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life_cycle_analysis [2026/05/19 17:11] – [Parametric Life Cycle Analysis] antoinelife_cycle_analysis [2026/05/19 17:55] (current) – [Methodology for components] antoine
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 ===== Parametric Life Cycle Analysis ===== ===== Parametric Life Cycle Analysis =====
 +**Parametric LCA** extends traditional Life Cycle Assessment by replacing fixed input flows with adjustable parameters. 
  
-**Parametric LCA** is a type of LCA in which input flows are not fixed but depend on chosen parameters. It combines parameterization techniques with classical LCA method.+Rather than collecting inventory data directly, it infers it from **sensitivity & usable parameters** making it a hybrid of parameterization techniques and conventional LCA methodology.
  
-This method is particularly beneficial because once a parametric model is established, creating alternatives requires minimal effort. Parameters such as material composition, energy usage, transportation distances, lifespans, etc., are adjusted to analyse how their changes affect the overall environmental impacts.+The core advantage of this approach lies in its ** reusability** : once the parametric model is built for a given product category, it can be applied to any number of products within that category without starting from scratch. This makes it significantly **faster to update** than classical LCA, which is a particularly valuable trait in fast-moving sectors like ICT. 
 +In essence, parametric LCA trades some granularity for a much leaner workflow — a deliberate trade-off calibrated to the level of accuracy that actually matters for the decisions at hand.
  
-Compared to classical LCA, parametric LCA: +Compared to classical LCA, it operates on **simplified models** that can represent an entire product range through a single automated framework, with inventory data derived from interpretable parameters rather than collected individually. 
-* Is based on **simplified models**: It allows to model an entire product range with a single automated model, + 
-* LCI is not directly collected, but inferred from **sensitive & usable parameters**, +This approach proves especially valuable in three contexts: 
-* Is much **faster to update**: It is tailored to ever evolving ICT sector.+  * **Comparing similar products**, since the shared model structure inherently ensures methodological consistency across comparisons 
 +  * **Identifying eco-design levers**, by revealing which parameters most significantly drive environmental impacts 
 +  * **Supporting decision-making**, by delivering relevant environmental insights more efficiently
 ===== LCA for Naknow ===== ===== LCA for Naknow =====
 +
 +====  Methodology for components ====
 +
 +Naknow studies 5 components :
 +  * [[intro_wafer|Wafers]]
 +  * [[intro_pcb|PCB]]
 +  * [[intro_screen|Screens]]
 +  * [[intro_hdd|HDD disks]]
 +  * [[intro_optical_sensor|Optical sensors]]
 +
 +
 +
 +**Fonctional unit** : 1 component, during the whole lifespan.
 +
 +**System boundaries** : Specific to each model.
 +
 +**Approach**: //A digital equipment is considered a sum of components (mechanical, electronics, etc.), following a bottom-up approach. Hence, an equipement is broken down into components. The environmental impacts of each component are assessed and then summed to obtain the total impacts of the device.//
 +
 +
 +Each category of component is defined by one parametric model. For each specific piece of equipment (Laptop X from manufacturer Y), the corresponding model is ‘fed’ with the technical specifications of the equipment to be assessed. Commercial references are also available to prefill the technical specifications of the equipment.
 +
 +The following approach is applied for the different life cycle stages:
 +
 +=== Manufacturing ===
 +
 +^ **How it works** ^ **Types of parameters** ^ **Types of sources** ^
 +| - Breakdown of the equipment into components \\ - Parametric modelling of the environmental impacts of each component \\ - Sum of the impacts of each component | Mass or surface area of material, type of material \\ Technical configuration of equipment (CPU/GPU model, amount of RAM/storage, screen size, etc.) | Scientific literature \\ Benchmarks carried out on samples of marketed equipment \\ Databases \\ Own research |
 +
 +=== Distribution ===
 +
 +^ **How it works** ^ **Types of parameters** ^ **Types of sources** ^
 +| - Definition of a typical transport profile for each equipment category (using aeroplane, ship, train, truck) | - Weight of equipment \\ - Distance covered \\ - Type of transport | - Scientific literature \\ - LCA and public reports \\ - Databases |
 +
 +=== Use ===
 +
 +^ **How it works** ^ **Types of parameters** ^ **Types of sources** ^
 +| - Default average consumption value estimated from the technical specifications of the equipment | - Load rate \\ - Duration of use \\ - Country of use | - Scientific literature \\ - LCA and public reports \\ - Databases |
 +
 +=== End-of-life ===
 +
 +^ **How it works** ^ **Types of parameters** ^ **Types of sources** ^
 +| - Definition of end-of-life scenarios (recycling, incineration, landfill) for the various category of materials (DEEE, metals, plastics, etc.) \\ - Sum of the impacts of each category | - Mass of material, type of material \\ - Repartition of waste between the various scenarios | - Scientific literature \\ - Public reports \\ - Databases \\ - Own research |
  
 ==== Product Envionnemental Footprint (PEF) method ==== ==== Product Envionnemental Footprint (PEF) method ====