Life Cycle Assessment of Sustainable Products Leveraging Low Carbon, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Options

摘要

Design of sustainable products is a critical process with enormous implications on the energy consumption and Green House Gas (GHG) emissions. The impact on energy and emissions can be measured by an analysis of specific performance indicators at each stage of the product lifecycle. The analysis can provide useful insights to the design process. In this paper, Life Cycle Costs (LCC), Life Cycle Energy (LCE) and GHG emissions over the use phase of common appliances such as refrigerators, air conditioners, distribution transformers, street lights and irrigation pumps are examined. This study presents the current energy ratings and analyses the impact of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low carbon material options on the overall energy and emissions at the individual unit and national aggregate levels.