Hello Barrett

As a start I will try to answer your questions in the manner you presented in  your previous email

 

Q: I was hoping you might be able to provide me with some examples of allegedly "green" products and services that don't actually possess favorable LCA's or are otherwise not quite what they're cracked up to be?

 

A:  the answer to this question may be biodiesel. There is a lot of noise about biofuels being renewable and therefore green. However recent lca research has shown that not all biofuels per se can reduce environmental impacts as compared to fossil fuels. Currently of all the production paths investigated, it is especially the use of biogenic wastes and grass to wood that brings a reduction in the environmental impact as compared with fossil fuels. Also there is a new buzz about clean coal, but a critical look will show you that coal is not green.

 

Q: I was also curious to know if someone at your organization be willing to give me a quick quote about what to look for when assessing the LCA of the products they use

 

A:   When conducting an lca of products from different companies, the entire life cycle of the product should be considered. First the acquisition of raw materials and types of raw materials used in production (renewable resource, recycled raw materials etc). Secondly the production processes should also be considered (energy use, raw materials used, and emissions from production which may be hazardous). Thirdly you have to look at the product use phase ( how long can the product be used, how many times must repairs be made or parts be replaced, how much energy does the product require, does the product contain harmful chemicals that will be hazardous to the user). Lastly you have to also look at the end of life of the product (what percentage of the product is recyclable, what percentage contain harmful chemicals and how those chemicals are disposed off, what types of waste management does the product require).

In all the concept of sustainability must be taken into consideration

 

 

I hope I have been able to give you some answers to your question

Regards

 

 

 

 

Nana-

Thanks for getting back to me. Tomorrow will be absolutely fine. I look forward to getting your e-mail, and thanks in advance for your assistance.

Regards,

Barrett Brown