Life Cycle Analysis Goal and Scope
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Questions and Answers

Who is the primary audience interested in the environmental impact of hand-drying systems?

  • Dyson engineers (correct)
  • Government regulators
  • Environmental activists
  • Consumers of hand-drying systems

    • What does a product's function describe?

  • The market demand for the product
  • The design aesthetic of the product
  • The product's purpose or actions (correct)
  • The materials used in the product

    • What is meant by 'functional unit' in the context of LCA?

  • The lifespan of the product
  • The number of products produced
  • A quantified performance related to the product's function (correct)
  • The total weight of a product

    • Which of the following is an example of a basic function for a chair?

    <p>Sit</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What distinguishes additional functions from basic functions?

    <p>They involve actions not essential for product use</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is primarily assessed through the goals of an LCA study?

    <p>The environmental and health impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When defining the scope of an LCA, which question is NOT addressed?

    <p>What are the costs associated with the study?</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In the MIT LCA study on hand dryers, what is one of the specific goals?

    <p>To identify impact drivers and target factors</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who was identified as the primary audience for the MIT LCA study on hand dryers?

    <p>Any interested party wanting to understand the data</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of decisions does LCA help support?

    <p>Design, procurement, and policy decisions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which aspect of the LCA is NOT part of the goal-setting process?

    <p>Improving product aesthetics</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is vital for improving design decisions according to LCA methodology?

    <p>Assessment of environmental impacts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What element is essential to effectively scope an LCA?

    <p>Clear understanding of the intended audience</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What mistake involves assuming that quantity relates directly to function?

    <p>Assuming the same physical quantity equals the same function</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which example illustrates an overly restrictive approach in defining function?

    <p>Driving 1000 average person-kilometers in a diesel car</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What defines the boundaries of an LCA study?

    <p>The unit processes of the product system</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are elementary flows in an LCA context?

    <p>Emissions into the environment or resources taken</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of these is a key element when defining the system boundaries in LCA?

    <p>Relationship between the technosphere and ecosphere</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of flows includes intermediary materials in an LCA study?

    <p>Non-elementary flows</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an example of incorrect technical standard use, what does the emissions standard refer to?

    <p>Emission limits associated with vehicle standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a mistake made when applying the same physical quantity to different functions?

    <p>Assuming components can replace each other</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step in the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology focuses on the definition of goals and scope?

    <p>Goal &amp; Scope definition</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is aggregated into a single 'part' in the context of the Dyson Airblade hand dryer?

    <p>Smaller parts such as screws and fasteners</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which application is NOT listed as a direct application of Life Cycle Assessment?

    <p>Cost reduction</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which step follows the Inventory analysis in the Life Cycle Assessment methodology?

    <p>Impact assessment</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main purpose of the Critical review step in the LCA process?

    <p>To ensure the LCA is conducted properly and meets standards</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are the primary phases considered within system boundaries in a life cycle assessment?

    <p>Cradle to Gate</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which method is NOT used for defining cut-off rules in life cycle assessment?

    <p>Total energy consumption</p> Signup and view all the answers

    When defining boundaries for an LCA, which of the following is a key decision factor?

    <p>The geographical location of manufacturing</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In an LCA study commissioned by Dyson regarding hand dryers, which system was primarily manufactured in China?

    <p>All systems except hand dryers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What factor can be used to exclude items from the boundaries based on their physical properties in an LCA?

    <p>Total mass percentage</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is a component of the goal and scope definition in an LCA?

    <p>Life cycle stages considered</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of contribution is specifically mentioned as a criterion for defining cut-off rules in LCA studies?

    <p>Cost or revenue contribution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following is NOT a life cycle phase typically included in system boundaries?

    <p>Cradle to Market</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Goal & Scope

    • Defining goal and scope of a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) is the first step
    • The "Why" question helps define the specific objectives
    • LCA may be conducted for various reasons:
      • Assess environmental and health impacts
      • Improve design decisions
      • Make better procurement decisions
      • Meet communications needs
      • Achieve compliance
      • Make better policies
      • Identify cost savings
      • Enhance brand value

    Target Audience

    • Identify the target audience for the LCA
    • Consider if it is for internal use or external stakeholders
    • External stakeholders may include suppliers, the public, or other organizations

    Function and Functional Unit

    • Determine the function of the product or process being analyzed
    • Function describes the purpose of the product or its components
    • Define the functional unit (FU):
      • Quantified performance of the system
      • Measured as a quantity of service, not a physical quantity
    • Example:
      • Function: Sit, write, read
      • Functional Unit: Providing seating for one student for 8 hours per day
    • Avoid common mistakes:
      • Assuming the same physical quantity equals the same function
      • Being overly restrictive
      • Incorrectly using technical standards or legal requirements

    System Boundaries

    • Define the boundaries between the studied product system and the surrounding economy and environment
    • Determine the unit processes for quantifying environmental impacts
    • System boundaries define:
      • LC phases: Cradle to gate, cradle to grave, cradle to cradle
      • Level of scrutiny (e.g., % contribution by weight, cost, environmental impact)
      • Location of the study
    • Cut-off rules may be applied to exclude insignificant aspects
    • Example:
      • Tea kettle: 95% material contribution from a single component
      • Exclude insignificant components based on weight, cost, or environmental impact

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    Related Documents

    Life Cycle Analysis - Lecture Notes PDF

    Description

    This quiz focuses on defining the goal and scope of Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). It covers the importance of identifying objectives, target audiences, and functional units in the LCA process. Suitable for those interested in environmental assessments and design improvement.

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