Life cycle activity analysis: Logistics and environmental policies for bottled water in Portugal

Life cycle activity analysis: Logistics and environmental policies for bottled water in Portugal

0.00 Avg rating0 Votes
Article ID: iaor20013967
Country: Germany
Volume: 23
Issue: 1
Start Page Number: 159
End Page Number: 182
Publication Date: Jan 2001
Journal: OR Spektrum
Authors: , ,
Keywords: water
Abstract:

An innovative mathematical programming decision support model – Life Cycle Activity Analysis (LCAA) – is presented, integrating considerations of optimal allocations of resources and impacts upon the environment during the life cycle of products. LCAA is based on the classical formulation of activity analysis and on the life cycle assessment framework. The concept of linear activities is extended to embrace mass and energy fluxes over the entire life cycle of products including their environmental impacts. Special attention is given to the presence of loops in the product chains, such as those occurring when materials/products are recovered (reused, recycled). An application brought from the Portuguese bottled water industry is described. The model features alternative activities for production technologies and product recovery strategies and permits the joint consideration of monetary costs and environmental burdens. The results obtained under five scenarios, including distinct disposal strategies and environmental constraints, are discussed.

Reviews

Required fields are marked *. Your email address will not be published.