An Introduction to Product Life Cycles BAESI Earth Science, Society, and Sustainability July 2001 Ellen Metzger Modified from a presentation by Michael Lepec Stanford University http://www.stanford.edu/~mlepech/teacher.html

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An Introduction to Product Life
CyclesBAESI Earth Science, Society, and
SustainabilityJuly 2001Ellen MetzgerModified
from a presentation by Michael LepecStanford
Universityhttp//www.stanford.edu/mlepech/teach
er.html
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Sustainability

United Nations World Commission on Environment
and Development (1987) Sustainable Development
definition development that meets the needs
of the present without compromising the ability
of future generations to meet their own needs.

• Environmentally Friendly
• Sustainable
• Products
• Green product
• Environmentally
• Preferable

• Biodegradable
• Recyclable
• Ozone friendly
• Eco-design
• Greenwashing

wwblog.miragestudio7.com
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An Introduction to Life Cycle Analysis

• What is the true cost of a product, energy
  source, etc?

Source EPA
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The Story of Stuff

• A linear system on a finite planet
• Is the video useful in the classroom?
• Discussion guide from Susan Santone
• (Creative Change Educational Solutions)

http//www.storyofstuff.com/
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Being Green is Trendy . . . . . . . . . . .What
Does Science Say?

• Industry is looking for ways to green their
  products and manufacturing processes.
• Individuals and Families are looking to green
  their homes and lifestyles.
• How can you tell if something really is green?
• What is currently happening to achieve this goal?
• Scientists perform a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

www.scienceinthebox.com
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Definition

• Life Cycle Assessment

• Compilation and evaluation of the inputs,
  outputs and the potential environmental impacts
  of a product system throughout its life cycle
• This establishes an environmental profile of the
  system.

ISO International Organization for
Standardization Ensures that an LCA is completed
in a certain way.

• WHAT CAN BE DONE
• WITH LCA?
• Product or project development and improvement
• Strategic planning
• Public policy making
• Marketing and eco-declarations
• Greenwashing

www.davidreport.com
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What Makes Up LCA

• Goal Scope Definition
• What is the purpose of the LCA and who is the
  audience?
• Inventory Analysis (LCI)
• What is the function functional unit?
• Where are the boundaries?
• What data do you need?
• What assumptions are you making?
• Are there any imitations?

• Impact Assessment (LCIA)
• What are the environmental, social, and economic
  affects?
• Interpretation
• Ways to reduce environmental impacts.
• What conclusions can you draw from the study?
• What recommendations can be made?

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Activities/Teaching Resources

• EPA Product Life Cycle Posters cell phone,
  CD/DVD, soccer ball (PDFs)
• To order posters call 1-800-490-9198
• EPA Make A Difference Campaign
• http//www.epa.gov/osw/education/ordermad-ms.htm
• Creative Change Educational Solutions has several
  related lessons/resources including
• Life Cycle Comparative Analysis Cotton (denim)
  jeans