Sustainable Systems Assignment: Life Cycle and Energy Efficiency

This report presents a comprehensive analysis of life cycle assessment (LCA) and energy efficiency, focusing on domestic cooking appliances and lighting solutions. The LCA compares a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinder and a 4-Burner Gas Stove using the GaBi application, assessing their environmental impact and cost-effectiveness based on ISO standards. The energy efficiency analysis evaluates incandescent, compact fluorescent (CFL), and LED bulbs, considering factors like lifespan, carbon emissions, lumens, and cost, with reference to Australian energy regulations. The report identifies the 4-Burner Gas Stove and LED bulbs as more sustainable options, recommending their adoption to minimize environmental impact and reduce energy consumption. It also highlights the role of regulatory bodies like the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) in promoting energy efficiency and sustainable practices.

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LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
Name of student:
Name of Institution:
Date:

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Executive Summary
This report compares how the life cycle analysis for two commonly used devices differ. The
devices are normally used in the kitchen for domestic cooking. In Australia, these two appliances
are used in most homesteads. However, the paper identifies the need to conduct this analysis as it
forms the basis of decision making on which appliance to purchase. This analysis should follow
the International Organization of Standards (ISO), an organization that sets standards on the rules
to follow internationally when carrying out such exercises (Aven, 2011).
This report summarizes the different aspects of the appliances. It outlines the procedures
followed when conducting the analysis. The report starts by examining the benefits of his
analysis as well as elaborating its context. To help address the questions raised exhaustively, the
report highlights the key issues or problems of interest. This way, the analysis would be more
specific to certain aspects other than addressing areas that are not really important. Just to
mention a few areas, the report covers the area of service selected and explains why it was
selected. The recommended procedure for conducting a life cycle analysis as recommended by
the International Organization of Standards is also outlined to carry out the life cycle analysis.
Introduction
Research has shown that the larger population in the country engage in domestic cooking. Due to
the fact that a majority go for work during the day, the research found that the meal commonly
cooked at home by the majority is dinner. The main argument is that the food cooked at home is
tastier than that bought from the outsets.

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This report compares two appliances commonly used for cooking by a majority of households in
Australia. The appliances are the Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder and a 4 Burner Gas Stove.
The effectiveness of these two appliances is compared. This is done by conducting a life cycle
analysis for the appliances.
Some of the main reasons why this it is important to conduct a life cycle analysis are that it helps
in assessing the environmental impact of the product as well as the cost of the product. Also, the
life cycle analysis may be conducted to support marketing claims and to improve the public
image for the product. Based on the results of this analysis, the manufacturer is able to identify
some of the key performance indicators for the product.
The life cycle analysis for these two products are is conducted using an application known as
GaBi. The findings of this analysis form the basis of decision making on which of the two
products should be preferred over the other. The product with the most favorable features as per
the results of the analysis is recommended. The most preferred appliance should have a minimal
negative impact on the environment. It should have very minimal quantities of carbon emissions
into the atmosphere.
Problem Statement
Service Wanted
Domestic cooking has been selected for this report since it is a common practice among many
Australians. A comparison is therefore done on the efficiency of the two selected cooking

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appliances. A life cycle analysis is conducted for both the appliances and the results recorded.
Both appliances require energy to operate.
The Two alternatives
A Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder and a 4 Burner Gas Stove are selected. An analysis is done
to these two appliances using the GaBi application and the results compared against each other.
Both appliances use gas energy. This form of energy is considered to be a factor than the
traditional methods of cooking. It is also more economical and has fewer carbon emissions to the
(Leeuwen, et al., 2017).
Why Choose this Problem?
Since a very big portion of the population engages in domestic cooking using the said appliances,
it is therefore important to critically analyze the efficiency of the appliances. If not done right,
the otherwise well-intended practice might turn to be a big threat to the environment and
economy in general.

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The Recommended Procedure by International Organization of Standards to conduct Life
Cycle Analysis
According to ISO, there are four main phases involved during this analysis. (Bcorporation.net,
2009). The charts below summarize the process.
Comparison
4 Burner Gas Stove LPG Gas Cylinder
Estimated weight 38 kilograms 9 kilograms
Dimensions 60 millimeters by 60
millimeters
Approximately 315 mm
diameter, 625 mm in height
Functional Unit 30-40 minutes to prepare fish Less than 20 minutes as per
the manual
Life Cycle Analysis Process
Step 1: Goals
and Scoping
Environmental,
economic and
social aspects
Step 2: Life
Cycle Inventory
Inputs and
outputs
Step 3: Impact
Assessment
Assess aspects such as
toxicity and
acidification.
Step 4: Interpretation
Impact data analysis

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Impact Analysis

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Hot spot Identification
A Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder produces more toxic gases like carbon dioxide than the 4
Burner Gas Stove. The gases can lead to the depletion of the ozone layer as well as cause climate
change. Therefore, a Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder is not sustainable enough.
Remedial Measures
There should be a controlled use of a Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinder. People should be
encouraged to use the 4 Burner Gas Stove because it is less toxic. The impact analysis
demonstrates that the 4 Burner Gas Stove is more sustainable than the Liquefied Petroleum Gas
cylinder in the long run.

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Best alternative
The best alternative is the 4 Burner Gas Stove. A 4 Burner Gas Stove is the best alternative
because it produces fewer toxic gases. A 4 Burner Gas Stove does not process much dangerous
gases that might cause depletion of the ozone layer or climate change.
References
Apo News, 2012. Green Productivity: The carbon footprint and LED lighting technology.
Aven, T., 2011. On the new ISO guide on risk management terminology. Reliability Engineering
& System Safety, July, 96(7), pp. 719-726.
Bcorporation.net, 2009. Conducting a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), s.l.: s.n.

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Bunnings Warehouse, n.d. [Online]
Available at: https://www.bunnings.com.au/diy-advice/home-improvement/lighting/how-to-
choose-energy-saving-light-bulbs
Burkharda, B., Kroll, F., Nedkov, S. & Müllera, F., 2012. Mapping ecosystem service supply,
demand, and budgets. Ecological Indicators, October, Volume 21, pp. 17-29.
Griggs, D. et al., 2013. Sustainable development goals for people and planet. 20 March, Volume
495, p. 305–307.
Lee, T.-L., Xiao, X.-H. & He, L., 2009. LED lamp. 4 August.
Leeuwen, V., Richenda, Evans, A. & Hyseni, B., 2017. Increasing the use of liquefied petroleum
gas in cooking in developing countries, s.l.: s.n.
Lim, S.-R., Kang, D., Ogunseitan, O. A. & Schoenung, J. M., 2012. Potential Environmental
Impacts from the Metals in Incandescent, Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), and Light-Emitting
Diode (LED) Bulbs. 13 December.
McCrindle, 2017. Australia's Cooking Landscape, s.l.: s.n.
Morejon, I. J., Zhai, J. & Thong Bui. ".", i. O. 1. 2., 2009. High-efficiency incandescent bulb
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