LCA as a Contributor to Sustainability Objectives
A more sustainable future requires the efficient use of resources and a reduction of emissions. One of Continental’s most important objectives is Carbon Neutrality along the entire value chain, including products, operations, and supply. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), which is an investigation of the environmental impact of a product, can contribute to this objective.
Benefits of Life Cycle Assessment
By identifying potential ways to reduce emissions and resources for increased efficiency, LCA can not only contribute to meet legislation but also reduce production costs. Simultaneously, future business profitability can be increased by the identification of hotspots and the evaluation of alternatives. Moreover, future business can be secured by fulfilling requirements from customers and regulations.
CES with its unique combination of automotive expertise and LCA specialization can help customers improve the lifecycle of a great variety of products as previous LCA projects like Advanced Radar System, Multifunction Camera, WiFi BT-Antenna, Body Control Module, Fuel Pump Module, Telematics Control Unit show.
The Product Life Cycle Assessment
While considering the complete product lifecycle, all phases of a product can be included in the examination, from the extraction of the raw material, the manufacturing and delivery (Cradle to Gate), until the disposal (Cradle to Grave) and recycling of the product after usage (Cradle to Cradle). Providing a complete assessment of all input and output of a product, many impacts on the environment are examined, like heat, fuel, electricity, water, toxins, and waste.
General LCA Procedure
Input Phase:
- Define scope, cut-offs, and modelling approach.
- Align on lifecycle (Cradle to Gate/Grave/Cradle)
- Gather all system, product, and manufacturing information.
Model Phase:
- In this phase, the product is broken down into all sub-components, of which is modeled for each phase (Cradle to Grave)
- Create complete model for the assemblies.
- Bind materials and processes to database entries.
- Add transportation where relevant.
Output Phase:
- Assign groups to processes and materials and finalize plans.
- Generate analysis data (graphs, hot-spots, GWP-100 & possible improvements).
- Complete LCA/PCF report and summary presentation
The Reporting shows the global CO₂ distribution. It enables a drill down by category and sub-component and is adaptable per customer. The report including Product Carbon Footprint Analysis (PCF) consists of the evaluation of i.e., the ratio of recycled material, the material utilization degree, component value retention and energy usage. The Life Cycle Inventory evaluates i.e., the water usage and pollution, land use, air pollution, soil acidification and waste.
