A case study of the development of life cycle assessment as a management tool in a building industry organisation

Title: A case study of the development of life cycle assessment as a management tool in a building industry organisation
Author(s): K. Onabolu, T. Raman
Paper category : conference
Book title: International Symposium on Intergrated Life-Cycle Design of Materials and Structures
Editor(s): A. Sarja
Print-ISBN: 951-758-408-3
e-ISBN: 235158029X
Publisher: RILEM Publications SARL
Publication year: 2000
Pages: 517 - 521
Total Pages: 5
Nb references: 2
Language: English

Abstract: There is an increasing awareness within the building industry across Europe of Iife cycle assessment (LCA) as a useful tool for studying environmental impact. In organisations where LCA's have been carried out, this is often in relation to local or proposed EC labelling schemes or possible future environmental regulations. However a few organisations are also discovering that LCA can be used as a management tool in conjunction with other
management models. This seems particularly suited to process and manufacturing industries where LCA can be used in resolving problems of process methodology, making process modifications, product redesign and product development. This paper provides a case study of how a LCA methodology was developed within a building materials manufacturer and provides examples of the outcome of a LCA study. The benefits and challenges of the
process are highlighted. Concrete roof tile in production has been used as an example of how to use LCA for product and process development, for quality management (ISO 9001) and as an environmental management tool in measuring environmental burdens in ISO 14001.
There is increasing awareness of life cycle assessment (LCA) as a tool for studying environmental impact within the building industry. For some organisations LCA is viewed as a tool for defending products against competitive and regulatory pressures, but others are discovering its usefulness also as a management tool. In manufacturing, LCA is particularly suitable for resolving problems of process methodology and product redesign and
development. This paper provides a case study of the application of LCA for product and process development, quality management (ISO 9001) and as an environmental management tool within a building materials manufacturer.

Online publication: 2000-04-30
Classification: EXAMPLES OF LIFE-CYCLE DESIGN
Publication type : full_text
Public price (Euros): 0.00
doi: 10.1617/235158029X.095