The Core Correlation: Global Warming Potential and Life Cycle Assessment

Hi Sobat OSC! I have been busy but now I am back to discuss an interesting topic related to global warming potential! Have you ever heard about it?

Global Warming Potential (GWP)

Simply, Global Warming Potential is a standard measurement to compare the potential of Greenhouse Gases in a certain period. Global Warming Potential (GWP) is used to convert non-CO2 GHG emission data into carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e). 

 

Why do we need to know the GWP Value?

We know that global warming is a serious threat to the sustainability of the earth. An increase in the earth's temperature will affect environmental conditions such as rising sea levels, increasing extreme weather, and the extinction of living things even the potential for other natural disasters. It is important to know the carbon emission produced by activity in order to monitor and evaluate the system to be more efficient.

How to calculate carbon emission and determine its potential?

This is the core discussion, the interesting course that I have learned is the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). LCA is used as a methodology for assessing the environmental impacts of the life cycle of the product. Based on ISO 14040 as the standardized LCA procedure, there are 4 phases of the LCA framework:

1. Goal and Scope

The aims of the study are established. The breadth and depth of the study are also established in relation to that. It is important to set the scope as shown below.

2. Inventory Analysis

In this phase, the analysis of data is collected data of input (raw material / intermediate product, also energy) and output (product, waste) of processes.

3. Impact Assessment

Based on the result of the second phase, this phase evaluates the importance of the potential environmental effects. In this phase important to select the selection and definition of impact categories, indicators, and models (e.g. used ReCiPe 2016, IPCC 2006, etc).

4. Interpretation and Recommendation

In this phase, Conclusions and recommendations are given based on an evaluation of data quality and sensitivity analysis.

Software and Tools of LCA

Though we should know the basics of calculation, the support of tools/software will give several benefits besides helping the complex calculation of processes also when augmented by tools that monitor economic and social performance, LCA supports sustainability analysis.

 

As a student, the open-source to run LCA (OpenLCA) is a good choice for you to learn the basics because the software has provided the case study. If you are going deeper to learn and be professional with LCA, SimaPro, GaBi, or the other paid LCA Software is recommended.

 

[Fun Fact] I would like also to share my experience when I was learning about the LCA and I did a simple project to determine the GWP of the baking cupcake using manual calculation. Maybe it sounds like simple activities but after doing the inventory and impact assessment, the piece of baked cupcake may contribute 0.05 kg CO2-eq and freshwater eutrophication.