The eLCA Project, coordinated by ENEA in cooperation with other European partners, has the general objective to realise 'Databases and WEB site for the adoption of Integrated Product Policy (IPP) by Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs)'. Since the knowledge and the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by SMEs is a strategic 'step' to introduce IPP policy, ENEA, in cooperation with FEBE EcoLogic, has developed a specific tool for the eLCA Web-site, based on a five years research experience about the adoption of LCA by SMEs. The new tool eVerdEE provides solid scientific bases according to pragmatic and meaningful simplification/adaptation of ISO 14040 requirements, user-friendly, well structured and guided procedures with low time and cost demand and pre-elaborated data/meta-data. After compiling predefined and simplified Goal and Scope Definition and Inventory forms, Impact Assessment results are automatically interpreted in matrix forms at different levels of visualization in order to identify the product life cycle critical points and the improvement solutions. A direct comparison of the environmental performances of different life cycle options of a product is allowed using a target-plot system. The whole procedure is supported by a matrix structured database containing environmental indicators of substances and processes for different impact categories. The software prototype has been tested on a sample of SMEs working in the Furniture and Wood sector and the main aspects for further development have been identified.
Methodological Framework and Prototype Realisation of a WEB-Based LCA Tool for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises
Rinaldi, C.;Misceo, M.;Masoni, P.;Buttol, P.;
2002-11-06
Abstract
The eLCA Project, coordinated by ENEA in cooperation with other European partners, has the general objective to realise 'Databases and WEB site for the adoption of Integrated Product Policy (IPP) by Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs)'. Since the knowledge and the use of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) by SMEs is a strategic 'step' to introduce IPP policy, ENEA, in cooperation with FEBE EcoLogic, has developed a specific tool for the eLCA Web-site, based on a five years research experience about the adoption of LCA by SMEs. The new tool eVerdEE provides solid scientific bases according to pragmatic and meaningful simplification/adaptation of ISO 14040 requirements, user-friendly, well structured and guided procedures with low time and cost demand and pre-elaborated data/meta-data. After compiling predefined and simplified Goal and Scope Definition and Inventory forms, Impact Assessment results are automatically interpreted in matrix forms at different levels of visualization in order to identify the product life cycle critical points and the improvement solutions. A direct comparison of the environmental performances of different life cycle options of a product is allowed using a target-plot system. The whole procedure is supported by a matrix structured database containing environmental indicators of substances and processes for different impact categories. The software prototype has been tested on a sample of SMEs working in the Furniture and Wood sector and the main aspects for further development have been identified.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
