Matrix Approaches to Abridged Life Cycle Assessment

摘要

Experience demonstrates that the life cycle assessment (LCA) for a complex manufactured product or an industrial manufacturing process works most effectively when it is done semi-quantitatively and in modest depth. To facilitate such assessments, we have devised an abridged LCA matrix. We discuss the concepts leading to this matrix and give examples of check lists and evaluations to guide assessors in valuing the matrix elements. The matrix scoring system provides a straightforward means of comparing options, and we recommend "target plots" as convenient and visually arresting ways of calling attention to those design and implementation aspects whose modification could most dramatically improve the assessment rating. We demonstrate these tools by performing assessments on familiar products: generic automobiles of the 1950s and 1990s.