Energy Efficiency of Laptops: Analysis and Alternatives

1
Sustainable Systems

Life Cycle Assessment
Executive Summary
In this report the life cycle assessment is conducted for the service of paper clips. The two
alternative brands are selected which produce such clips. There are alternative categories of
these clips. The plastic clips and the steel clips are the two varieties which can be used for the
same purpose. However after an analysis of the entire life cycle which includes the
production to disposal stages of the product, it is seen that the steel clips are more effective in
use. It is feasible to use the steel paper clips as they do not harm the environment much. The
alternative can also be used as a feasible option perhaps some changes are made in its life
cycle, especially post use or during disposal.
Introduction
According to Hellweg and i Canals (2014), by the two different standards of the Life Cycle
Assessment as proposed by the Organization for Standardization (ISO), which are the ISO
14044 and the ISO 14040, the LCA can be defined as the inputs and outputs compilation and
their evaluation and the subsequent impact of the product on the environment during its life
cycle (Jolliet et.al. 2015). There are many uses of the LCA. During the life cycle of a product
there are many ways of improving its impact on the environment which can be done using the
LCA (Cabeza et.al. 2014). The setting of priority to the strategic planning in different
organisations and sectors can be done effectively using the LCA. The factors or the key
indicators which mark the environmental performance of a product are selected under LCA
(Kirchain Jr, Gregory and Olivetti 2017). The different products get their eco labelling from
the LCA. In this report the service chosen is the steel paper clips. The two brands which
produce such steel paper clips are Southington Tool & Manufacturing Corp. (STMC) and the

Goal and Scope
Definition Inventory analysis Impact assessment
Interpretation
Arthur I. Platt Company. These two companies are providing the same service. In the
flowchart given the procedure which is to be followed for conducting the LCA is illustrated.
Figure 1: LCA Flowchart
LCA
The complete assessment of the system environment starting from energy supply to its waste
management is made a part of the LCA (Mills et.al. 2014). There are different types of clips
like steel paper clips to the plastic paper clips.
Estimated weight
The stainless steel paper clips are unexpectedly lighter than the plastic paper clips.
Type Weight
Plastic Paper Clips 0.5 grams
Steel Paper Clips 0.45 grams
Functional unit

Galvanizing of Steel Wire
Steep Crafting
Wire Designing
Paper clips cutting
Packaging and boxing of the clips
The functional unit in case of a paper clip is its holding and binding capacity in terms of
duration of shelf life or the time for which it can function.
Balanced Material Flow
Steel Paper Clip
Manufacturing process of the steel paper clip comprises of the following process described in
the flowchart below:
Plastic Paper Clip
Manufacturing process of the plastic paper clip comprises of the following process described
in the flowchart below: