Implementing a Dynamic Life Cycle Assessment Methodology with a Case Study on Domestic Hot Water Production

Abstract

International audienceThis work contributes to the development of a dynamic life cycle assessment (DLCA) methodology by providing a methodological framework to link a dynamic system modeling method with a time-dependent impact assessment method. This three-step methodology starts by modeling systems where flows are described by temporal distributions. Then, a temporally differentiated life cycle inventory (TDLCI) is calculated to present the environmental exchanges through time. Finally, time-dependent characterization factors are applied to the TDLCI to evaluate climate-change impacts through time. The implementation of this new framework is illustrated by comparing systems producing domestic hot water (DHW) over an 80-year period. Electricity is used to heat water in the first system, whereas the second system uses a combination of solar energy and gas to heat an equivalent amount of DHW at the same temperature. This comparison shows that using a different temporal precision (i.e., monthly vs. annual) to describe process flows can reverse conclusions regarding which case has the best environmental performance. Results also show that considering the timing of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduces the absolute values of carbon footprint in the short-term when compared with results from the static life cycle assessment. This pragmatic framework for the implementation of time in DLCA studies is proposed to help in the development of the methodology. It is not yet a fully operational scheme, and efforts are still required before DLCA can become state of practice

Maximizing Environmental Impact Savings Potential Through Innovative Biorefinery Alternatives: An Application of the TM-LCA Framework for Regional Scale Impact Assessment

“…Moreover, it has the added utility of providing prospective insights that can more accurately support decision makers, production owners, and technology developers [4].A point of departure for many LCAs is a static product system, where, for example, technology A might be assessed against technology B for the making of a product. The static nature of LCA is problematic when applied to products or systems with long service lives [5], due to inconsistencies in time horizons and changes in background systems [6,7]. Previous work has demonstrated the importance of incorporating various types of dynamism into LCA, as this can significantly affect the results of the study [6].…”

“…Previous work has demonstrated the importance of incorporating various types of dynamism into LCA, as this can significantly affect the results of the study [6]. In this regard, it is possible to add dynamism to the various stages of the LCA in a consistent, systematic, and transparent manner, as outlined in [2] and shown in various other publications [7][8][9]. Following the TM-LCA framework, dynamism can be added in a consistent manner from the start, which provides added information regarding the sensitivity of the system to background changes.…”

Tracking Construction Material over Space and Time: Prospective and Geo‐referenced Modeling of Building Stocks and Construction Material Flows

“…, ). It would be an interesting follow‐up study to apply dynamic LCA approaches, similar to Collinge and colleagues (), Pinsonnault and colleagues (), and Beloin‐Saint‐Pierre and colleagues (), using inventories for future material production and disposal and investigate the time dependency of GHG emissions (Cherubini et al. ).…”

Life Cycle Assessment on Wave and Tidal Energy Systems: A Review of Current Methodological Practice

“…Due to absence of commonly recognized mathematical method, the development of DLCA is still at its early stage [40]. Current DLCA application focuses on buildings [41][42][43][44][45][46] [47,48] and energy systems [49][50][51][52] because of their longevities.…”