Analytical Model for Energy-Ecoefficiency based on Life Cycle Analysis

Abstract

Ecoefficiency involves a number of possible strategies oriented to improve the use of resources in any organization. Potential improvements include products, processes, and services. There are different strategies oriented to improve ecoefficiency levels at organizations by optimizing the use of resources. Energy, by all means, plays a key role for ecoefficiency at all levels. Traditional cost-benefit analysis is based on simple payback or equivalent. Life Cycle Analysis makes an important contribution to cost-benefit analysis evaluation by incorporating aspects associated raw materials, production, distribution, end use, and disposal. Evaluation of potential savings attributed to ecoefficiency strategies may then be considered in a more sustainable framework incorporating aspects from an LCA perspective. For illustration purposes, a small manufacturing plant located in Lima, Peru is considered as a reference case. A typical measure associated with the use of a more efficient lighting system would save around 20% of total cost with a return on investment of about 2 years. The amount of electricity saved would also have impacts within an LCA approach, considering for instance the nature of the national electricity grid. Also, the lamp to be purchased for the more efficient lighting systems would also have impacts within an LCA approach, taking into account for instance the fabrication site of the lamp. By including an LCA approach into an energy-ecoefficiency management system, a more accurate payback calculation might be carried out.