Using LCA to Enhance EMS: Pulp and Paper Case Study

摘要

Life cycle thinking and life cycle management (LCM) are concepts which have been gaining increasing attention from the industry. However, there is a need for tools and methods to make these concepts operational. Environmental management systems (EMS) and life cycle assessment (LCA) are mature tools that can be used to support the implementation of LCM within organizations. This article proposes a methodology for the integration of these tools. More specifically, it addresses the importance of LCA methodological choices in this context. A pulp and paper case study is used to illustrate the methodology. The potential of using such an integrated framework for assessing the environmental implications of capital investment projects is also underlined. It is concluded that the integration is possible but that conventional EMS evaluation is still required.