 1309 -22%Printing 4.21 4.21 0% 614 614 0%Transport by USPS and others 0.36 0.36 0% 58.2 58.2 0%NGS Operations and Travel 0.17 0.17 0% 34.4 34.4 0%Pallets and Packaging 0.71 0.69 -3% 52.5 50.2 -4%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.12 0.38 108% 18.9 63.1 108%Recycled Paper (20%) - 1.37 - 268Combustion Credit/End of Life Management -0.31 -0.85 93% -57.6 -189 106% TO TAL 24.3 21.6 -12% 2357 2208 -7%

Note: The open loop recycling scenario is based on no archiving of magazines and open-loop recycling of 40% of postconsumer magazines.


Total Ene rgy Total G H G Emissions(mi l l ion B TU) (pounds C O2-equi v)

Summary Tabl e D. Magazi ne Open Loop Recyc l i ng Sensi t i vi ty Anal ysis



D-4

Li fe Cyc l e StepsProcess Ene rgy

Transpor t Ene rgy

Ene rgy of Mate r i al Resource

TO TAL ENERG Y

Pe rcent of Total

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 15.1 0.59 0.0021 15.7 71%Printing 2.72 1.43 0.055 4.21 19%Transport by USPS and others 0.098 0.26 0 0.36 2%NGS Operations and Travel 0.15 0.019 0 0.17 1%Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.026 0.33 0.69 3%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 0.38 0 0.38 2%Recycled Paper (20%) 1 0.12 0 1.37 6%WTE Credit -0.85 -0.85 -4% TO TAL 18.8 2.84 0.39 22.0 100%




Tabl e D-1. Ene rgy Resul ts by Category(Mi l l ion B TU pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes)



D-5

Li fe Cyc l e StepsFossi l Ene rgy

Non-Fossi l Ene rgy

TO TAL ENERG Y

Pe rcent Fossi l Ene rgy

Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 6.68 9.0 15.7 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.61 0.078 0.69 89%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.38 0.0034 0.38 99%Recycled Paper (20%) 1.25 0.1211 1.37 91%WTE Credit -0.85 -0.85 TO TAL 12.4 9.5 22.0 56%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 6.62 8.9 15.5 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.61 0.078 0.69 89%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.38 0.0034 0.38 99%Recycled Paper (20%) 1.25 0.1211 1.37 91%WTE Credit -0.85 -0.85 TO TAL 12.4 9.3 21.8 57%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 6.55 8.7 15.3 43%Printing 3.89 0.32 4.21 92%Transport by USPS and others 0.34 0.019 0.36 95%NGS Operations and Travel 0.13 0.039 0.17 76%Pallets and Packaging 0.61 0.078 0.69 89%Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.38 0 0.38 99%Recycled Paper (20%) 1.25 0 1.37 91%WTE Credit -0.85 -0.85 TO TAL 12.3 9.2 21.6 57%


Tabl e D-2. Fossi l and Non-Fossi l Ene rgy Resul ts(Mi l l ion B TU pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes)



D-6

Li fe Cyc l e Steps Nat . G as Pet rol eum Coal Hydropowe r Nuc l ear Wood Othe rWTE

Credi t TotalUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 2.90 2.88 0.91 0.74 0.31 7.91 0.061 15.7Printing 0.98 1.46 1.45 0.0046 0.29 0 0.020 4.21Transport by USPS and others 0.039 0.25 0.057 0.0024 0.013 0 0.0037 0.36NGS Operations and Travel 0.036 0.026 0.065 0.0015 0.034 0 0.0033 0.17Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.18 0.10 0.0026 0.014 0.057 0.0041 0.69Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.018 0.35 0.010 0.0004 0.0023 0 0.0007 0.38Recycled Paper (20%) 0 0.18 0.83 0 0.083 0 0.023 -0.85 0.52 TO TAL 4.54 5.32 3.42 0.77 0.75 7.97 0.12 -0.85 22.0

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 2.86 2.85 0.91 0.72 0.31 7.78 0.061 15.5Printing 0.98 1.46 1.45 0.0046 0.29 0 0.020 4.21Transport by USPS and others 0.039 0.25 0.057 0.0024 0.013 0 0.0037 0.36NGS Operations and Travel 0.036 0.026 0.065 0.0015 0.034 0 0.0033 0.17Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.18 0.10 0.0026 0.014 0.057 0.0041 0.69Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.0180 0.35 0.0100 0.0004 0.002 0 0.0007 0.38Recycled Paper (20%) 0.24 0.18 0.83 0.0150 0.083 0 0.023 -0.85 0.52 TO TAL 4.50 5.29 3.42 0.74 0.75 7.84 0.12 -0.85 21.8

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 2.83 2.81 0.91 0.69 0.31 7.65 0.060 15.3Printing 0.98 1.46 1.45 0.0046 0.29 0 0.020 4.21Transport by USPS and others 0.039 0.25 0.057 0.0024 0.013 0 0.0037 0.36NGS Operations and Travel 0.036 0.026 0.065 0.0015 0.034 0 0.0033 0.17Pallets and Packaging 0.32 0.18 0.10 0.0026 0.014 0.057 0.0041 0.69Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.018 0.35 0.010 0.0004 0.002 0 0.0007 0.38Recycled Paper (20%) 0 0.18 0.83 0 0 0 0 -0.85 0.52 TO TAL 4.47 5.25 3.43 0.72 0.75 7.70 0.12 -0.85 21.6


Tabl e D-3. Ene rgy Profi l e(Mi l l ion B TU pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes)



D-7

Li fe Cyc l e Steps Process F ue lSe l f-

Repor ted TotalUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 58.9 1113 158 1330Printing 0.22 613.9 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.74 44.4 0 50.2Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 63.1 0 63.1Recycled Paper (20%) 0 267.5 0 267.5End-of-Life Management * -189 -189 TO TAL -116.5 2184 162 2230 Pe rcent of Total -5.2% 98% 7.3% 100%

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 58.7 1103 158 1320Printing 0.22 614 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.74 44.4 0 50.2Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 63.1 0 63.1Recycled Paper (20%) 0 267.5 0 267.5End-of-Life Management * -189 -189 TO TAL -116.6 2174 162 2219 Pe rcent of Total -5.3% 98% 7.3% 100%

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 58.6 1092 158 1309Printing 0.22 614 0 614Transport by USPS and others 0 58.2 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 7.25 23.8 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 5.74 44.4 0 50.2Disposal and Landfill Operations 0 63.1 0 63.1Recycled Paper (20%) 0 267.5 0 267.5End-of-Life Management * -189 -189 TO TAL -116.8 2163 162 2208 Pe rcent of Total -5.3% 98% 7.3% 100%



(pounds of C O2-equi v pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes) Tabl e D-4. G lobal Warmi ng Potenti al by Category



D-8

Fossi l C O2 MethaneNi trous Oxi de H F Cs

C O2-Equi v (se l f-

repor ted)

C O2-Equi v (IP C C 1996)

Li fe Cyc l e Steps (l b) (l b) (l b) (l b) (l b) (l b)Using 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1021 5.41 0.12 1.9E-06 158 1330Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 41.3 0.24 0.012 0 0 50.2Disposal and Landfill Operations 60.8 0.08 0.0021 0 0 63.1Recycled Paper (20%) 251 0.50 0.019 0 0 268End-of-Life Management * -642 21.6 0 0 0 -189 TO TAL 1390 29.4 0.17 0.0055 162 2230

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1011 5.38 0.12 1.8E-06 158 1320Printing 580 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 41.3 0.24 0.012 0 0 50.2Disposal and Landfill Operations 60.8 0.08 0.0021 0 0 63.1Recycled Paper (20%) 251 0.50 0.0193 0 0 268End-of-Life Management * -642 21.6 0 0 0 -189 TO TAL 1380 29.4 0.17 0.0055 161.8 2219

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1002 5.35 0.12 1.8E-06 158 1309Printing 579.7 1.43 0.014 1.5E-06 0 614Transport by USPS and others 55.8 0.092 0.0015 0 0 58.2NGS Operations and Travel 22.5 0.052 0.00054 0.0055 3.39 34.4Pallets and Packaging 41.3 0.24 0.012 0 0 50.2Disposal and Landfill Operations 60.8 0.08 0.0021 0 0 63.1Recycled Paper (20%) 251.1 0.50 0.0193 0 0 267.5End-of-Life Management * -642 21.6 0 0 0 -189 TO TAL 1371 29.3 0.17 0.0055 162 2208



Tabl e D-5. G lobal Warmi ng Potenti al by Chemi cal(pounds pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes)



D-9




(l b) (l b) (l b)Li fe Cyc l e StepUsing 0% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1330 1340 1351Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 50.2 50.5 51.0Disposal and Landfill Operations 63.1 87.0 63.5Recycled Paper (20%) 268 410 269End-of-Life Management * -189 -145 -102 TO TAL 2230 2451 2345

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1320 1329 1340Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 50.2 50.5 51.0Disposal and Landfill Operations 63.1 87.0 63.5Recycled Paper (20%) 268 410 269End-of-Life Management * -189 -145 -102.2 TO TAL 2219 2440 2334

Using 10% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1309 1318 1329Printing 614 617 620Transport by USPS and others 58.2 58.4 58.5NGS Operations and Travel 34.4 34.5 34.6Pallets and Packaging 50.2 50.5 51.0Disposal and Landfill Operations 63.1 87.0 63.5Recycled Paper (20%) 409.7 269.3End-of-Life Management * -189 -145 -102.2 TO TAL 2208 2429 2323



(pounds pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes)Tabl e D-6. Compar ison of G WP Resul ts usi ng Di ffe rent IP C C Esti mates



D-10

Fossi l C O2 MethaneNi trous Oxi de H F Cs

C O2-Equi v (se l f-

repor ted)


Li fe Cyc l e Steps (l b) (l b) (l b) (l b) (l b) (l b)Using 0% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1371 29.4 0.17 3.4E-06 162 2202 TO TAL 1390 29.4 0.17 0.0055 162 2230

Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine PaperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1361 29.3 0.17 3.3E-06 162 2191 TO TAL 1380 29.4 0.17 0.0055 162 2219

Using 10% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 2.43 0.011 4.4E-05 0.0055 0 9.93Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 17.1 0.037 0.00041 0 0 18.0Scope 3 (Other) 1351 29.3 0.17 3.3E-06 162 2180 TO TAL 1371 29.3 0.17 0.0055 162 2208


Tabl e D-7. G lobal Warmi ng Potenti al by G H G Protocol Scope(pounds pe r 1,000 pound of National G eographi c Magazi nes)

0% Recyc l ed Content Pape r



Li fe Cyc l e Step (l b) (l b) (l b)Coated Magazine Paper (80%) 1552 1542 1531Printing 4.35 4.35 4.35Transport by USPS and others 0.24 0.24 0.24NGS Operations and Travel 0.33 0.33 0.33Pallets and Packaging 11.3 11.3 11.3Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.047 0.047 0.047Recycled Paper (20%) 1.53 1.534 1.53End-of-Life Management * 364 364 364 TO TAL 1934 1923 1913



(pounds of biomass C O2-equi v pe r 1,000 pound of magazi nes)Tabl e D-8. Carbon Dioxi de emissions from biomass (Carbon Neutral )



D-11

Li fe Cyc l e StepsOne

Magazi ne

One M i l l ion

Magazi nes

Annual P roduction

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperCoated Magazine Paper (80%) 1.01 1,012,724 79,136,960Printing 0.47 471,271 36,826,401Transport by USPS and others 0.04 44,657 3,489,607NGS Operations and Travel 0.03 26,419 2,064,429Pallets and Packaging 0.04 38,499 3,008,425Disposal and Landfill Operations 0.05 48,460 3,786,756Recycled Paper (20%) 0.21 205,316 16,043,953End-of-Life Management * -0.14 -144,698 -11,307,106 TO TAL 1.70 1,702,647 133,049,425


Tabl e D-9. G lobal Warmi ng Potenti al for Di ffe rent Quanti ti es of Magazi nes(pounds of Carbon Dioxi de Equi val ents)

Li fe Cyc l e StepsOne

Magazi ne

One M i l l ion

Magazi nes

Annual P roduction

(2008)Using 5% recycled content paperScope 1 (NGS direct combustion) 0.01 7,620 595,476Scope 2 (NGS purchased electricity) 0.01 13,826 1,080,425Scope 3 (Other) 1.68 1,681,200 131,373,525 TO TAL 1.70 1,702,647 133,049,425


Tabl e D-10. G lobal Warmi ng Potenti al for Di ffe rent Quanti ti es of Magazi nes(pounds of Carbon Dioxi de Equi val ents)

Peer Review Comments


E-1

APPENDIX E PEER REVIEW COMMENTS AND RESPONSES INTRODUCTION Peer review comments were provided by Mary Ann Curran with the United States Environmental Protection Agency and Reid Miner and Caroline Gaudreault with National Council for Air and Stream Improvement (NCASI). The review by NCASI was a technical review and not intended to determine if the report is consistent with the ISO 14040 and 14044 standards. Comments and responses are listed below. A . Review Comments by Mary Ann Curran Mary Ann Curran, PhD LCA Expert 5137 Oak Brook Drive Cincinnati, OH 45244 [email protected] General Comments: I am pleased to be able to provide technical peer review comments on the subject report. Harmony Environmental has produced a very clearly written, well organized document that presents their findings of the potential Carbon Footprint of National Geographic magazine. The methodology is well supported, the study boundaries are sound, and the assumptions used in the calculations are clearly identified and justified. I have no major concerns regarding the overall technical basis of the study. I have, however, identified a few areas where the text could better explain the methodology that was used. Mainly, there should be more discussion on the similarities as well as the differences between Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and carbon footprint (CF) calculations. The report states that an LCA framework was followed; this study is in fact an exercise in CF. While LCA and CF are similar in that they are both holistic (cradle-to-grave) tools, the terms are not synonymous. A key difference is that CF focuses on a single impact indicator (GWP). In addition, CF includes the contributions of NGS staff activities. In an LCA, staff would normally not be considered. But because this study is to assess the footprint of a company that makes a specific product, staff activities are an important part of CF. Further, the report gives a lot of emphasis to energy calculations. However, energy itself does not reflect carbon, nor does it say anything about potential environmental impact. In order to have a



E-2

more meaningful assessment, the source of the energies must be accounted for in order to account for the relevant inputs and outputs. My ability to comment indepth on the impact modeling method, i.e. calculating GWP, is limited. But this particular impact indicator is well established with little controversy regarding its application. The main point of divergence is often related to the time period that is selected. In this study, 100 years was chosen, which is, to my knowledge, very typical. Also, I cannot comment on the goodness or completeness of the underlying as these were not made available to me. Specific comments: Scope & Boundaries: Mention the assumptions that were used for recycled content. This revision is in the executive summary and chapter 1. Present the average transport distances in miles. This revision is in the executive summary and chapter 2, table 2-1. Explain the connection between measuring greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to model global warming potential (GWP) and Carbon Footprintmisnomer because the methodology accounts for more than only carbon to include all emissions that contribute to GWP that are then calculated on a CO2eq basis? that is commonly used to describe the amount of greenhouse gas (G H G) emissions caused by a particular activity or entity. G H G emissions are commonly converted to the measurement of CO2 equivalents using the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)100-year GWG factors. This allows the effect on climate change from different activities to be evaluated on a common basis. This explanation is added to the executive summary and chapter 1. Were land use changes considered in the raw material acquisition stage? Or, was it assumed that current land being used for forestry is static? The wood used to make the coated magazine paper is acquired from managed forests. I t was assumed that current land use is static and that there is no additional sequestration of carbon or reduction in carbon sequestration due to forestry to produce wood for this product. This explanation is added to chapter 1. I do not follow the logic of setting 1,000 lbs as the functional unit. This production level seems to be more accurately called a reference flow from which all the input and output calculations are



E-3

based. A number is usually picked that is sufficiently large enough to have meaningful results but not too large as to be unwieldy. 1,000 is a nice round number. But that is different from a functional unit which is defined by a specific function that a product is fulfilling. For example, it could be the provision of a magazine to a reader, or it could be the entire production within a given year (2008 in this case). The functional unit goes hand in hand with the stated goal of the study. You are correct. The reference flow is 1,000 pounds of product. I t was chosen for convenience and to allow the client to easily estimate changes in results if the basis weight of the paper changes. The functional unit is one average National Geographic magazine. This functional unit was chosen to provide information to customers who may be interested in knowing the carbon footprint of the magazine they purchase. I t is easy to scale up the functional unit to express results for a year of production for National Geographic, which is of interest to the National Geographic Society and their suppliers. The language of the report has been revised to more accurately describe the functional unit for the study. Conclusions: Did you go from one to one million to 2008 production by simply multiplying the results of 1,000 lbs? Yes. That is correct. The results for 1,000 pounds of average magazines are multiplied by the appropriate weight factor for the number of magazines for which results are desired. Also, the client may multiply the results by the weight factors for specific issues of magazine weights instead of the average magazine weight to see how the paper weight affects results. Paper weight is slightly different for domestic and international distribution. Presenting the results as miles driving a car (i.e. 2 miles per magazine) is an interesting way to help the reader relate. But using such as small functional unit will not give a true sense of the magnitude that is at stake here. The 2008 production number is approximately 156,000,000 miles (or equivalent to 13,000 cars driving 12,000 miles each in one year)! This presentation was intended to assist the individual customer in evaluating their personal contribution to climate change due to purchasing a magazine. The National Geographic Society and suppliers are more interested in the annual G H G emissions and do not need the conversion to miles driving a car. What is the reason for modeling three different recycling rates? What is the current (average) rate? The current recycled fiber content of the magazine is about 5%. The 0% and 10% recycling rates were modeled to frame the contribution of recycled fiber to the magazine carbon footprint. We wanted to evaluate the magnitude of benefit for increasing or decreasing recycled fiber content. The use of recycled fiber for coated magazine paper potentially increases energy use and waste from the paper machines. This was not part of the evaluation of recycled fiber content.



E-4

P 1-2: Explain why magazine weight varies? Done. Were there any instances in which a systems expansion approach could have been applied? The system for recycled fiber content could have been expanded to include the manufacture of the original virgin paper. I t is now explained in the report why this was not considered. P 1-7: Check this but I believe that the first step preferred by ISO is sub-process modeling. If that data are not available, then avoiding allocation is next, followed by allocation. You are correct. Sub-process modeling is a way to avoid allocation by modeling actual inputs and outputs at a more granular level. Unfortunately, metering and recordkeeping are often not done at the sub-process level in manufacturing facilities. P 1-8: Could you possibly use SE here to indicate where the use of the wood chips is displacing other products? I t is an interesting question, but it would take quite a lot of additional research. We could have reviewed the market for wood chips to determine if using wood chips for paper does indeed displace other products, for example pressed board. Then, we perhaps could have expanded the study to consider the life cycle impacts of replacing pressed board with a product that does not use wood chips because the wood chips were used to make paper. Market forces typically determine how raw materials are used. I f prices were greatly different, it is possible that the paper mill would not purchase the wood chips as a raw material. Table 1-2: This is a good way to show confidence in data. Thank you. Table 2-1: Number of miles would be more meaningful than ton-miles. Do these numbers double to get to total miles since the weight being transported is approximately a half ton? Are round trips accounted for? Do you assume that trucks and trains carry freight of some sort in both directions? The number of miles are now included in the table. You are correct. The number of miles is double the ton-mile numbers for transporting 1,000 pounds (1/2 ton) of magazines For rail, ocean freighter, and air cargo, round trips are not considered. Statistical public data are used to estimate the amount of fuel per ton-mile of cargo delivered. Additionally estimating fuel for empty return trips would be erroneous, as this is included in the transportation statistical data. For trucks, it was assumed that the truck would carry freight in both directions. Only the fuel for delivering the magazines one-way is included. NGS data indicates that some shipments are



E-5

shared and the magazine is only a portion of the truck load. I f we were to estimate that trucks do not back haul freight and include fuel for the return trip, the total energy for the 0% recycled fiber content LC I increases from 24.9 MMBTU to 25.3 MMBTU (an increase of 1.6%). The G H G emissions increase from 2384 to 2450 pounds of CO2-equivalents (an increase of 2.8%). Show the total weight (approx 59, 760,000 lbs). I am not clear on how transport that is reported in ton-miles includes the number of trips that may be required? This goes back to my concern about how the functional unit was set. If 1,000 lbs was the basis for the calculations, then are all the trips needed to deliver a monthly magazine included in the calculation? Or does the model assume all 1,000 lbs can be transported at once? Please clarify. The appropriate amount of fuel to transport magazines is included in the model. The fuel for transporting 1,000 pounds of magazines may be scaled up or down to calculated a different amount of magazines. The ton-mile is a common unit for handling transportation of goods. For this study, data for shipping magazines from the printer were reported by monthly shipments to specific locations via the mode shipped. Number of magazines, total weight of magazines, miles shipped by mode (truck and rail), and number of trailers shipped were reported. These data were compiled to calculate the average weight of a magazine for the year 2008 and the weighted average miles shipped by each mode for an average magazine in 2008. Once the average distance shipped via truck per magazine was calculated, the number of ton-miles per 1000 pounds (1/2 ton) of magazines was calculated. This value is input into the LCI model, which is set up to convert ton-miles to an estimate of fuel used for truck transport. The conversion is based on statistical data for truck transport in the United States, which considers the typical weight transported per truck. I t would be more accurate to have the actual fuel use for the transport of magazines from the printer, but actual fuel use was not available. P 35: Percentages for US and EU landfill/incineration rates are not presented equally. US is after recycling rates; EU rates includes recycling, making incineration appear to be a smaller percentage. A sentence stating the percent incineration of the portion of MSW not recovered for recycling or composting is now included. Table 2-3: What is the difference between the first and last columns ( % of total magazine production & removed from waste stream)? The first column is the percent of magazines sent to each location. The last column is the portion that is removed from the waste stream for each location. Text to explain the table is now included in the report. P 3-



E-6

Removed the repeated line. Table 3-6: Why are CO2-equivalents expressed in lb?? English measurement units are used consistently throughout the report. All results are also presented in metric units in Appendix C . Results for Table 3-6 are presented in Table C-6 in the units of kg per metric tonne. What is the purpose of Table 3-8 if biomass is considered to be carbon neutral? I understand (and can agree with) the assumption that the carbon from biomass is balanced, and how the processing inputs must be accounted for. But this table mixes the two in a way that is confusing. The WRI G H G Protocol requires that biomass carbon dioxide be reported separately from G H G emissions. Table 3-8 is included to meet this requirement. Explain how CO2 emissions decrease by increasing recycling. Collection of postconsumer paper, deinking, and repulping to manufacture recycled pulp produces slightly less G H G emissions (CO2-equivalents)than the G H G emissions (CO2-equivalents) produced from the fossil energy and process G H G emissions associated with manufacturing the virgin pulp used to make the coated magazine paper. The results are specific to one supplier of recycled pulp and one virgin pulp manufacturing facility. No extrapolation to other facilities should be made. These data are not industry averages. As explained in the report the difference in results between the 0% recycled fiber content magazine paper and the 10% recycled fiber content are too close(less than 25% difference) to be significant given the inherent uncertainty of LCI data and results. B . Comments by Reid Miner and Caroline Gaudreault Preface It should be mentioned here that the consistency for LCI is partial. This explanation is added. Figure ES-1 The diagram should show some open loop recycling. Open-loop recycling of magazines is now included in the diagram. Energy Results page ES-2 Mention here that total = fossil + non-fossil Done.



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Figure ES-4 (other energy) Why are pallets considered? Pallets are used multiple times and when you divide the impact by the number of uses, it should not be very significant. Data for this study did not support the assumption that pallets are used multiple times. Therefore, it was assumed that pallets leaving the printer were disposed. This is a conservative assumption and may cause the energy and G H G emission results to be slightly higher (less than 4%) than actual. Page ES-4 last paragraph Add units for CO2-equivalents. Done. Page ES-6 last paragraph GWP for printing operations seems very high at 26% of GWP. Yes. We reviewed the data several times for accuracy. The printing category does include printing facility energy and emissions, cradle to gate manufacture of solvents for ink, and transportation from the printer to distribution centers. The energy and emissions for the printing facility are a larger portion of the study results than reported in other similar studies. We believe we have accurately accounted for printing energy and emissions. Energy and emissions for the facility were allocated on the basis of total number of pages printed for all products in 2008. Figure 1-1 Add open loop recycling. Done. Page 1-7, Coproduct Allocation Other co-products: electricity from methane at landfills, energy from incineration allocation should also be discussed here.

Page 1-7, Coproduct Allocation, second paragraph I understand! However, co-product credit (or substitution or avoided burden) is recognized under ISO as a system expansion approach to avoid allocation, which is a first priority approach. However, in order to apply this, you must be able to find an adequate substitute. I would modify this section. The paragraph provides an adequate explanation of the purpose of coproduct allocation for the intended audience. More detailed information about coproduct allocation is provided in the ISO standards for practitioners. Page 1-8, Coproduct Allocation Depending on what other products are produced at the Andro mill, mass allocation can have important limitations. Mass allocation is a commonly accepted method. We believe it is appropriate here.



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Page 1-8, Recycling Allocation, last paragraph You should either explain how this is justified under ISO 14044 or should use another method. At a minimum, another method that is specifically allowed under ISO should be used in a sensitivitiy analysis. ISO 14044 does not preclude the use of any recycling allocation method, as long as the method is described. The method used, allocating 100% of the processes to make the virgin product to the virgin product and 100% of collection of postconsumer material and recycling processes to the recycled product has become a commonly used approach in recent years. A sensitivity analysis for open loop recycling of postconsumer magazines has been added to the study in Appendix D . Page 1-12, End of Life Management The carbon accounting procedure should be described in detail in the methodology chapter. It would give an overview on how carbon has been accounted for. Biomass carbon is assumed to be in balance over time with the exception of paper and wood products that sequester biomass carbon in landfills. The method for accounting for sequestered biomass carbon is described in the End of Life Management section under

Page 2-2, Transport by the Printer You should clarify whether back hauls are empty or full (i.e. is the magazine burdened with one-way or round-trip vehicle travel?) Done. Page 2-4, Transport by Newsstand Distributors You should clarify whether back hauls are empty or full (i.e. is the magazine burdened with one-way or round-trip vehicle travel?) Done. Page 2-5, End of Life for Magazines, paper recovery for Canada This includes corrugated and newspapers which have high recovery rates. It probably does not make much difference to the results, but the recovery rate for magazines in the MSW stream is probably lower. Yes. We agree. More specific data for magazines would be preferable, but the effect on the study results is expected to be minimal. Page 2-7, second paragraph, archiving magazines

Since they have survey data on "time in use" it would seem more reasonable to include this in the analysis. It should at least be included in a sensitivity analysis to see how important it is (my guess is that it will be quite important, especially if you use the PAS2050 decay model). One might start with an assumption that for the fraction that goes into archives, the half life is 10 years, an arbitrary number but one that would seem reasonable.



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study, the life cycle is meant to be a cradle-to-grave analysis over whatever time is required for the life cycle to be completed. Carbon sequestration credit for 60% of postconsumer magazines could potentially improve the carbon footprint of the magazine substantially, but we chose to not include this analysis because the ultimate fate of the magazines is uncertain. A t some point in the distant future the archived magazines may be disposed into a landfill where current studies indicate that amount of carbon sequestration measured in carbon dioxide equivalents is greater than the amount of G H G emissions. The result of leaving out the ultimate fate of the archived magazines is a conservative decision. The reported carbon footprint may be higher than actual due to this decision. Table 3-8 You should begin the table with the carbon in the incoming wood shown as a negative emission. the net "total" will be zero or a negative number depending on whether all of the biomass carbon is returned to the atmosphere. The biomass carbon stored in archived magazines or in a product made from recycled magazines is not returned to the atmosphere for an indeterminate length of time. This method of accounting for biomass carbon would show a negative number due to the carbon content of the product. However, the numerical value would not account for the potential effect of forestry operations on carbon sequestration in the forest subsurface. Also, the length of time that magazines are archived is uncertain. Eventually, the biomass carbon may be released to the environment. Given the uncertainties, we are content with the premise that biomass carbon dioxide emissions to the air do not contribute to climate change because these emissions are part of the natural cycle of growing trees to replace those that are used to make magazines. Page 3-14, Sensitivity Analysis You should add sensitivity analyses dealing with (a) allocation in open loop recycling, preferably using a method that is specifically identified in ISO 14044 (we suggest the number of subsequent uses approach) and (b) carbon storage in use. The LCI model indicates very little difference in total energy or total G H G emissions when open loop recycling is assumed instead of the magazines carrying all the burden of the virgin product and none of the burdens of the recycled product. This is because only 16% of the postconsumer magazines are assumed to be recycled in the base case. A sensitivity analysis combining the sensitivity of 0% archiving of magazines and open loop recycling of the portion of magazines (40%) that are collected for recycling is now included in Appendix D . A sensitivity analysis for carbon storage in use has not been done because the in use carbon sequestration is a time-related issue and not a life cycle issue. See the response to the comment for page 2-7 above. Page 3-14, Conclusions Somewhere (not necessarily the conclusions) it would be very nice to see the details on the printing-related energy and GHG emissions since the value shown in this study is much higher than is the common perception.



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The details are proprietary to the printer. Page A-1, fourth paragraph You should make it clear that you are talking about coated mechanical paper since coated freesheet will behave very differently in a landfill. Yes. The study covers only coated magazine paper, which contains a large portion of groundwood pulp. This explanation has been added to Appendix A .

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Life Cycle Carbon Footprint Methodology - National Geographicimages.nationalgeographic.com/wpf/media-live/file/2009-Life-Cycle... · HE2009030002 National Geographic Society 10.01.09