Introduction
Life cycle assessment (LCA) is a method of evaluation used to assess the environmental impacts of technologies from ‘cradle to grave’ and may be performed on both products and processes (Huntzinger & Eatmon, 2008). The purpose of this report is to critical assess selected published studies on a product life cycle assessment. The selected product for this report is Cement and the following is the selected published studies which are to be critically assessed:
A life-cycle assessment of Portland cement manufacturing: comparing the traditional process with alternative technologies (2008)
Deborah N. Hintzinger, Thomas D. Eatmon
Implementation of best available techniques in cement manufacturing: a life cycle assessment study (2012)
Cesar Valderrama, Ricard Granados, Jose Luis Cortina, Carles M Gasol, Manel Guillem
Assessment of the studies
In order to assess the studies, the most obvious primary objective to be ensured is that the life cycle assessment is consistent with the standard in which it adheres and refers to. Both studies refer to the same standard (ISO 14044) which aid in comparing and assessing each study lending to the critical assessment of each. Each effective LCA shall entail the following:
1. Phases goal and scope definition
2. Inventory analysis
3. Impact assessment
4. And interpenetration of results
Product and process LCAs should use the same functional unit and equivalent methodological considerations such as performance, system boundaries, data quality, allocation procedures, decisions rules and impact assessment. It must also be noted that any differences between systems/products or processes regarding any of the above shall be identified and reported. The following critically analyses both studie...
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...sociated with the use of BAT for the clinker manufacturing process. Evaluating the environmental performance and that considering LCA methodology proves a suitable process. The LCA provides a vast range of improvement through the installation of BAT techniques and that is highlighted in the damage assessment and the comparison to that of older production lines.
Concluding the critical review of such studies, each report abides by the accordance of the relevant ISO standards. With the acceptance of a few minor details and the limitations of the studies, the report proves adequate, in the sense they are fit for purpose and quite transparent and consistent is terms of reporting. Each of the facts presented and evaluateions made are of a factual basis which in effect holds great scientific and technical stature.
References
(Weidema, 1997)
(Huntzinger & Eatmon, 2008)
In order to make the decision, this report measures the following qualitative and quantitative areas:
Lance, B. K., Irons, D. B., Kendall, S. J., and McDonald, L. L. (2001) An evaluation of
information in this document provided by Blue’sClues Inc. All findings are to be reported strictly
With the alarming growth in the energy costs and environmental concern in construction projects there is a continuous demand for sustainable buildings. LEED® evaluates the sustainable performance through a 69-point credit system which mainly emphasizes Indoor environmental quality, energy and atmosphere, sustainable sites, water efficiency, materials and resources and innovation in design (Azhar, Carlton, Olsen and Ahmad (2011)).
...erature review has indicated that there is a research gap in applying best practices to construction companies in Waterloo Region. M5 group will work with MMM Consulting Company from January to April in 2014 to find out how this gap can be filled. The expected research would be based on the opinions of construction companies in Waterloo Region on conducting best practices to make better environment performance. By determining those companies who are willing to be better in environment performance, further research would be conducted to find out if those best practices are feasible and achievable by providing proper emission calculation and best practices guidance. The purpose of this research is to promote those feasible and cost-effective best practices to construction companies in Waterloo Region in order to help them achieve their goal of reducing GHG emission.
Methodological quality was independently assessed by using the Maastricht-Amsterdam Criteria List. The qualitative and quantitative characteristics of the selected trials were independently extracted by using a standardized data extraction form. Levels of evidence were used to determine the strength of the evidence available. It was not possible to perform meta-analyses because of the heterogeneity of the selected studies. Standard operating procedures were adopted for data collection and assimilation. The report is based on the DAP, SOAP and BIRP notes collected while preliminary studies and treatment methodology.
Life-cycle costing and net present value analysis perfectly encourage housing developers to build a green, affordable housing. They can truly see the results through the model. Although every model has weakness and limitation, but outcomes of benefits and savings can help developers to make the right decision, to bring a more green, sustainable building to residents.
This report is proven to be reliable as I used many different sources from the internet, to text books, to HSC online. Before I used my information I made sure that the facts given were relatively the same on different sites. If the information was different I did not use it, and looked for stronger confirmation to back up my statements. In text references were used to show where I got certain material from, therefore giving further evidence that this information is reliable.
Stasinopoulos, Peter, Paul Compston, Barry Newell, and Haley M. Jones. "A System Dynamics Approach in LCA to Account for Temporal Effects—a Consequential Energy LCI of Car Body-in-whites." The International Journal Of Life Cycle Assessment 17 (2012): 199-207. Springer Online Journals Complete. Web. 21 Apr. 2012. .
The report uses different criteria such as cost benefit analysis, environmental impact, health and safety issues and processing technique to provide recommendations. The report recommends that the ...
... middle of paper ... ... Additional research studies in multiple facilities, in different countries, would need to be conducted to substantiate these findings. References Gravetter, F. J., & Wallnau, L. B. a.
- Environment: Mining activity leads to significant deforestation, noise pollution and emissions. As environmental regulations are gradually becoming more stringent in the cement industry is facing constant challenges to meet these specifications
In conclusion, while selecting articles to use for this research, these particular articles proved to be very useful. They both met the criterion for the purpose of research information, as well as having current information on the topics.
The findings are then summarised and accordingly stated with the help of standard methodologies which are then concluded providing with the various limitations and the recommendations.
A two-phase sequential explanatory strategy was used for the study. The two- phases are ordered in the sequence that was proposed as priority was placed on quantitative data collection and analysis. In the second phase, qualitative data was collected and used to refine the results of the quantitative data presented in the first phase.