Amman, Jordan, 30 th June 2008 Life cycle assessment Introduction and application Dr. Fredy Dinkel Carbotech Inc., Switzerland f.dinkel@carbotech.ch www.carbotech.ch Overview Sustainable development Request on a methodology for sound environmental decisions Short introduction to LCA Case study in the industry Use at regulations in Switzerland 1
Today it is well known that sustainable development is an important issue for the future of our society Generating tax and duties covering the caused cost Economy s bright future Business economics degree of innovation Stability on social welfare Social welfare, education Individuals health Contiguous education local Regeneration of the Nature global What is needed to reach the target of sustainable development (SD)? There is common sense that the protection of the environment from problematic impacts is important but normally decision are made on economic criteria. Protection of the environment is good but earning or saving money is better What is the consequence of this mind set? 2
To focus just on the economy......is like looking at a one dimension al picture Sunset at the dead sea A two dimensional picture is better...is like looking at a one dimension al picture 3
The one dimensional view is not enough Needs Valuation Every activity has also influences on humans and the environment like Economy s bright future Health problems from air pollution, Water pollution Noise, Accidents, Impacts on nature, Resource needs Social welfare, education To bring these dimensions together and introduce environmental aspects into management decisions it is important to valuate and quantify the environmental impacts. Regeneration of the Nature According to the evaluation of ecological impacts a lot of questions arise Valuating environmental impacts Which are the most relevant impacts to consider? toxic emission to the water climate change reduction of forests toxic releases to the air reduction of soil fertility water pollution... 4
According to the evaluation of ecological impacts a lot of questions arise Valuating environmental impacts How to reduce the impacts on the environment? Which is the most efficient way to do it? How to measure the environmental impacts? What is relevant? How to quantify environmental impacts to correlate them with quantitative economic data? Because of the complexity of the system the evaluation is often reduced to selected aspects or simple rules, like: Problematic substances: Chemicals, Toxic emissions, Threshold values Discussed problems: Energetic resources, Global warming Obvious problems: Wastes, Water, Noise Products from plants are always eco-friendly Products from the industry are problematic Is that enough? Let s have a look at some examples. 5
For example: energy from burning of fuels is related with a lot of emissions, toxic and leading to climate change On site emissions: Carbondioxid CO 2 Nitrogenoxids NO x Hydrocarbons C m H n... No emissions on site! To conclude, that electricity is better for the environment, must not be true! Because production is also related to emissions. But it is not sufficient to focus on local emissions Needs Valuation Life cycle Including different aspects The production of 1 MWh electricity from a lignite power plant is related with: 200 kg of Wastes and 1200 kg of Carbon dioxide emissions 10 kg of emissions to the water, from organics to heavy metals 250 m 3 of water use For the right answer You have to take into account The whole life cycle and The different impacts to the environment 6
Water Essential for life It is not always easy to get drinking water To prevent water from pollution is essential Example Water The visible pollution is only one aspect 7
Cotton textile a product from nature Example Natural products The production of cotton uses large amounts of pesticides and fertilizers so it is linked with emissions to soil and water. But this is not all This was a production site of cotton Enormous amounts of water are used to plant cotton The question arise if a synthetic textile could be mor eco-friendly 8
Problems with water can also be caused by emissions to the air or the soil For example: Needs Valuation Life cycle Including different aspects Emissions like CO 2 causing climate change this can have a strong influence on the water Emissions of NO x from traffic or energy systems causes eutrophication Pesticides in agriculture Requests to the method Science Specialist Scientific complete Practical Flexible Decision-maker Base for decision Consider a large amount of different impacts Considering the whole life cycle Quantifying the environmental impacts Good decision base Scientific bases Easy to realize 9
We life in a global world and have to take into account the whole life cycle and evaluate the different impacts into key figures This is the aim of the methodology of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) Products Judgement of processes and technologies from the ecological point of view Analysis/strategy planning for product development and optimization Eco audits (EMAS, ISO 14000) Ecological business balances Data base for ecological annual reports Framework LCA Methodology LCA of product or service is complex, it undergoes subjectivity There was a need in the 90 s to elaborate a standardized assessment process It was elaborated by Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) And standardized by International Standardization Organization (ISO) 10
0.0397kg Potato starch, at 0.156 kg Potatoes IP, at 3.68% 2.27 MJ Electricity, medium 6.6% 2.78 MJ Electricity, high 7.85% 2.81 MJ Electricity, production 7.84% 5.8MJ Natural gas, burned in 13.5% 6.84 MJ Natural gas, high 14.5% 0.188 m3 Natural gas, at 14.4% 0.0523m3 Natural gas, 3.56% 1 kg Paper, woodfree, 100% 0.07 m3 Natural gas, 6.08% 0.082 m3 Naturalgas,at 5.81% 0.0367 kg Heavyfuel oil, at 3.63% 0.0391 kg Heavyfuel oil, at 3.78% 0.609 kg Sulphatepulp, ECF 44.6% 0.000608 m3 Industrialwood, 14.4% 0.000608 m3 Hardwood, 11.8% 0.761kg Sulphate pulp, 68.1% 0.114kg Sulphate pulp, TCF 8.56% 0.000879m3 Industrial wood, 20.2% 0.000908m3 Softwood, 17.3% 1.31tkm Transport, lorry 11.2% 186 m Operation, lorry 9.15% 0.0717kg Diesel,atregional 7.29% 0.0733kg Diesel, at 7.39% 3.19 tkm Transport, freight, 4.96% 3.19 tkm Operation, freight 3.48% Inventory Process tree LCA Methodology 1 kg Paper, woodfree, 100% 0.0397 kg 2.27 MJ 5.8 MJ 0.761 kg Potato starch, at 4% Electricity, medium 6.6% Natural gas, burned in 13.5% Sulphate pulp, 68.1% 0.156 kg 2.78 MJ 6.84 MJ 0.609 kg 0.114 kg 1.31 tkm 3.19 tkm Potatoes IP, at 3.68% Electricity, high 7.85% Natural gas, high 14.5% Sulphate pulp, ECF 44.6% Sulphate pulp, TCF 8.56% Transport, lorry 11.2% Transport, freight, 4.96% 2.81 MJ 0.188 m3 0.0367 kg 0.000608 m3 0.000879 m3 186 m 3.19 tkm Electricity, production 7.84% Natural gas, at 14.4% Heavy fuel oil, at 3.63% Industrial wood, 14.4% Industrial wood, 20.2% Operation, lorry 9.15% Operation, freight 3.48% 0.0523 m3 0.07 m3 0.0391 kg 0.000608 m3 0.000908 m3 0.0717 kg Natural gas, 3.56% Natural gas, 6.08% Heavy fuel oil, at 3.78% Hardwood, 11.8% Softwood, 17.3% Diesel, at regional 7.29% 0.082 m3 0.0733 kg Natural gas, at 5.81% Diesel, at 7.39% Course of action LCA Methodology NOx, NOx, CO2, CO2, etc. etc. NOx, CO2, etc. NOx, NOx, CO2, NOx, CO2, etc. etc. etc. NOx, CO2, etc. NOx, CO2, etc. NOx, CO2, etc. CO 2 NOx CFC Oil Water Toxicity Radiation Carcinogenity Respiratory effects Ozone depletion Land use Acid rain Eutrophication Global warming Energetic resources Human toxicity Eco systems Clima Resources Overall environmental impacts Natural resources 11
Valuation methods LCA Methodology Taking into account different impacts: Ecological scarcity (UBP 97, Switzerland) Eco Indicator 99 (EI 99, Europe) External costs Taking into account one single impact: Energetic ressources (Global) Global warming (Global) Human toxicity Benefits of LCA LCA Methodology Quantification of the current environmental impacts of the company and its processes to Detect ecological relevance Find reduction potential Choose the right option Early identification and reduction of incorrect estimates Product development with better environmental characteristics LCA is a powerful tool for decision-making and a basis of communication with external bodies, ex. Government, public, stakeholders It is a globally recognized method 12
Application of LCA in industry In an environmental management system - for finding relevant reduction potential and measures, it is important to use: Quantitative methods like LCA to find the most efficient environmental reduction potentials. wood brigde, long lifecycle Because they can be linked to economic indicators the most wood brigde wood brigde, air dried efficient measures according to economy and ecology can be found leading to Eco Efficiency ecomomic efficiency low high low wood brigde, energy from wood composite bridge high ecologic efficiency Swiss post service The postal service in Switzerland Schweizer Post being the largest transport company in Switzerland has started to use LCA 10 years ago and used it for their strategic decisions. In a first step they have done a overall LCA on the company to see what are the main reasons for the environmental impacts. 13
Environmental impacts of relevant processes 1998 Focus on transport, Electricity, heating relative environmental impacts 45 % 40 % 35 % 30 % 25 % 20 % 15 % 10 % Ecoindicator 95 UBP 97 5 % % Transport persons Transport goods (road) Transport goods (rail) Electricity Heating office supplies Wastes A detailed look into the transport Focus on the use phase 140 % transport pickup CH vkm 120 % relative Impacts 100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % % car production Infrastructur road Use maintenance disposal energetic ressources Ecoindicator 95 UBP 97 14
Transport scenarios Swiss post service 100 % 90 % 80 % relative UBP '97 70 % 60 % 50 % 40 % 30 % 20 % 10 % % Present situation Szenario: maximum rail transport Szenario: only truck transport Transport by rail Distribution Transport by truck Transport road -> rail Electricity Increase the use of wind energy 120% relative ecological scarcity 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Electricity - from the Swiss grid Electricity from wind 15
Strategic decisions Swiss post service Reducing the impacts of transport by Buying cars with the latest motor technology Using the rail transport if possible Education in eco driving Invest in electricity of wind Insulation for the houses to reduce heating All important investments have to be checked Technically Economically Ecologically by using LCA Environmental impact over the years measured with ecological scarcity Swiss post service 16
Effect on climate change Swiss post service Conclusions Reduction of environmental impacts over the years: Swiss post service Service Compared to1998 Compared to 2000 Heating 30 % 24 % Transport of persons 26 % 22 % Road transport of goods 26 % -2 % Rail transport of goods 50 % 44 % It has to be mentioned that: In these years the services and the earnings have increased 14% more persons have been transported. 17
Successful for the environment and also for the economy Swiss post service The environmental impacts per turn over have decreased even more 120% 109% Environmental impcts per turn over 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 100% 95% 90% 88% 84% 78% 0% 1998 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Regulations Normally threshold values are used to protect the environment despite the importance of threshold values there are also weaknesses like: They are based on concentrations and don t regulate the overall flows There is no incentive to reduce the emissions more than the threshold value For some industries it can be easy to undercut by far the threshold value for a certain substance but very expensive to fulfil the threshold value for another substance 18
Introducing the concept of overall environmental impacts in Swiss regulation Regulations In the year 1998 the Swiss regulation on water prevention was modified by the following article concerning about the introduction of waste water in rivers or lakes : Art. 6 The threshold value can be relieved for industrial waste water if the over all environmental impact are lower by introducing the waste water into a water than other waste water treatments. The question arises: What means overall environmental impact Industrial case study The situation: An industry has waste water with propylene glycol. Which is not very toxic, but has a high BOD. The threshold values are not met. There is no waste water treatment plant near by. The technical solution: In Switzerland the used technique to treat the waste water, if there is no waste water treatment plant, is: Evaporating the waste water and burning the concentrate in a waste incinerator. 19
The questions arised What is more problematic: The production of electricity The emissions to the air by burning the concentrate The emissions by the transports The energy used The wastes But No emissions on site or Industrial case study The water pollution Are there other possibilities? The global ecological view of the waste water treatment, in this special case Industrial case study 140 % 120 % relative Environmental Impacts 100 % 80 % 60 % 40 % 20 % % Normal technical treatment No treatment ventilation energetic recources non-renewable UBP 97. 20
The local ecological view of the treatment Industrial case study Normal treatment Controlled introduction Ventilation Very low site emissions Threshold values not met Threshold values quit met The economic view of the treatment Normal treatment Controlled introduction Ventilation 600 000.- CHF 20 000.- CHF 40 000.- CHF Bio fuels Bio fuels are a big issue today because of Reduction in using fossil fuels Reduction on CO 2 emissions So they are subsidised in different countries But how about the overall environmental impacts? 21
Most of bio fuels lead to a reduction on climate change Impacts on the climate 120% 100% relative impacts on the climat 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% Petrol Whey Gras Sugar cane Sugar beet Corn US Corn EU Diesel Waste cooking oil Palmoil Rape seed oil Soja oil US Soja oil BR Naturl gas Bio waste Wood Gras Fossil fuels From agriculture from waste from overseas Most of bio fuels lead to higher overall environmental impacts than fossil fuels Overall environmental impacts Relative environmental impacts UBP 2006 500% 400% 300% 200% Fossil reference 100% 0% natural resources energetic resources water & soil air Climate Petrol Whey Gras Sugar cane Sugar beet Corn US Corn EU Diesel cooking oil Plam oil Rape seed oil Soja oil US Soja oil BR Natural gas bio waste Wood Gras Petrol Ethanol Diesel Substitution for diesel Natural gas Bio gas 22
Introducing the concept of LCA in regulations Regulations In the regulation on the tax of mineral oil from 20 th January 2008 there will be tax reduction on fuels from renewable resources if the following conditions are fulfilled: The reduction of greenhouse gases over the whole life cycle will be reduced by 40% The overall environmental impact is not higher than the impact from the use of fossil fuels. It has to be proven by the applicant with an overall balance. Fusszeile Life cycle analysis It is a very powerful tool in Cleaner Production assessment As decision base for investments and improvements In regulation According to the E.U.: LCAs provide the best framework for assessing the potential environmental impacts of products currently available. Thank you for your attention 23
30.06.2008 Assessment of the Environmental Impacts of Electricity Production and Heating sources In Jordan Goal of the Study Is to compare the environmental burdens of the production of electricity mix used in Jordan with the environmental burdens of Producing electricity by combined cycle gas power station. 1
30.06.2008 Jordan Electricity Mix Jordan produces 90% of its electricity and imports 10% from Egypt and Syria. Jordan electricity Mix: It is found that about 70% of Jordan electricity is produced by Natural Gas and rest portion is generated by a mix of Heavy Oil, Diesel and Renewable Energy The data used in this study is based on electricity generation statistics in 2005 (statistical year book- Jordan, 2005). Assessment Methodology our analysis was based on a leading LCA software, where we used the Ecological Scarcity 2006 method that asses the effects of emissions (air, water and soil) on human health, ecosystems, climate change and use of fossil and natural resources. RSS has already purchased this software (Simapro) and has access to the largest international database on LCA. We are undertaking an LCA study for an important industry. 2
30.06.2008 Analyzed system with the highest environmental Impacts Oil Gas Comparison of the environmental impacts to use electricity from the Jordan grid compared with the production of electricity in a combined cycle gas power plant Evaluation with ecological scarcity 3
30.06.2008 Comparison of the environmental impacts to use electricity from the Jordan grid compared with the production of electricity in a combined cycle gas power plant Evaluation with ecological scarcity Results The study showed that power generation using NG Combined Cycle, best technology has lower impact on the environment. CO 2 emissions will nearly be reduced to the half. SO x emissions will be reduced by about 90%. NO x emissions will also be reduced by about 75% 4
30.06.2008 Conclusion Producing electricity using NG combined cycle best tech. is more efficient than the current electricity mix used in Jordan. Combined cycle power generation is economically feasible and environmentally friendly. It does need new investments, but with rising prices it can be interesting economically. Energy Options In Jordan Goal of the analysis: To find the best source of heating with the least environmental Impacts 5
30.06.2008 Comparison of the environmental Impacts from different heating sources in Jordan 125 120 115 110 105 100 95 90 85 80 75 70 Pt 65 60 55 50 45 40 35 30 25 20 15 10 5 0 Electricity, low voltage produced by combined Electricity, low voltage, at grid/jordan U Heat, natural gas, at boiler atmospheric non-modulating Heat, at air-water heat pump 10kW/jordan Heat, light fuel oil, at boiler 10kW, non-modulating LPG, burned in boiler atmosph eric burner non-modulating NOx SOx NMVOC NH3 Dust PM10 CO2 Ozone layer Pb (air) Cd (air) Zn (air) Hg (air) COD P N Cr (water) Zn (water) Cu (water) Cd (water) Hg (water) Pb (water) Ni (water) AOX (water) Nitrate (soil) Metals (soil) Pesticide soil Waste Waste (special) LMRAD HRAD Energy Comparing processes; Method: Ecopoints 97 (CH) V2.04 / Ecopoints / single score Thank you 6
30.06.2008 Adaptation to the Jordan situation Valuation methodology and databases The need for adaptation Actual LCA valuation methodologies and databases were developed in and for Europe and North America Some environmental problems as well as human activities are specific to countries or regions Thus, valuation methodologies and databases must be adapted to the Jordan situation 1
30.06.2008 Adaptation of valuation methodology Ecological scarcity 2006 valuates environmental impacts according to Swiss environmental policy goals If a human activity generates an environmental impact in a field which is highly sensitive for Switzerland, it will be highly valuated Adaptation of valuation methodology Ecological scarcity 2006 does not highly valuate the use of water as there is no water scarcity in Switzerland However, Jordan is amongst the 5 countries suffering the most of water scarcity Thus, Ecological scarcity 2006 is to be adapted to take into account water scarcity in Jordan, but not only (greenhouse gases, air pollution, natural resources consumption, etc.) 2
30.06.2008 kpt 4.5 4 3.5 3 2.5 Europe 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Transport, passenger Petrol, low-sulphur car, petrol, fleet average, at regional storage Emission into Air Emission into Surface Water Emission into Ground-Water Emission into Top Soil Energy Resources Natural Resources Deposited Waste Water Resources Comparing 23.6 pkm 'Transport, passenger car, petrol, fleet average/ch U' with 1 kg 'Petrol, low-sulphur, at regional storage/ch U'; Me Average situation and extreme water scarcity In the extreme case, impacts resulting from the consumption of 1 cubic meter of fresh water are valuated 200 times higher than in average kpt 5.5 5 4.5 4 3.5 3 Jordan 2.5 2 1.5 1 0.5 0 Transport, passenger Petrol, low-sulphur car, petrol, fleet average, at regional storage Emission into Air Emission into Surface Water Emission into Ground-Water Emission into Top Soil Energy Resources Natural Resources Deposited Waste Water Resources Comparing 23.6 pkm 'Transport, passenger car, petrol, fleet average/ch U' with 1 kg 'Petrol, low-sulphur, at regional storage/ch U'; Me Adaptation of databases Processes of human activities can very much depend on local production modes, technology, available natural resources The environmental impacts resulting from these processes depend in turn on geography Identification of specific processes allows building a Jordanian database describing these processes 3
30.06.2008 Adaptation of databases Already adapted: Jordan electricity mix Refinery Planned adaptations: Traffic Waste Power production (solar energy) Agriculture Expected outcome Environmental impacts resulting from Jordanian activities are valuated according to a valuation methodology reflecting Jordanian environmental policy goals This will provide a reliable base for decision-making in all sorts of fields in Jordan (energy, water, transport, etc.) 4
30.06.2008 Next steps What has been done Kick-off workshop was launched in January-February to give to local stakeholders an introduction to the LCA approach and its methodological framework. Enable them to understand the importance of such a tool in implementing eco-efficiency, better natural resource management and reducing pollution in Jordan. Raising of building capacity and now we have Necessary software tools Access to the largest international database on LCA Performed different case studies and a project for an important industry in Jordan 1
30.06.2008 Looking forward to The experiences of the last month have shown that LCA can be a very powerful tool for Industries Government Public services To find the relevant environmental impacts Improvement potentials of these impacts To make Decisions for investments The choice of eco-efficient solutions Communication with stakeholders Our plans (1) Detect the relevant sectors with an overall Jordan LCA and the reasons for the environmental impacts like Human health from toxic emissions Reduction of natural resources by water consumption Influences on eco systems by emissions and land use. This gives a sound base of discussion with the ministries knowing the reasons and finding potential options of reduction, and then strategic development projects can be defined. 2
30.06.2008 Our plans (2) Develop case studies in various sectors considered as hotspots in Jordan like energy, industry, water, traffic, waste, construction, house holds The economic aspects is possible to be included in all this analysis. This insures that the feasibility of proposed projects can also be evaluated from an economic point of view. How to materialize this plan This plan is necessary for different levels: -Governmental -Industry and services -Technical service providers; database and capacity building 3
30.06.2008 On governmental level we are convinced there are following needs: Jordan needs clear and effective laws and regulations to support emerging sustainable development strategies and policies. Effective environmental policy and regulations have a potentially greater impact on sectors to address environmental problems at the source On industrial and services we are convinced there are the following needs: Good case studies to show that LCA Can provide them with good opportunities to find eco-efficient solutions Give a good base for investments Improve the environmental management Is a perfect tool for communication with stake holders Can open to Jordan companies European market 4
30.06.2008 On technical level - database and capacity building we are convinced there are the following needs: A national team and a discussion between the different users Adoption to the Jordan situation the international database the valuation methodology We have just started to do it and invite you to join us. October workshop on LCA October workshop is open for all interested parties. So we invite you to discuss now the following issues What are the possible case studies What topics you suggest - Legislation -Needs of the industries -National information national database To take the opportunity to use the powerful tool of LCA for a sustainable development in Jordan. 5