Life-cycle assessment (LCA) creates new possibilities for entrepreneurs to influence the environmental impact
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Mariann Holmberg
ARCADA University of Applied Sciences Helsinki, Finland Hely Westerholm DACUM Helsinki, Finland Corresponding Author: Mariann Holmberg, [email protected] |
ABSTRACT
This paper discusses the Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) and its possibilities for entrepreneurs to influence environmental impact.
LCA is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product’s entire life from cradle to grave, i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. LCA can help to analyze and compare the environmental impact of products or services via an inventory of energy and material inputs and emissions at all stages. LCAs focus on environmental impacts and originally do not consider social or economic impacts.
The first case study presents the philosophy and thinking model for the LCA technique. Two products, T-shirts, which have been dyed by two different methods: a conventional model and a method based on biotechnology have been compared by Ms. Anne Nielsen and Mr. Per Nielsen at Novozymes A/S.
Another case study by Levi Strauss & Co. presents their outstanding progress innovating around water reduction in denim manufacturing, including creation of the Water<LessTM process and implementing the apparel industry’s first Recycle/Reuse standard.
By assessing environmental impact associated with all the stages of a product’s life, it makes possible for LCA to create new possibilities for both existing entrepreneurs and for business and engineering students.
Keywords: Life-Cycle Assessment, entrepreneurship, environmental impact, product life-cycle, Water<Less, Levi Strauss & Co., Novozymes, recycle
This paper discusses the Life-cycle Assessment (LCA) and its possibilities for entrepreneurs to influence environmental impact.
LCA is a technique to assess environmental impacts associated with all the stages of a product’s entire life from cradle to grave, i.e., from raw material extraction through materials processing, manufacture, distribution, use, repair and maintenance, and disposal or recycling. LCA can help to analyze and compare the environmental impact of products or services via an inventory of energy and material inputs and emissions at all stages. LCAs focus on environmental impacts and originally do not consider social or economic impacts.
The first case study presents the philosophy and thinking model for the LCA technique. Two products, T-shirts, which have been dyed by two different methods: a conventional model and a method based on biotechnology have been compared by Ms. Anne Nielsen and Mr. Per Nielsen at Novozymes A/S.
Another case study by Levi Strauss & Co. presents their outstanding progress innovating around water reduction in denim manufacturing, including creation of the Water<LessTM process and implementing the apparel industry’s first Recycle/Reuse standard.
By assessing environmental impact associated with all the stages of a product’s life, it makes possible for LCA to create new possibilities for both existing entrepreneurs and for business and engineering students.
Keywords: Life-Cycle Assessment, entrepreneurship, environmental impact, product life-cycle, Water<Less, Levi Strauss & Co., Novozymes, recycle
Preferred Citation:
Holmberg, M. and Westerholm, H. (2017). Life-cycle assessment (LCA) creates new possibilities for entrepreneurs to influence the environmental impact. International Journal for Business Education, 157, 20 - 29.
Holmberg, M. and Westerholm, H. (2017). Life-cycle assessment (LCA) creates new possibilities for entrepreneurs to influence the environmental impact. International Journal for Business Education, 157, 20 - 29.
