When to replace a product to decrease environmental impact?—a consequential LCA framework and case study on car replacement

摘要: Many decisions are made during the life cycle of a product, e.g., whether to replace product or keep using it. To pinpoint “greener” choice, consequential environmental effects each choice should be estimated. Hereto, only activities occurring after decision considered and, thus, not necessarily complete cycle. Decisions taken at different levels in economy, ranging from small scale (e.g., few individual purchases) large policies). In this article, we introduce framework that mainly focuses on small-scale replacement usage, illustrated case petrol versus an electric car. For fixed time span usage (functional unit), system composition varies based selected replacement. market mechanisms occur within cause-effect chain, for which argued presumptions necessary. example, purchase alternative is reasoned possibly induce additional supply. Moreover, if obsolete initial it sold secondhand and will thus displace average mix. The developed approach ecoinvent covers decision, namely, marginal increase demand, car level. our framework, ratio amount newly produced per introduced. study, global warming potential over 100 years estimated, general data databases time-varying mix (in composition), technology, electricity A set equations introduced serves as first simplified framework. Bearing mind limitations, disposed waste whereas resold, estimated by any lowers impact climate change. better characterization agent-based modeling core further efforts, especially when upscaling large-scale decisions. Framework insights provided decision. Finally, article may serve stepping-stone towards integrated sustainability product-related decisions, looking beyond normative consideration