1. Introduction to Life Cycle Thinking, Life Cycle Analysis and other assessment tools for environmental performances of process industries.
2. Definition of Life Cycle Analysis. The life cycle assessment framework based on ISO14040/44 standard, with the four phases. Different LCA approaches: attributional and consequential.
3. Goal and Scope Definition. The intended application; the reasons for carrying out the study; the intended audience, i.e. to whom the results of the study are intended to be communicated (Goal phase). The product system to be studied; the functions of the product system or, in the case of comparative studies, the systems; the functional unit; the system boundary; allocation procedures; LCIA methodology and types of impacts; data requirements; assumptions and limitations; data quality requirements (Scope phase).
4. Life Cycle Inventory (LCI). Compilation and quantification of inputs and output to obtain an inventory table of (direct, indirect and avoided) burdens. Quantification of material and energy flows in input to the system as well as gaseous, water and wste emissions, with reference to the whole life cycle of interest. Available database. Allocation procedure. Different way for reporting of an inventory table.
5. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA). Mandatory and optional elements of an LCIA: classification, characterisation, normalisation, weighting. Categories for inputs and outputs. Midpoint categories and Endpoint categories. Methodologies to LCIA implementation.
6. Interpretation. Analysis of contributions. Analysis of uncertainty. Sensitivity analysis.
7. LCA case studies. Case studies analysed with the support of the SimaPro software

Lecture notes in electronic format provided by the teacher