LCA case study for copier using the matrix-based LCA software and JLCA database

Life cycle assessment (LCA) has been accepted widely as an effective tool for the evaluation of environmental loads accompanying products or services, but the method of practical application needs to be further improved. EMLCA, which is a matrix-based LCA software, is developed on the Excel spreadsheet. This LCA software has many functions such as environmental load calculation, environmental impact assessment, sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis. On the other hand, problems in data acquisition appear in almost every LCA case study. In order to support the LCA practice in Japan, an LCA database has been developed by JLCA. A simple introduction to EMLCA and the JLCA database is presented and they are used to carry out an LCA case study of a copier. The environmental loads corresponding to one copier in its life cycle are calculated, and the environmental impact caused by the loads is assessed. Sensitivity analysis and uncertainty analysis are also carried out, and methods of improving the environmental aspects are discussed.