1.

Write in brief a case study of Conserving materials for next mobility

revolution - GEM Co. Ltd (GEMChina) (10 M)
2. List the tools used for sustainability assessment (5 M)
3. Explain the basic elements of an Environmental Management System (EMS)
with PDCA cycle (10 M)
4. Explain the importance and benefits of Environmental Auditing (5 M)
5. List the 7 cleaner production implementation strategies (5 M)
6. Explain in brief the 7 cleaner production implementation strategies (10 M)
7. What are the cleaner production implementation opportunities with diagram
(10 M)
8. Explain the importance and benefits of Environmental Impact Assessment
(10 M)
9. Enumerate the EIA process with its key elements and process flowchart (10
M)
10. Explain the concept of strategic environmental assessment (SEA) (5 M)
11. Explain the importance and benefits of Life cycle management (LCM) and
Stake-holders engagement as sustainable assessment (10 M)

1. Define life cycle assessment (LCA) with goals (5 M)

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) aims to quantify the environmental impacts that arise
from material inputs and outputs, such as energy use or air emissions, over a product’s
entire life cycle to assist consumers in making decisions that will benefit the environment.
LCA is typically a "cradle-to-grave" approach, which begins with the gathering of raw
materials from the earth to create the product and ends at the point when all materials are
returned to the earth.

The goal of LCA is to:

Quantify or otherwise characterize all the inputs and outputs over a product’s life cycle.
Specify the potential environmental impacts of these material flows
Consider alternative approaches that change those impacts for the better

2. What are the components of LCA (5 M)

1. Goal & Scope Definition
The basis and scope of the evaluation are defined
2. Inventory Analysis (LCI)
Create a process tree in which all processes from raw material extraction through
wastewater treatment are mapped out and connected and mass and energy balances are
closed (all emissions and consumptions are accounted for).
3. Impact Assessment (LCIA)
Emissions and consumptions are translated into environmental effects. They are
environmental effects are grouped and weighted.
4. Interpretation
Areas for improvement are identified.

3. What are scopes of LCA (5 M)

1. The product to be studied.
For a manufactured product such as a disposable cup, the unit might be one cup.
However, one could not compare a disposable cup to reusable cup as they are not
functionally equivalent.
The term “functional unit” defines a unit of analysis that includes quantity, quality, and
duration of the product or service provided.
2. The system boundary.
What is excluded from and included in the analysis (which unit processes are part of the
system studied)
3. Methodological choices.
Including assumptions for multifunctionality and impact assessment and interpretation
methods.
4. Level of detail in the study.
Sources of the data, data-quality requirements, and type of critical review (if any).

4. What are the methodologies are used to determine the outcomes of LCA (10 M).
The following are critical choices of methodology that determine the outcomes of an
LCA study:
(1) Functional unit: Critically checking the functional unit is important. Is it a relevant one?
Does it allow fair comparison?
(2) Multifunctionality: In the real world there is hardly any product system that exists in
isolation. In order to solve multifunctionality issues, the ISO 14044 standard presents the
following hierarchy of solutions
a. Subdivision of unit process: Divide the multifunctional unit process into smaller units to
separate the production of the main product from the co-product.
b. System expansion: Compare two processes and expand the second process to include
an alternative way of providing the secondary function of the first process.
c. Allocation: If the above methods are not feasible, use allocation to divide inputs and
outputs of the multifunctional process or system between different products or functions.
Partition environmental impacts based on underlying physical relationships
or other relationships such as economic values of co-products.

(3) Type of data: Consider the relevance of data representing system reactions for change-
oriented studies, while data representing average system behavior is more relevant for
other types of studies. Assess the quality and applicability of data to interpret and apply
LCA results.
(4) Impact assessment method: Understand the limitations of characterization methods
used in impact assessment, as they may vary in development for different environmental
problems. Include qualitative assessment for non-quantitative environmental impacts
through life cycle thinking.
(5) Cut-off rules: Determine cut-off rules to address the infinite size of the system, typically
based on mass contributions. Be cautious as materials with small mass may still have
significant energy or environmental impacts. Consider the potential significance of capital
goods and infrastructure contributions in certain industry sectors, despite previous
assumptions.
(6) Attribution and consequential modelling
(7) Use of input – output and hybrid analysis in LCA
5. List the LCA and LCA software’s are used for assessment?
SimaPro (2008), Boustead Model 5 (2007), TEAM (2008), GaBi (2008), MEEUP
method (2005), GREET (2007), MIPS (2008), CES Eco (2009), Aggregain (2008),
KCL-ECO 3.0 and EIO-LCA (208): (please explore on its contents by exploring in internet)

6. What are the strength and limitations of LCA (10 M).

LCA requires simplifications in modeling product systems and environmental
impacts, limiting its comprehensiveness.
LCA calculates potential environmental impacts, not actual impacts.
LCA cannot assess specific emissions from a factory leading to pollutant
concentrations in nearby rivers.
LCA models do not consider risks of extreme events like industrial accidents.
LCA identifies more environmentally friendly product systems but does not determine if
they are "good enough" or environmentally sustainable.
LCA results should be used alongside other information when making decisions on
trade-offs with cost and performance.
LCA can be resource and time intensive, with data availability impacting accuracy.
LCI may not capture every process and input/output due to system boundaries and
data gaps.
LCI data collected contain uncertainty and imperfect characterization models.

7. Distinguish between Life cycle costing and social life cycle assessment (10 M)
Environmental life cycle costing
• LCC (Life Cycle Costing) is a technique that evaluates the costs of a product or system
throughout its entire life cycle.
• It is also known as whole-life costing or total cost of ownership.
There are three main types of LCC:
• (i) Conventional LCC or financial LCC: The original method, mainly used for decision-
making in acquiring capital equipment and high-investment products.
It typically excludes external costs and is from the perspective of a single actor, often the
user.
• (ii) Environmental LCC: Aligned with ISO standards 14040 and 14044 on LCA (Life Cycle
Assessment). It considers the whole life cycle, including all actors in the value chain and
takes the perspective of a functional unit. It covers economic dimensions, identifies
hotspots in cost and environmental impacts, and may include expected internalization of
external costs.
• (iii) Societal LCC: Incorporates monetization of externalities, including environmental and
social impacts. Its purpose is to support decision-making on a societal level, including
governments and public authorities. It is still in early stages of development.
• Environmental LCC complements LCA by adding economic aspects to the
environmental analysis.
Social life cycle assessment
• S-LCA (Social Life Cycle Assessment) deals with the social and socioeconomic aspects
of products, considering their positive and negative social impacts throughout their entire
life cycle, from production to disposal.
• The methodology for conducting S-LCA is still in its early stages of development.
• S-LCA focuses on assessing different aspects that directly affect stakeholders during the
product's life cycle.
• Five main stakeholder categories have been identified for evaluation:
workers/employees, local community, society, consumers, and value-chain actors.
• Each stakeholder category has specific sub-categories for evaluation. For example:
• "Worker" sub-categories include "child labor" and "fair salary."
• "Consumer" sub-categories include "health and safety."
• "Local Community" sub-categories include "cultural heritage" and "local
employment."
• "Society" sub-categories include "consumption."
• "Value-chain Actors" sub-categories include "supplier relationships."
• The S-LCA methodology is diverse, with various approaches found in existing
literature.

14. Name the four main phases of a life cycle assessment according to ISO 14040.
Note the content of each phase.
Answer : The four main phases of a life cycle assessment (LCA) according to ISO
14040 are as follows:

Goal and Scope Definition:

In this initial phase, the purpose and boundaries of the life cycle assessment are
established. The goals and objectives of the assessment are defined, including the specific
environmental issues to be addressed, the functional unit of analysis (e.g., product quantity
or service provided), and the system boundaries, which define the life cycle stages to be
included in the assessment. Additionally, the data requirements and the intended audience
for the LCA results are identified.

Life Cycle Inventory (LCI) Analysis:

In the second phase, the life cycle inventory is compiled. This involves the collection and
quantification of all relevant inputs (e.g., materials, energy, water) and outputs (e.g.,
emissions, waste) associated with the product or service being assessed throughout its
entire life cycle, from raw material extraction to final disposal. Data is collected for each life
cycle stage defined in the scope, and the information is often presented in the form of input-
output tables or databases.

Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA):

During this phase, the environmental impacts identified in the life cycle inventory are
evaluated and characterized. Various impact categories such as climate change,
acidification, eutrophication, resource depletion, etc., are considered. These impacts are
quantified and expressed in standardized units to enable comparison and ranking of
different products or services based on their environmental performance.

Interpretation:
In the final phase, the results of the life cycle inventory and impact assessment are
interpreted in relation to the defined goals and scope of the LCA. This involves evaluating
the significance of the environmental impacts, identifying key areas for improvement, and
considering potential trade-offs between different life cycle stages or impact categories.
The LCA results are also subjected to sensitivity analysis to assess the robustness of the
findings and to address uncertainties in the data or methods used.
15. What is a carbon footprint?
A carbon footprint refers to the total amount of green-house gas (GHG) emissions
produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, product, or activity. It
is typically measured in units of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) and is used to assess
the environmental impact and contribution to climate change.

16. What are the six GHG emissions it accounts for and what are their sources?
The six GHG emissions that are commonly considered when calculating a carbon
footprint are:
a. Carbon dioxide (CO2) - Mainly produced from the burning of fossil fuels like coal,
oil, and gas for energy and transportation, as well as deforestation and land-use
changes.
b. Methane (CH4) - Produced by various sources, including agriculture (livestock and
rice paddies), waste decomposition in landfills, and natural gas production.
c. Nitrous oxide (N2O) - Emitted from agricultural activities, industrial processes, and
fossil fuel combustion.
d. Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) - Synthetic compounds used in refrigeration, air
conditioning, and other applications.
e. Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) - Also synthetic compounds used in various industrial
processes.
f. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) - Primarily used in electrical equipment.

17. What is the unit of measurement for carbon footprint?

The unit of measurement for a carbon footprint is typically expressed in metric tons of
carbon dioxide equivalent (MT CO2e). This unit allows for the comparison of different
greenhouse gases based on their global warming potential relative to carbon dioxide.

18. What is the difference between a carbon footprint and an LCA?

A carbon footprint specifically focuses on measuring the greenhouse gas emissions
associated with a particular entity, such as an individual, organization, or product. It
calculates the emissions produced during the entire lifecycle, including direct and
indirect emissions.

On the other hand, a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a broader and more
comprehensive analysis that evaluates the environmental impact of a product or process
throughout its entire life cycle. It goes beyond just GHG emissions and considers other
environmental aspects, such as resource consumption, water usage, and potential
impacts on ecosystems. While the carbon footprint is a subset of the LCA, the LCA
provides a more holistic view of the environmental implications of a product or activity.

19. What is the GHG protocol and distinguish between scopes 1, 2, and 3.
The GHG Protocol is a widely recognized and standardized accounting tool developed
by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for
Sustainable Development (WBCSD). It helps organizations and individuals measure
and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
The GHG Protocol categorizes emissions into three scopes:
Scope 1: These are direct emissions that originate from sources owned or controlled by
the entity, such as emissions from on-site fuel combustion, company-owned vehicles,
or industrial processes.
Scope 2: These are indirect emissions that result from the generation of purchased
electricity, heat, or steam consumed by the entity. They are not produced directly by
the entity but are associated with their consumption of electricity or other purchased
energy.
Scope 3: These are indirect emissions that occur throughout the entity's value chain,
including both upstream and downstream activities. This category includes emissions
from sources like business travel, employee commuting, purchased goods and services,
waste disposal, and other activities that are not directly controlled by the entity.

20. Consider the commonly used household appliance (Washing Machine), and
describe its environmental concerns at each stage of its life cycle (cradle-to-grave).

The life cycle of a washing machine, from cradle-to-grave, involves several stages, each
with its own environmental concerns:

Raw Material Extraction: The production of washing machines begins with extracting
raw materials such as metal ores, plastics, and chemicals. This process can lead to
habitat destruction, deforestation, and pollution of water sources if not conducted
responsibly.

Manufacturing: During the manufacturing stage, energy-intensive processes are

employed, which contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. The
production of washing machines also generates waste and uses significant amounts of
water, further impacting the environment.

Transportation: Transporting washing machines from manufacturing facilities to

retail stores or customers involves the burning of fossil fuels, leading to additional
carbon emissions and air pollution.

Use Phase: The use phase of a washing machine is where the majority of its
environmental impact occurs. Electricity and water consumption are the primary
concerns here. Older, less energy-efficient models may consume more electricity,
leading to higher greenhouse gas emissions and increased demand on power plants.

Water usage during each wash cycle can strain local water resources, especially in
regions experiencing water scarcity.

Maintenance and Repair: Regular maintenance and repair of washing machines are
essential to prolong their lifespan and minimize waste. However, improper disposal of
replaced parts or chemicals used in maintenance can contribute to pollution.

End of Life: When a washing machine reaches the end of its life, improper disposal
can lead to significant environmental issues. Landfills may receive old appliances,
which can release harmful chemicals and toxins into the soil and groundwater.
Alternatively, if not recycled properly, valuable materials in the washing machine, such
as metals and plastics, are wasted.
To mitigate the environmental concerns associated with washing machines, several
strategies can be implemented:

Energy Efficiency: Encourage the use of energy-efficient models that have lower
electricity consumption during the use phase.

Water Conservation: Promote water-saving features and educate users about

responsible water usage when operating washing machines.

Recycling Programs: Implement effective recycling programs to ensure that washing

machines are properly disposed of, and valuable materials are reclaimed for reuse.

Product Design: Manufacturers can design washing machines with more sustainable
materials, improved energy efficiency, and ease of repair and recycling in mind.

Consumer Awareness: Educate consumers about the environmental impact of

washing machines and the importance of responsible use and disposal.

21. How Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of any product provide environmentally
sustainable solutions? As according to ISO 14041, describe its LCA goal and scope
definition of the product.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a comprehensive method used to evaluate the

environmental impacts of a product throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material
extraction to its end-of-life disposal or recycling. By conducting an LCA, one can
identify the major environmental hotspots and potential areas for improvement, which
can lead to environmentally sustainable solutions. The LCA process is guided by the
ISO 14040 and ISO 14044 standards, and it involves several stages, including goal
and scope definition, inventory analysis, impact assessment, and interpretation.

LCA Goal and Scope Definition:

According to ISO 14041, the goal and scope definition stage is the first step in conducting
an LCA. It helps to define the purpose of the study, the system boundaries, and the
functional unit to be assessed. The functional unit is a crucial aspect as it sets the reference
for comparing the environmental performance of different products that provide the same
function.
To elaborate, the LCA goal and scope definition will typically include:

a. Goal: The goal of the LCA specifies the intended application, the reasons for
conducting the assessment, and the decision context. It outlines what the study aims to
achieve and what questions it intends to answer. For example, the goal might be to
compare the environmental impact of two different packaging materials for a specific
product or to identify opportunities to reduce the carbon footprint of a particular
vehicle type.

b. Scope: The scope defines the boundaries of the study, including which life cycle
stages will be considered (e.g., raw material extraction, production, transportation,
use, end-of-life), what environmental impact categories will be assessed (e.g.,
greenhouse gas emissions, resource depletion, toxicity), and whether the assessment
will be a cradle-to-grave or cradle-to-gate analysis. Additionally, the scope will
specify any assumptions made and data sources used for the analysis.
By having a well-defined goal and scope, LCA enables decision-makers to understand
the potential environmental impacts of a product or system and identify opportunities
for improvement. It allows for the comparison of different products or processes and
facilitates the development of environmentally sustainable solutions by guiding the
focus towards the most critical areas for reducing environmental burdens throughout
the life cycle of the product.

22. Interpret the Life Cycle Impact Assessment by considering any one example.

Interpreting the Life Cycle Impact Assessment involves analyzing the environmental
impacts of a product or process throughout its entire life cycle, from raw material
extraction to end-of-life disposal.
Let's consider the example of a plastic water bottle to understand this concept better:
Raw Material Extraction: The life cycle begins with extracting raw materials, such as
crude oil, to produce plastic resin for water bottles. This stage consumes natural
resources and energy and may contribute to habitat destruction and carbon emissions.
Manufacturing: During the manufacturing process, the plastic resin is molded into
water bottles. Energy consumption, water usage, and emissions are associated with this
stage. The environmental impact varies depending on the manufacturing processes
used, such as injection molding or blow molding.
Transportation: The finished water bottles are then transported to distribution centers
and retail stores, which can generate greenhouse gas emissions due to transportation
activities.
Use Phase: Once purchased, consumers use the plastic water bottles for drinking water.
This phase includes factors like energy use for refrigeration and water purification, as
well as waste generation from discarded bottles.
End-of-life Disposal: After use, some water bottles may be recycled, while others end
up in landfills or as litter. Recycling reduces the environmental burden, while disposal
in landfills contributes to waste management challenges and potential pollution.

23. Discuss any four LCA applications in the field of engineering.

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is a valuable tool in the field of engineering to evaluate
the environmental impacts of products, processes, or systems throughout their entire
life cycle. Here are four key applications of LCA in engineering:

Product Design and Development: LCA is widely used to assess the environmental
impacts of different design options during the product development stage. By
conducting LCAs early in the design process, engineers can identify areas for
improvement, make informed decisions on material selection, and optimize the
product's life cycle to reduce its overall environmental footprint.

Material Selection: LCA helps engineers compare different materials based on their
environmental impacts. By analyzing the entire life cycle of materials, from extraction
to disposal, engineers can choose materials that have lower environmental burdens,
thereby promoting sustainable and eco-friendly material choices in engineering
projects.

Process Optimization: LCAs can be applied to analyze and optimize engineering

processes to reduce their environmental impacts. Engineers can identify opportunities
for resource efficiency, energy savings, and waste reduction, leading to more
sustainable and cost-effective operations.
Infrastructure and Project Assessment: For large engineering projects, such as
building construction, infrastructure development, or transportation systems, LCA
provides a comprehensive assessment of their environmental implications. This allows
engineers to make informed decisions, select greener alternatives, and implement
sustainable practices to mitigate negative impacts on the environment.

24. What is carbon foot printing and list out the direct and indirect greenhouse gas
emissions (GHG)? Why do you think it is necessary to reduce GHG gases and what
measuring steps are taken by the world leaders?
Carbon foot printing is a method used to quantify the total greenhouse gas (GHG)
emissions produced directly and indirectly by an individual, organization, product, or
activity. It measures the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other GHGs emitted into
the atmosphere, helping to understand the impact of human activities on climate
change.

Direct GHG emissions are those released from sources that are owned or controlled by
a specific entity. They include:

Combustion of fossil fuels for heating, electricity generation, and transportation.

Industrial processes, such as cement production and chemical manufacturing.
Emissions from agricultural practices, including methane from livestock and rice
paddies.
Indirect GHG emissions, also known as Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions, result from
activities that an entity does not directly control, but which are associated with their
operations:

Scope 2 emissions: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heating, and cooling
consumed by the entity.
Scope 3 emissions: Indirect emissions that occur in the value chain, including those
from the extraction and production of purchased materials, transportation, and waste
generated.
Reducing GHG gases is essential for several reasons:

Mitigating Climate Change: GHGs are a major contributor to global warming and
climate change. Reducing emissions helps limit temperature rise and its associated
impacts like extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruption to ecosystems.

Protecting Human Health: Air pollution from GHGs and other pollutants can cause
respiratory problems and other health issues. Reducing emissions improves air quality
and human health.
Preserving Biodiversity: Climate change threatens biodiversity and the survival of
various species. Lowering emissions helps protect ecosystems and the species that
depend on them.
Sustainable Development: Transitioning to a low-carbon economy fosters sustainable
development, creating green jobs and promoting economic growth.

World leaders take various measures to address GHG emissions, including:

International Agreements: Leaders participate in global accords like the Paris
Agreement, committing to set national targets for reducing emissions and limiting
global temperature rise.
Renewable Energy Promotion: Encouraging the use of renewable energy sources
such as solar, wind, and hydroelectric power reduces reliance on fossil fuels and
associated emissions.
Energy Efficiency Improvements: Implementing energy-saving technologies and
practices in industries, buildings, and transportation helps decrease emissions.
Carbon Pricing: Implementing carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems incentivizes
emission reductions by putting a price on carbon emissions.
R&D and Innovation: Governments invest in research and development to promote
new technologies and processes that reduce GHG emissions.
Awareness and Education: Raising awareness and educating the public about climate
change and its impacts fosters individual and community actions to reduce emissions.

25. What is the life cycle tree for a plastic water bottle? Includes the label and cap;
excludes the water.
The life cycle of a plastic water bottle, including the label and cap but excluding the water,
typically involves the following stages:
Extraction of Raw Materials: The production process starts with the extraction of
petroleum or natural gas, which are the primary raw materials used to create plastic.
Refining and Polymerization: The extracted petroleum or natural gas is refined and
transformed into plastic resin through a process called polymerization.
Manufacturing: The plastic resin is then used to create the water bottle, label, and cap.
Injection molding or blow molding processes are commonly employed for this purpose.
Packaging and Distribution: Once the bottles, labels, and caps are manufactured, they are
packaged and distributed to various locations, including retail stores, distribution centers,
and warehouses.
Use by Consumers: At this stage, the plastic water bottle, along with the label and cap, is
purchased and used by consumers to hold and consume water.
Disposal: After use, the plastic water bottle is disposed of through various means. Ideally,
it should be recycled. However, many bottles end up in landfills, incinerators, or as litter in
the environment.
Recycling (if applicable): If properly recycled, the plastic bottle, label, and cap can be
collected, sorted, and processed to create recycled plastic, which can then be used to
make new plastic products.
Remanufacturing: In the recycling process, the recycled plastic is transformed into new
plastic products, such as new water bottles, labels, or caps.
End of Life: Eventually, even recycled plastic items reach the end of their usable life and
may be disposed of or recycled once again, continuing the cycle.
It is essential to note that the recycling rates and the environmental impact of plastic bottles
depend on various factors, including recycling infrastructure, consumer behavior, and
waste management practices. Reducing plastic use, improving recycling systems, and
promoting responsible disposal are critical steps towards reducing the environmental
impact of plastic water bottles.

26. Define appropriate functional units to compare the following systems: (i) Soft
drink packaging (ii) Waste management options (iii) People's transportation (iv)
Goods Transportation (v) Remote control for your TV with either one-way or
rechargeable batteries (vi) Online or conventional dictionary (book) ".

To compare the different systems listed, we need to identify appropriate functional units for
each of them. Functional units are specific quantifiable measures that allow us to compare
the performance and environmental impacts of different systems. Here are the appropriate
functional units for each system:
(i) Soft drink packaging:
Functional unit: Packaging material per unit of soft drink volume (e.g., grams of packaging
material per liter of soft drink)
(ii) Waste management options:
Functional unit: Waste diversion rate or waste recycled/reused per unit of waste generated
(e.g., percentage of waste recycled or kilograms of waste recycled per ton of waste
generated)
(iii) People's transportation:
Functional unit: Passenger-kilometers traveled per unit of energy consumed or CO2
emissions (e.g., passenger-kilometers per megajoule of energy or passenger-kilometers
per kilogram of CO2 emitted)
(iv) Goods Transportation:
Functional unit: Ton-kilometers of goods transported per unit of energy consumed or CO2
emissions (e.g., ton-kilometers per megajoule of energy or ton-kilometers per kilogram of
CO2 emitted)
(v) Remote control for your TV with either one-way or rechargeable batteries:
Functional unit: Operational hours per unit of battery capacity (e.g., hours of operation per
unit of watt-hour (Wh) or one-way batteries or rechargeable batteries)
(vi) Online or conventional dictionary (book):
Functional unit: Information access per unit of resource consumed (e.g., number of words
or definitions accessed per kilogram of paper used for a conventional dictionary or per unit
of electricity consumed for an online dictionary)
Using these Functional units, we can perform a life cycle assessment or a comparative
analysis to evaluate the environmental and efficiency aspects of each system, helping us
make informed decisions and choose the most sustainable and effective option.