After we have learned how to switch apps, we now look into one environmental result example.
As the Global Warming Potential is the most prominent impact, we use if for the example.
Exercise: Analyse the GWP of the Ball Pen and interpret the result.
The first step is to choose in the environmental section of the apps the "Global Warming" (GWP). You will have two choices 1. the GWP based on TRACI and 2. based on CML. Typically TRACI is used for GWP calculations in the US while CML is commonly used in Europe. Differences between the two methods are within the calculation factors used to determine the GWP. This leads to slight variances within the results. More methodology info can be found here.
GWP Sankey
After we clicked on the GWP app of the ball pen model the Sankey diagram for GWP will open.
When doing a mouse over on the grey connectors the GWP contribution to the final product is shown in the pop up.
Since all materials amounts are fairly similar, the GWP results of the included parts have equal contribution to the final result.
All Sankey functionality (e.g. drill into precursors) is at any time available.
GWP results in the grid view
The GWP is provided in a grid view as well. The structure of the model aligns with structure of the BOM/model and aggregates results upwards to the final part.
We are including the following columns:
Name: Name of the part
Tier: level of the material in the supply chain
Node Type: Is it a process or a product group we are looking at.
Amount: GWP result
Unit: the unit the amount is shown in. In the case of the GWP it it kg CO2 equivalent.
The different tiers can be collapsed as expanded as needed (see the red marked boxes on screen shot below).
To be able to work further with the results we allow to easily export them as csv or xls file. Just right click on the grid and the and pop up window comes up.
The result?
Our model reflects a typical cradle to gate LCA excluding the use phase and End of Life of the pen.
In the case of the ball pen we have found out that the GWP / pen is about 81 g CO2 equivalent/ pen produced.
Once knowing what the environmental impact of the pen is, we can now start to work with our product and improve it.
Please see therefore our FAQ section: