LCA of Washing Machine
Some useful information
LCA studies are performed accordance with ISO standards (ISO 14040, 2006;
ISO 14044, 2006). LCA is widely used as bases for process improvement, eco-
labelling programs, strategic planning, consumer education, and product design.
Washing machines are designed to provide clean clothes while retaining the
quality of the material. The use of the washing machine however, is a highly
energy and water intense process that results in a number of negative impacts
on the environment.
Purpose/Aim
This LCA CW performs a thorough analysis of the environmental impact of
washing machines (different brands…types…) focusing also on parameters such
as design, energy and overall efficiency of the machines.
Objectives:
1. To identify…
2. To analyse…
3. To discuss…
4. Conclude…
Comparison between:
A state of the art washing machine produced in 2015 as well as an older
one, produced in 2010 (just an example)
Comparisons of parameters such as design, energy and overall efficiency
of the machines are also considered.
Note: Many studies carried out suggest the use phase of the washing machines
is the dominant phase where majority of the environmental impact is occurred.
Functional unit
A functional unit, which provides a quantified reference for all other related
inputs and outputs, is a measure of the functional outputs of a studied system
(ISO 14040, 2006).
Example:
A machine having a capacity of 10 kg of clothes per wash, washing 170 times
per year, at a mix of 40°C, 60°C and 90°C, over a life cycle of 15 years.
CO2 emission
Inventory Analysis: All raw materials and energy consumption, infrastructure,
direct emissions, transport, and waste disposal levels must be based on the
functional unit.
What is the life? 15 year life time
Inventory:
Materials (steel, aluminium and plastics, detergent) used and process energy requirements (kWh/m2)
Manufacturing
Use phase (water, energy)
Disposal
Fig. Flow of the life-cycle stages, energy, materials, and effluents for washing
machine
The emissions generated by use phase by coal-based electricity, and part
production processes plays important roles in the overall environmental burden.
Impact Assessment: Materials
Use
LCA REPORT WRITING GUIDANCE
Updated November 2018
See Moodle Site
LCA Report Format
Title page
Summary (or Abstract) (Not more than
half A4 page)page i
Acknowledgement (s) (if any –probably
not requiredfor this exercise)page
Table of contentspage iii
The content list should completely list what the report contains
such as list of figures, list of tables, abbreviations etc. Page
numbering begins with Section/Chapter 1.
Section 1:
1.1 Introduction (background, need for
the project)
1.2 Aim and Objectives (clear, concise
and precise!)
1.2.1 Goals/scope
1.3 Functional unit
1.4 System boundary
(students need to structure headings and sub-
headings as required to their report)
Section 2:
2.1 Inventory Analysis
2.1.1 Methodology (LCA process and principles)
2.2 Materials
2.2.1
2.3 Manufacture
2.3.1
2.4 Use
2.4.1
2.5 Disposal/recycle
2.5.1
(students need to structure headings and sub-
headings as required to their report)
Section 3:
3.1 Impact assessment
3.1.1 Impact categories
Section 4:
4.1 Interpretation
Section 5: Results/findings/critical
discussion
(Discuss on the four elements of LCA
relevant to your assignment)
Also highlight the:
(The LCA process successes, limitations, strengths, weaknesses and
more importantly, areas for improvement)
Section 6 Conclusions and Recommendations for future work (were the aim/objectives of the LCA met?
‘Punchy’, bullet point statements should not
introduce new information)
References(identified when discussed in
the text as explained below)
Appendices: As required
REPORT GUIDANCE
The length of the report should be limited to 2000 words.
The report should be clear, concise and as
short as possible, consistent with presenting all relevant information. Over-long reports,
especially with little content, might result in
a reduced mark. (Data sheets for components should not be included).
Any work, design or results produced by
others and used in the report must be identified and acknowledged or referenced.
STUDENTS WHO COMMIT PLAGIARISM RISK RECEIVING A ZERO MARK.
(Turnitin Report required)
Appendices ?
“Detailed information not directly
necessary for understanding the report (Tables of Results, repeated Graphs,
program listings) should be presented in Appendices”. Appendices relevant to the
contents of the report will be marked. [Cooper, 1976]
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LCA of Washing Machine was first posted on September 2, 2019 at 8:26 pm.
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