Cradle to gate: life cycle impact of primary aluminium production

摘要: The International Aluminium Institute’s (IAI) aim was to publish life cycle inventory (LCI) data for use by assessment (LCA) practitioners through professional databases. need provide robust stems from the increasing application of LCA as a tool making material and design choices importance representative, up-to-date information underpin such studies. In addition this, institute aimed evaluate significance potential environmental impacts, based on LCI results, against defined set impact categories which can be tracked over time. Key collected part IAI’s long-running industry surveys provided foundation inventory. order impact, direct input output primary aluminium production were supplemented with background indirect processes available in GaBi version 6 (PE International, 2013b). A cradle-to-gate model constructed two distinct datasets, global (GLO) minus China (rest world (RoW)). partial (LCIA) completed using models, following six CML (2001–Nov 2010) midpoint reported: acidification potential, depletion fossil energy resources, eutrophication warming ozone photo-oxidant creation potential. Water scarcity footprint (Buxmann et al. this issue) also included. results indicated that largest greenhouse gas contributions attributed alumina refining electrolysis unit both electricity thermal energy, being major contributing factors these higher values. intensive nature means supply significantly influence overall impact. Electricity found contribute between 25 % 80 all category indicator values dataset, result inclusion Chinese increased share coal-based consumption it represents. remains dedicated transparent reporting its impacts ensuring up-to-date, representative is available. Development suitable methodologies new indicators will required ensure continues report accurately relevant impacts. Additionally, production, foreground would further enhance dataset are assessed cradle gate.