A must for green transformation! Practical strategy for LCA and circular economy from cradle to cradle
- Jul 4, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 22, 2024
2024/07/04 ｜Taipei Foundation Of Finance
▲A group photo of the lecturers and students
The life cycle includes raw material acquisition, manufacturing, and transportation to waste sites. Enterprises should consider the life cycle in the design stage to reduce resource waste and environmental burden. LCA includes ISO 14067 product carbon footprint, CBAM declaration, etc. Ensure data accuracy with SimaPro and eFootprint.
Taipei Foundation Of Finance jointly held the two-day "Carbon Footprint LCA Management Application Practical Class" with Sustainable Future Technology Co., Ltd. (SFiT Corp) and NANOZEO INC from July 2 to 3, 2024 .
LCA life cycle assessment improves resource utilization and environmental protection
Integrating Life Cycle Considerations into Product Services : the life cycle of a product, encompassing the acquisition of raw materials, manufacturing, transportation, and disposal, impacts resources and the environment at every stage. It is imperative for enterprises to minimize resource waste and environmental impact at the design phase of the life cycle , rather than addressing these issues post-production.
The cycle model includes "Cradle to Grave" (from raw materials to waste), "Cradle to Gate" (from raw materials to factory) and "Cradle to Cradle" (emphasis on reuse).
Professor Qing-Bin Tong, from the Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering at National Taiwan University, uses slag cement as a prime example of circular economy in action. This application not only diminishes the necessity for waste treatment but also curtails reliance on natural resources, showcasing a typical and effective implementation of circular economic principles.
▲Professor Qing-Bin Tong, from the Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering at National Taiwan University
Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) verification through PCR and LCA methods
SFiT Corp, analyst Wei-Jun Zhuang demonstrates the practical application of PCR (Post-Consumer Recycled material) using the humble paper clip as an example, the manufacturing journey begins with the extraction of iron ore, followed by its transformation into steel through smelting. Subsequently, specialized equipment shapes the steel into its final form. Each of these processes is energy-intensive. Moreover, the manufacturing equipment itself undergoes its own life cycle. Without proper analysis, the complexity of these interconnected stages can become overwhelming.
Therefore, PCR is utilized to delineate the boundaries and data scope within the life cycle. This is essential to ensure that assessments are consistent and comparable.To apply for the Environmental Protection Department's product carbon footprint label, it is essential to begin with PCR , implement the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology, and proceed with the Environmental Product Declaration(EPD) verification. This process ensures an accurate representation of the product's environmental impact and facilitates the attainment of superior environmental standards.
▲SFiT Corp, analyst Wei-Jun Zhuang
LCA life cycle assessment is essential to meet the carbon leakage challenge
In response to carbon leakage concerns, the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), Clean Competition Act(CCA), and Taiwan's CBAM is uncertainty. Associate Professor Jun-Bo Hong, from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and Deputy Director of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Division at Minghsin University of Science and Technology, who also serves as the General Consultant for Carbon Footprint Verification at SFiT Corp, shared his expertise on the subject, by acquiring a solid foundation in Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and paying close attention to every detail, one can sidestep potential pitfalls, making future challenges significantly more manageable.
▲Professor Jun-Bo Hong, from the Department of Industrial Engineering and Management and Deputy Director of the Industry-Academia Collaboration Division at Minghsin University of Science and Technology, who also serves at SFiT Corp,
Use SimaPro and eFootprint to enhance enterprise sustainable competitiveness
LCA is comprehensive, encompassing the ISO 14067 product carbon footprint, CBAM declaration, carbon cost estimation, and a broad array of other pertinent topics. To guarantee the accuracy and veracity of coefficient utilization, practitioners can employ tools like SimaPro for environmental assessment and eFootprint for carbon footprint analysis. These resources facilitate cross-referencing and comparison, confirming the precision of coefficients and the appropriateness of model applications. Ming-Shi Ke, manager of the market application/design department of NANOZEO INC , and analyst Wei-Jun Zhuang selflessly shared the details of coefficient references in class.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Enterprise Process Coaching:The methodical approach from modeling and research to self-construction and achieving the final outcome meticulously illustrates how to mentor an enterprise through its entire process. This detailed guidance ensures that students can gain comprehensive knowledge and practical skills.
▲Ming-Shi Ke, manager of the market application/design department of NANOZEO INC.
LCA data drives carbon emissions management strategy to enhance Taiwan’s visibility
Once the data is acquired, the critical step is to pinpoint your emission hotspots. This knowledge enables targeted improvements and reductions in carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle of products or services。
Rui-Min Wang, CEO of NANOZEO INC, CJCHT Group, he has a positive attitude of "I'm next" over a passive "it's not my turn yet," he confronts the challenges within the international supply chain head-on. With a firm belief that giving yields greater rewards than receiving, he is committed to enhancing Taiwan's global presence and influence.
▲Rui-Min Wang, CEO of NANOZEO INC, CJCHT Group,
