Sustainable Systems: Life Cycle Assessment of Yoghurt and Soda
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This report discusses the life cycle assessment of yoghurt and soda, analyzing their environmental impacts and hot spots. It concludes that yoghurt is a more sustainable option due to its minimal harm to the environment.
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1 SUSTAINABLE SYSTEMS Name of student: Name of institution: Date:
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2 Executive Summary Sustainability is important in helping to understand the life cycle of a system. Understanding the life cycle of a product or company enables the relevant persons to make proper and right decisions. Sustainability of a product or system ensures that the ecosystem is maintained. In other words, sustainability prevents or reduces the activities that interferes with the ecosystem. Some of the notable activities that interferes with the ecosystem include: Depletion of fossil fuels, scarcity of water, global warming and the loss of biodiversity(Meyers, 2012). A proper way of ensuring that the systems, products and companies are sustainable is by conducting a life cycle assessment commonly known as the LCA. A life cycle assessment is a technique of determining the environmental impacts of a product, a system, a company or a service during its entire life i.e. from the production, usage and disposal. Therefore, the purpose of a life cycle assessment is to find out the extent of environmental impact of a system(De, et al., 2013). A life cycle assessment of two alternative products was conducted. The two alternative products are yoghurt and soda. The two products are both sued as drinks at home, in offices, at the hotels and many other places. The two products were chosen because they are widely used and nearly on a daily basis(Xiliang, et al., 2010). Based on the impact analysis and the hot spots identification, it was discovered that the best option would be to use yogurt as for drinking. Yogurt should be used as a drinking fluid both as a part of the meals and for refreshment. Yogurt is the best option because it does not produce harmful gases into the atmosphere. The manufacturing process of Yogurt does not lead to the
3 destruction of green environment. The manufacturing process of yogurt does not cause the loss of biodiversity(Dosmukhamedov, 2014). Introduction Life cycle assessment is a way of determining and examining the inputs and outputs of the energy and materials and the environmental effects that are associated to the use of a product, company or service during its life cycle. A life cycle of a product, company or service is the entire period under which the product or service is in use. In other terms, a life cycle assessment is conducted to assess the impacts of a product or company during its entire life(Eleazer, et al., 2012). Service wanted The service wanted is a drinking fluid. The drinking fluid can be used as a refreshment or as part of the meal. Two alternatives The two alternatives are: Soda and Yogurt. Reason for Choosing the Problem A drinking fluid is used by everyone all over the world. However, soda and yogurt are universal. The procedure and ingredients used to prepare them is common across the world. Now, since the two products are being widely consumed across the world, it is necessary that they are all sustainable throughout their life cycle. Therefore, by choosing the problem, it will help in solving important environmental management questions that are still unanswered(Meyers, 2012).
4 Conducting Life Cycle Analysis International organization for standardization (ISO) has a conventional way of conducting a life cycle assessment (LCA). The conventional and approved way of conducting a life cycle assessment has four main components. The four main components are: Defining the goal and the scope of the life cycle assessment, defining the inventory of the life cycle assessment, analysing the impact of the life cycle and finally, improving the analysis of the life cycle based on the outcome of the impact analysis(Fan, et al., 2011). Defining the goal and the scope of the LCA involves identification of the purpose and the products that are expected as well as identifying the boundaries and the important assumptions based upon the definition of the goal. Defining the inventory of the life cycle assessment is all about providing the quantities and the raw materials as well as the environmental releases with the inventory and the inputs and outputs(Frano, 2009). Analysing the impact of the life cycle involves an assessment of the impacts of the life cycle on the environment as well as on the health of human beings. Improving the analysis of the life cycle based on the outcome of the impact analysis are the investigations to identify the possible ways to reduce energy, material, inputs and outputs as well as the environmental impacts at each stage of the life cycle. The flow chart below illustrates the life cycle assessment (LCA) that is recommended by the ISO(Eleazer, et al., 2012).
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5 Weights of Each Alternative The following are the materials for making a 500ml soda and a 500ml yogurt. Soda: Water -- 1900ml Alcohol -- 40ml Lime juice -- 190ml Vanilla extract -- 2.6ml Orange oil -- 0.125ml Lemon oil -- 0.125ml Nutmeg oil -- 0.05ml Coriander oil -- 0.002ml Neroli oil -- 0.05ml Cinnamon oil -- 0.05ml Caffeine -- 0.6g Citric or phosphoric acid -- 14g Impact analysisAssessing the impacts on human health and the environment associated with energy Raw material inputs and environmental releases quantified by the inventory Life-cycle inventoryQuantifying the energy and raw material inputs Environmental releases associated with each stage of production Goal definition and scopingIdentifying the LCA's purpose and the expected products of the study. Determining the and assumptions based upon the goal definition.
6 Sugar (granulated) -- 2,400g Sugar (caramelized) -- 400g Soda (soft drink)Yogurt ½ to ¾ cup of water500ml of milk 1 cup of granulated sugar3 tablespoons of starter good bacteria) ½ cup of frozen raspberriesFridge ½ vanilla bean (splinted and sliced)A jar 1 tablespoon chopped candied gingerMicrowave 450 grams of carbon dioxideSource of Power/Energy Source of energy/power Material Flow
7 Analysis of the Impacts
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11 Hot spots The hot spots for the alternative products can be identified based on the outcome of the impact analysis on GaBi. For example, the impact analysis of the life cycle of a soda reveals a lot. The manufacturing requires numerous raw materials some of which are toxic. The manufacturing process of a soda requires the use of 94% carbon dioxide(Mizgirev, 2015). The process of manufacturing a soda may lead to the release of carbon dioxide into the environment. Therefore, continuous manufacturing of soda may lead to the excessive release of carbon into the atmosphere. The excessive release of carbon into the atmosphere may cause a lot of harm to the ecosystem. Some of the notable damages of the excessive release of carbon into the atmosphere include: Depletion of the ozone layer, global warming, climatic change and destruction of the life of plants and animals(Madgin, 2010).
12 The manufacturing process of yogurt has a number of effects to the environment as well. The manufacturing process of a yogurt heavily depends on the use of electricity or rather the source of power or energy. Therefore, the source of power must be monitored closely to avoid devastating effects to the environment. The sources of energy must be environmentally friendly. Some of the environmentally friendly sources of energy include: The wind energy, biogas and the solar energy. Moreover, the sources mentioned are less costly and hence sustainable (Dehnen, 2011). Remedial measures The manufacturing of soda must be controlled so that the sustainability of the environment can be maintained. The quantity of soda that are being manufactured should be regulated so that excess carbon is not released into the environment. Moreover, excessive consumption of the soft drinks might have harmful effects on the health of human(Diadchenko & Kovalenko, 2008). The manufacturing process of a yogurt heavily depends on the use of electricity or rather the source of power or energy. Therefore, the source of power must be monitored closely to avoid devastating effects to the environment. The sources of energy must be environmentally friendly. Some of the environmentally friendly sources of energy include: The wind energy, biogas and the solar energy. Moreover, the sources mentioned are less costly and hence sustainable (Dosmukhamedov, 2014). Selecting the best alternative Based on the impact analysis and the hot spots, it is clear that the best option would be to use yogurt as for drinking. Yogurt should be used as a drinking fluid both as a part of the meals and for refreshment. Yogurt is the best option because it does not produce harmful gases into the
13 atmosphere. The manufacturing process of Yogurt does not lead to the destruction of green environment. The manufacturing process of yogurt does not cause the loss of biodiversity (Diadchenko & Kovalenko, 2008).
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14 References Dehnen, H. A., 2011. Global warming in the light of an analytic model of the earth's atmosphere. Volume 153, p. 15. De, P. P., Wcquier, William & Cool, W., 2013. Level Radioactive Waste Management; Spent Fuel, Fissile Material, Transuranic and High-Level Radioactive Waste Management - The Belgian Program for Low and Intermediate Short Lived Waste Management: From 1985 to License Application. Volume 01, p. 09. Diadchenko, O. & Kovalenko, L., 2008. Estimation of Atmospheric air Pollution Extent on City Highways by Vehicles with Account of Traffic management. Volume 01, p. 04. Dosmukhamedov, N. K., 2014. Choice and Justification of the Initial Charge in Processing Middlings, Recycled Materials and Slag Lead Production. Volume 67, p. 3. Eleazer, P. R., Lisa, M. C., Maark, A. W. & Andres, F. C., 2012. Comparison of algae cultivation methods for bioenergy production using a combined life cycle assessment and life cycle costing approach. Volume 126, p. 9. Fan, H., Zhaoping, Y., Hui, W. & Xiaoliang, X., 2011. Estimating willingness to pay for environment conservation: a contingent valuation study of Kanas Nature Reserve, Xinjiang, China. 180(107), p. 9. Frano, B., 2009. Transition to renewable energy systems with hydrogen as an energy carrier. Journal of Energy,34(10), p. 5. Madgin, R., 2010. Reconceptualising the historic urban environment: conservation and regeneration in Castlefield, Manchester, 1960–2009.Journal of Planning Perspectives,25(10), p. 20. Meyers, R. A., 2012. Encyclopedia of Sustainability Science and Technology || Solid Waste solid waste Disposal solid waste disposal and Recycling solid waste recycling , Introduction. Volume 3, p. 1472. Mizgirev, D. S., 2015. The concept of improving environmental engineering systems for integrated waste management ships (IWMS). Volume 01, p. 4. Xiliang, Z., WAng, R., Huo, M. & Eric, M., 2010. A study of the role played by renewable energies in China's sustainable energy supply. Volume 35, p. 8.
15 Part 2 Executive summary Energy efficiency are the practices that are put in place to reduce the excessive consumption of energy and to encourage saving of energy. Energy efficiency is all about economical use or consumption of energy to avoid wastage. Energy efficiency can be achieved by effective definition of the systems and processes as well as effective design of products(Watts, et al., 2012). The purpose of this report is to examine the energy efficiency of a product. The report will also provide a cost benefit analysis of the product for a three years period. The product that has been chosen for analysis is an ironing box. An ironing box is a device in all the homes and hotels. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the device is energy efficient and cost effective in the long run(Nillesen, et al., 2014). An iron box is a device that is used nearly on a daily basis at homes and in offices as well as at business places. The analysis of energy efficiency of an iron box is important in providing a basis for making important decision about its usage. The report has proved that an iron box is relatively energy efficient. Moreover, the cost of purchasing and maintaining an iron box is relatively cheap. Therefore, we can conclude that an iron box is financially sustainable(Sablin, 2012). The analysis of the important factors bout an iron box also reveals that an iron box uses electricity. Now, since there are numerous sources of electricity, the sources of electricity must be efficient and not capable of causing harm to the environment or the ecosystem(Oh, 2010).
16 The cost benefit analysis of an iron box has proven that the product is cost effective for a three years period. Therefore, we conclude that an iron box is energy efficient. Definition of the problem (Introduction) Some of the relevant information about an ironing box include: The consumption rate, an alternative to an ironing box, efficiency of an ironing box, the usage of iron box and the cost of purchasing an ironing box. The relevant information is listed below: The energy consumption rateof an ironing box is 800W to 1000W per day. Alternative for the electriciron box is the traditional iron box. Efficiency of the iron boxis rated between 1000 Watts to 2000 Watts per hour. Usage of the iron boxis to keep cloths and other materials neat. The costof purchasing an iron box is US $135. Sources of energy An iron box uses electricity. Sources of power for electricity include: solar energy, coal energy, wind energy and water energy. State selection I have selected a state in south Australia. The state I have selected is Port Augusta. The location of Port Augusta is32°29′33″S137°45′57″E.
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17 Organizations in Australia that promote energy efficiency There are several organizations that promote energy efficiency in Australia. Some of the organizations are described below. Australia Energy Regulatory.Monitor and enforce the compliance of market participants, energy service providers and rules. Australian Renewable Energy Agency.Funds innovation and share knowledge accelerating shift to reliable and affordable renewable energy. These two bodies ensure the reduction of consumer energy bills, environmental protection, enhance the productivity of industrial energy, they contribute to a competitive energy market and manage the demand of energy. Reducing energy consumption of an iron box 1.Proper maintenance of the iron box 2.Constant check- ups to ensure that the device is functioning properly 3.Always unplugging the device when it is not in use 4.Always buying a low power consuming iron box Cost benefit analysis ofan iron box A cost benefit analysis is a technique of comparing the benefits and the cost of a product over a given period of time in order to determine whether the product is viable. A cost benefit analysis of an iron box was conducted to find out whether the iron box is cost efficient(P, et al., 2009). The cost benefit analysis is presented in the table below. The analysis shows that the net outcome is a positive amount which is an indication of a benefit over the three years.
18 3 Year Cost Benefit Analysis Cost Purchase price$135 power consumption$1,100 cost of maintenance$350 Total$1,585 Benefits Energy efficiency$1,233 reduction of expenses$455 Total$1,688 A three years projection Cost$2,410.59 Benefits$2,567.24 Net Benefit$156.65 Conclusion An iron box is a device that is used nearly on a daily basis at homes and in offices as well as at business places. The analysis of energy efficiency of an iron box is important in providing a basis for making important decision about its usage. The report has proven that an iron box is relatively energy efficient. Moreover, the cost of purchasing and maintaining an iron box is relatively cheap. Therefore, we can conclude that an iron box is financially sustainable(Oh, 2010). The analysis of the important factors bout an iron box also reveals that an iron box uses electricity. Now, since there are numerous sources of electricity, the sources of electricity must
19 be efficient and not capable of causing harm to the environment or the ecosystem(Watts, et al., 2012). The cost benefit analysis of an iron box has proven that the product is cost effective for a three years period. Therefore, we conclude that an iron box is energy efficient(Paul, et al., 2014). References Nillesen, Eleonora, Bulte & Erwin, 2014. Natural Resources and Violent Conflict.Annual Review of Resource Economics,Volume 6, p. 15.
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20 Oh, S. K., 2010. An Assessment of Deforestation Models for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD). Volume 24, p. 24. Paul, A., Chowdary, V. M. & Chakraborty, D., 2014. Customization of Freewares GIS software for management of natural resources data for developmental planning.International Journal of Open Information Technologies,Volume 2, p. 5. P, C. M., R, P. & J-L, C., 2009. A methodology to estimate impacts of domestic policies on deforestation: Compensated Successful Efforts for “avoided deforestation” (REDD). Volume 68, p. 12. Sablin, K., 2012. Russian big Business: Natural Resourrce Development and Social responsibility Vs. Innovative Activity?. Volume 3, p. 11. Watts, et al., 2012. A simulation environment for the investigation into loss of mains detection methods for grid connected single phase inverters. Volume 11, p. 6.