Chapter 13Graph-Based Approach for Modeling, Simulation, and Optimization of Life Cycle Resource Flows

Simulation ......................................................................................... 338 13.5.2Use of the Network Flows-Based Modeling for Life Cycle

Optimization ..................................................................................... 339 13.6Conclusions ...................................................................................................340 References ..............................................................................................................340

For a complete analysis directed at evaluating and reducing the environmental impactofaproduct,itisnecessarytoconsider,togetherwiththephasesofdevelopmentandproduction,thoseofuse,recovery,andretirementofproductatend oflife.Further,allthesephasesmustbeunderstoodnotinrelationtothespecic actorsinvolved(manufacturer,consumer,etc.),butratherfromawiderperspective, according to which it is possible to speak of product-system, where the product is consideredintegralwithitslifecycleandwithintheenvironmental,technological, economic, social context in which the life cycle develops.