Outline
• iNEMI Project Background
• Objectives
• PHASE 1:
– Review of Existing LCA Methodologies
– LCA Estimator Methodology Framework – Basics and Conditions
– ICT Product Life Cycle Stages – Inclusions / Exclusions
– Classification and Categorization of ICT Products Modeling Eco-impact
– ICT Product Examples Using the LCA Estimator Framework
• PHASE 2:
– LCA Estimator Tool Development
• LCA Estimating and Tie-in to ICT Carbon Accounting & Reporting
• Conclusions / Next Steps
2
iNEMI Project Background
Roots of the project began in September 2008 at the iNEMI
Sustainability Summit in Illinois
Discovered an area of Common Concern:
ICT equipment LCAs are generally non-competitive – methods and data are similar for typical classes of products
About 90% of parts have common application in ICT product types / classes (we use the same suppliers)
Identified an Opportunity – can we use a “building block” approach in providing LCA-based eco-impact information for ICT product assets /sub-assemblies?
Develop an estimator – based possibly on asset / sub-assembly type, weight, size, number of devices by class, energy consumption per LCA stage, etc.
Establish consensus within major ICT industry constituents
System agnostic, updateable databases via cross-industry information sharing
Evaluator can also be used for company-specific products / projects – e.g. get credit for post-consumer content, energy efficiency feature, new material substitute (using primary data)
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Project Objectives
4
Phase 1: Develop a methodology for providing a simplified means of
deriving key eco-environmental information for ICT equipment / assets
12 months (ended September 2010)
Define a set of industry acceptable practices for more easily estimating the eco-impact for different types of ICT equipment
Provide sufficient accuracy to meet the information’s intended use (within ICT industry and its 1st tier suppliers)
Provide a simplified means for calculating significant eco-impacts of a particular product type over its life cycle stages
Provide users with a unified format for requesting LCA information from suppliers
Share information and data without compromising any intellectual property or uniqueness in ICT businesses
Phase 2 : Develop an eco-environmental impact assessment estimating tool for ICT equipment / assets Timeline ~ 12 months
Review of Existing LCA Methodologies for ICT Products
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• Reviewed:
11 Tools / Methodologies
11 Databases
13 Standards / Organizations
6 Other Investigations
• LCA approaches vary in method of analysis and data
requirements. Most common LCA methodologies:
Process-Sum
Economic Input-Output
Hybrid models w/ targeted benefits while overcoming certain
inadequacies
• Standards:
ISO 14040 / 14044 provides framework for LCA
BSI PAS-2050: 2008 provides requirements for assessing
greenhouse gases (GHG) of goods and services
WRI/WBCSD – Scope 3 / Product Life Cycle Accounting (draft)
• Current LCA software tools offer distinct but somewhat
different capabilities for conducting ICT assessments
Drawback - require a high level of LCA expertise and much
effort to develop / collect input data
Conclusion: develop a more useful ICT LCA estimating methodology and tool
ICT LCA Estimator Methodology – Basics
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• Integrate simplified processes to more easily derive eco-impact information
• Provide a reasonable accuracy that is suited to ICT industry’s needs
• Categorize targeted products / assets to provide a unified format for requesting
LCA information from suppliers
• Define key elements within ICT product types based on their relative importance
in contributing to overall eco-impact
• Provide a common, simplified mechanism for:
– evaluating eco-impacts
– summarizing results
– communicating info within industry and requesting info from suppliers
• Demonstrate scalability, transparency, and a means for continuous
improvement relative to continuing technological developments
ICT LCA Estimator Methodology – Scope
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Four major life cycle stages for ICT products
Raw Materials
Extraction;
Intermediate
Components and
Sub-assemblies
Manufacturing
Intermediate
Transport and
Assembly of
ICT Product
Final Transport,
Distribution,
and Installation
of ICT Product
Use and
Servicing of ICT
Product
Takeback,
Recycling, final
disposition of
ICT Product
Total Carbon Footprint
“Cradle-to-Grave”
Embodied Carbon Footprint
“Cradle-to-Gate”
“Gate-to-Gate”
“Gate-to-Grave”
Operational Carbon
Footprint
Manufacturing Stage Transport Stage Use Stage End-of-Life Stage
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ICT LCA Estimator Methodology – Conditions
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• Functional Unit – as defined by manufacturer; typically defined as specified unit of end-use capacity or end-use value / service over a given time period
Example: Product “ICT” weighs 10 kilograms, has a functionality of 2 Gigabits per second per port; with a service life of 5 years.
• System Boundary – border between product system and environmental system per defined life cycle stages (cradle-to-grave), track involved processes until all inputs / outputs are accounted from / to environment
Deviation can only be justified if they are insignificant to results per results application
• Cut-off Criteria – limits defining relevant and irrelevant processes
Exclusion of total cumulated flows of less than a specified amount, e.g. 5% (inputs mass, energy and environment)
• Allocation – sharing of environmental impacts between products and co-products
Subdivide between distinct processes
Relationships with product’s functional unit
Inclusion of co-products function
Economic value
Combination of the above
• Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis – technical (e.g. wrong assumptions, limited data quality) and natural variability
Conduct per ISO 14040:2006 standard (analyze per level of uncertainty acceptable in meeting objectives)
Natural variability - account for in estimator as an average or representative figure
ICT LCA Estimator Methodology – Rules
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LCA Estimator - Simplification Rules
Inclusions Exclusions
• ICT activities relevant to the
defined LCA Stages
• Greenhouse gases* Global
Warming Potentials - 100 years
(per IPCC data)
• End-of-life product processing
within boundaries of system
• R&D assignable to product
• Employee transport to / from
home / work
• Customer transport to / from retail
outlets
• Advertising and marketing
services
• Carbon offsetting
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*Future work can address other eco-impacts, e.g.: water use, resource depletion, human toxicity
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ICT LCA Estimator Methodology – ICT Classification
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ICT Eqpt
Printers
AIO Toner
single-use toner
Ink AIO
single-use ink
LAN & Office Telecom
Switch, Copper
Switch, Copper, With PoE
Switch, Blade
Switch, Optical Cameras
Integrated Standalone
HD Cameras
Server
Networked Storage
Telecom
Network
Access
Switching
Core Optical Transport
Power Conditioning
Data Servers
Satellite receivers
Navigation system
Radio
Router
Router, Wireless
Access Point, Wireless
IP Phone
IP Phone, Wireless
Telepresence
HD LCD screens
Codecs
Frames/ furniture
Cameras
projectors
Fixed-Line Network Interface
Cable Modem
Cable Gateway
Cable Set Top Boxes
PCs
Workstation
Laptop
Thin client
Desktop
Game console
Integrated (PC within monitor)
Monitors
LCD
HD LCD Screen
LED
Handhelds
PDA w/ cell phone
Stand-alone PDA
Cell phonePocket PC w/ cell
phone
Pocket PC
Major classification groups defined:• LAN / Office Telecom
• Telecom
• PCs
• Monitors
• Handhelds
• Printers
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ICT LCA Estimator Methodology – Component Categorization
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ICT – Common Component Groups
Printed Wiring Boards (PWBs)
Integrated Circuits - including
semiconductor devices
Electro–Mechanical Components - fans,
motors, etc.
Metals / Metallic Mechanical Components
- as found in cabinets, frames, structural
parts, heat sinks, etc.
Polymeric Mechanical Components -
plastic parts
Displays - electronic display / imaging
devices
Power Supplies
Large Capacitors
Batteries
Cables - signal, RF, power cords, wires,
optical fiber
ICT - Specialized Component Groups
Optical / Opto-electronic Devices - laser
amplifiers, etc.
Radio Frequency Components - power
amplifiers, antennas, waveguides, etc.
Disk Drives
Camera Devices - CCDs, etc.
Copier Components - photoreceptor drum,
fuser, laser scanning unit, toner cartridge,
printer head, ink cartridge
Other – Lamps, Crystals, Polarized Glass
Components groups with similar materials and manufacturing processes
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Printed (Circuit) Wiring Boards
Rules / Parameters / Criteria:
Size (sq. cm)
Layers (#)
Single vs. double sided
Surface finish (e.g. HASL, Ni/Au)
Board type (main, daughter)
Board material (FR4)
Algorithm:
Simple summation model
Pattern Recognition / Regression “Engine”
• GWPPWB = AB [α + (β SF) + (γ BL)]
Where: AB is the area of the PWB
α is the “intercept” coefficient
β is the “PWB surface finish type” coefficient
SF is the PWB surface finish type (e.g., HASL SF = 1; ENIG SF = 2)
γ is the “PWB layer” coefficient
BL is the number of layers in the PWB
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PWB Component Group – Rules, Parameters, Criteria
IC Component Group – Rules, Parameters, Criteria
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Large Integrated Circuits
Rules / Parameters / Criteria:
Large ICs (#)
Package Type (e.g. BGA,,PLCC, QFP, TQFP)
Inputs / Outputs (pin count)
Algorithm:
Simple summation model
Pattern Recognition / Regression “Engine”
GWPIC = NIC [α + (β IT) + (γ CIO)]
Where: NIC is the number of ICs in this classification
α is the “Intercept” coefficient
β is the ”IC classification type” coefficient
IT is the IC classification type (current range: e.g., PLCC IT = 1; BGA IT = 2; QFP IT = 3; TQFP IT = 4)
γ is the ”IC pin count” coefficient
CIO is the number of input / outputs for the IC type
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Metals Component Group – Rules, Parameters, Criteria
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Metal Parts
Rules / Parameters / Criteria:
Metal Type:
Material: e.g. steel, aluminum, zinc alloy
Surface finish (e.g. Cr3+, powder coated)
Recycled material content (%)
Weight (kg)
Algorithm:
Simple summation model
GWPM = ∑ (M1 x WM1) + (M2 x WM2) + … + (MX x WMX)
Where: M1, M2, and MX are the GWP factors for specific metal types present
(grouped by type; finish; and recycle content)
WM1, WM2, and WMX are the weights for specific metal types present
Manufacturing Stage LCA – Embodied Carbon Footprint
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Eco-impact of Manufacturing Stage
=
Contribution of all components, sub-assemblies and materials
+
Intermediate Transport Process
+
ICT Assembly Processes
+
Software Development
+
ICT Product Testing
+
Packaging Process
• For estimation simplicity: factors can be applied for the process steps (in blue)
Surface Mounting
Process
Hole Mounting
Process
Printed Board
Assembly Process
ICT Product
Assembly Process
Bare PWBs &
Components
ICT
Subassemblies
Cabinets, Frames,
Chassis
ICT Product
Testing Process
ICT Product
Packaging Process
Finished ICT Product
Packaging
Materials
Software
Development
Transport Stage LCA
Transport – GHG Impact
• Rules / Parameters / Criteria:
Location of final product assembly (nodal point – by region)
Location of product integration center / warehouse (nodal
point – by region)
Location of final product installation (nodal point – by region)
Transport mode (selection of modal mix) – e.g., surface mix
(truck, rail, marine vessel), air transport (plane), etc.
Transport mode GWP factors (per kg of shipped product
weight per km traveled)– e.g., air travel, marine travel, truck
travel, rail travel
Additional factors to be considered include:
Transportation equipment used (e.g., heavy gross weight
transport vehicle)
Fuels used (e.g., diesel from petroleum refinery)
Transport load factor
Empty return rate for transport means
Final product shipping weight
Installation eco-impact (significant for network equipment;
may be insignificant for personal ICT products) estimate as
a factor
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Use Stage LCA
Use – GHG Impact
• Rules / Parameters / Criteria:
Location where product is being used – by region
Power consumption – per typical product configuration and feature set
Function of how the product is used (e.g. active, idle / sleep modes, etc.)
Include power to cool equipment internally and externally - transfer heat, control humidity levels, and
cool the surrounding equipment location / environment, e.g., CRAC unit within CO / server facility
apportionment of energy needed to maintain typical temperature / humidity requirements
Power usage per annum – this can be an average daily power usage based on a typical pattern of
usage that includes sleep modes and other power saving features
Product operating life (e.g., typical operating life or design life)
Servicing – eco-impact associated with servicing of ICT product (significant for network equipment;
may be insignificant for personal ICT products) estimate as a factor
Product Type Idle/On Mode Standby Mode Off Mode Avg Lifetime
Hours/Year Hours/Year Hours/Year Years
Laptops 2,628 876 5,256 4
Desktops 4,380 1,095 1,095 6
Router 8760 NA NA 5
Wireless base station Variable Variable 0 10
Wireline switch (CO) 8760 0 0 20
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End-of-Life Stage LCA
End-of-Life – GHG Impact
• Rules / Parameters / Criteria:
Simplistic Approach:
Breakdown of product into its constituent components and materials – e.g.,
circuit boards, frames / chassis, metals, polymers, etc.
Conversion factors for eco-impacts of recycling operations for constituent
materials – examples:
PCs - Europe: 70% recycling / 30% landfill (e.g. WEEE requirements)
LAN & Office Telecom: switches / servers - 80% recycling / 20% landfill
Telecom Networks: routers, telepresence, fixed line network interface - 90%
recycling / 10% landfill
End-of-Life GWP factors – example – full recycling vs. municipal landfill (includes
de-installation, transport to recycling facility / disposal site)
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ICT Products – GWP Impact Over Life Cycle Stages (examples)
•Digital Microwave Link
•(Network Communications Product)
•5.8%•1.5%
•91.6%
•1.1%
•Manufacturing
•Transport
•Use
•End-of-Life
•Satellite-linked Automobile Radio
•(Consumer Entertainment Product)
•55.5%•0.0%
•43.0%•1.5%
•Manufacturing
•Transport
•Use
•End-of-Life
•Wireless SOHO Router
•(Network Communications Product)
•13.7%•0.3%
•85.1%
•0.9%•Manufacturing
•Transport
•Use
•End-of-Life
Communication of full life cycle eco-impact profile
Equipment types can be aggregated into network / system configurations for further eco-impact consideration
Total PCF: 20,000 kg CO2e
Total PCF: 800 kg CO2e Total PCF: 100 kg CO2e
Phase 2 - Project Objectives
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Develop an eco-environmental impact assessment estimating tool for ICT
equipment / assets Timeline ~ 12 months Task 1 - Simplified Tool Development w/plug-in database
Assessment of software features needed for tool development
Determine development strategy/roadmap
Funding of tool development (if necessary)
Task 2 - Refine category algorithms and link to appropriate databases
Task 3 - Develop input and output formats
Develop data extraction tool to pull data from BOMs
Develop LCIA data framework/format (include other impacts but don’t populate data)
Task 4 - Build Tool based on strategy and Tasks 1-3
Task 5 - Test prototype / compare w/ known LCA results
Task 6 - Finalize and deploy data maintenance tool (survey). Collect data and incorporate into tool database
Task 7 - Prepare guidance / maintenance manual and training module for tool
Task 8 - Deploy tool within iNEMI and establish mechanism for external ICT industry deployment
Task 9 - Determine deployment strategy and gain approval from iNEMI (internal vs. external)
Task 10 - Generate and publish final reports
ICT Carbon Footprinting: LCA documentation structure and timeline
Published
2006
Draft for Road testing –
to be completed
January 2011
WRI/WBCSD GHG Protocol Accounting and Reporting Standards
Scope 3 Emissions
Product Life Cycle Assessment
• ISO 14040: 2006 LCA Principles and Framework
• ISO 14044: 2006 LCA Requirements and Guidelines
Under development –
WRI to start publishing
Summer / Fall 2011
Telecom Network
Services GuideOther Services
Guides
Other Applications
Guides
Desktop Managed Services Guide
Energy Management
Applications Guide
ISO 14067: Product Carbon Quantification & ReportingUnder development – to
be completed Mid 2011
WRI/WBCSD ICT Sector Application Framework & Guidelines
Remote Collaboration
Applications Guide
ITU-T
L.1400
Methodology
Top Tier
Middle Tier
Lower Tier
Under
development –
to be completed
Mid 2011
Us
e P
ha
se
* E
mb
od
ied
*
2. ICT Carbon Costs
Customer Domain
(ICT)
Service Platform
(ICT)Operational
In-use carbon emissions
associated with end-user
or customer-premises
equipment (CPE)
In-use carbon emissions
associated with ICT
network and service
platform supporting or
otherwise connecting
Customer Domain
equipment, but not in
Customer Domain
In-use carbon emissions
associated with labor and
non-ICT capital
infrastructure supporting
Customer Domain and
Service Platform
equipment
Embodied carbon
associated with 2c
plus passive ICT
infrastructure
Embodied carbon
associated with 2e
plus passive ICT
infrastructure
Embodied carbon
associated with 2g
2g2e2c
2f2d 2h
1. BAU Carbon Costs
In-use carbon emissions from
business-as-usual end-user or
customer-premises equipment,
required operating support, and
associated infrastructure
Embodied carbon
associated with 1a
1a
1b
Equipment /
infrastructure
3. ICT Carbon
Benefit Total
Net benefit of ICT solution
compared to business-as-
usual baseline
1a - (2c+2e+2g)
Net benefit of ICT solution
compared to business-as-
usual baseline
1b - (2d+2f+2h)
3a
3b
*Transport and End-of-Life phases excluded here due to their lower significance to the overall LCA carbon footprint
ICT Carbon Footprinting: Accounting Categories
Conclusions
• There is a need for a simplified LCA tool that could more efficiently estimate eco-
impact information for ICT products.
• A framework was defined for more easily estimating the eco-impact of ICT products
over their full life cycle.
• Global Warming Potential (100 years) was selected as specific eco-impact to be
assessed by the estimator carbon footprint being one of the most widely analyzed
eco-impact indicators. Additional eco-impacts such as water use and resource
depletion can be incorporated as future work.
• Available LCIA databases and information on greenhouse gas emissions of ICT
products and components provide a starting point for the development of algorithms
that can be employed in the estimator tool.
• ICT industry needs to collaborate on developing and collecting additional LCIA data
and information for the different life cycle stages that are representative of ICT
products.
• “Use” stage of ICT products may contribute the majority of eco-impact for the full
LCA (followed then by the “Manufacturing” stage). Consequently, emphasis may be
concentrated on providing more refined data and information for these two stages.
• The next step is underway Proceed with tool development phase
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