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One of the tools that can be used to evaluate the environmental footprints of products is Life Cycle Assessment. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) has become an important part of environmental product and process stewardship. The tools of life cycle assessment recognize that products, services, and processes all have a life cycle. For products, the life cycle begins when raw materials are extracted or harvested. Raw materials then go through a number of manufacturing steps until the product is delivered to a customer. The product is used, then disposed of or recycled. These product life cycle stages are illustrated below:
Traditionally, product designers have been concerned primarily with product life cycles up to and including the manufacturing step. That focus is changing. Increasingly, product designers must consider how their products will be recycled. They must consider how their customers will use their products and what environmental hazards might arise. Simply stated, designers and engineers must become stewards for their products throughout their life cycles. |
