Life Cycle Assessment Concepts

The video explains life cycle assessment (LCA), a method to evaluate the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle. It covers the four stages of LCA: obtaining raw materials, manufacturing, usage, and disposal. The video discusses the environmental consequences of each stage, such as energy consumption and pollution. It also includes a worked example comparing three cars based on CO2 emissions, waste production, water usage, and lifespan, concluding that Car B is the best overall choice despite not being the best in every category.

What is the primary purpose of a Life Cycle Assessment?

• To evaluate the cost of a product

• To analyze the durability of a product

• To assess the environmental impact of a product's entire life cycle

• To determine the market demand for a product

Which stage of the Life Cycle Assessment involves the most energy consumption?

• Obtaining raw materials

• Packaging

• Product usage

• Product disposal

What is a significant environmental concern during the manufacturing stage?

• Increased product lifespan

• Release of hazardous waste

• Reduction in energy use

• Improved recycling methods

How can a longer product lifespan benefit the environment?

• By increasing raw material extraction

• By reducing the need for frequent replacements

• By enhancing product disposal

• By increasing energy consumption

What is a potential issue with landfill waste?

• It decomposes too quickly

• It can pollute nearby water sources

• It reduces greenhouse gas emissions

• It is too easy to recycle

Which car was determined to be the best overall in the Life Cycle Assessment?

• Car C

• Car B

• All cars were equal

• Car A

Why was Car B considered the best choice despite higher CO2 emissions than Car A?

• It had the shortest lifespan

• It used the most water in production

• It was the cheapest to produce

• It had the longest lifespan and lowest waste production

What is a benefit of recycling products?

• Increases landfill space

• Reduces the amount of waste produced

• Decreases product lifespan

• Increases energy consumption

What is a consequence of burning waste for energy?

• It reduces greenhouse gas emissions

• It causes pollution and releases greenhouse gases

• It increases the lifespan of products

• It decreases energy consumption

What factor is NOT considered in the product disposal stage of a Life Cycle Assessment?

• Product lifespan

• Biodegradability

• Energy required for transport

• Pollution from waste