ABSTRACT
This chapter illustrates three software modules for Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and sustainable manufacturing. The first module is a product-based sustainability analysis module which highlights scope, impact parameters and procedural steps. The second and third modules are process-based modules (GaBi and SimaPro), wherein the procedural steps based on four phases of LCA are discussed with illustrations. The four environmental indicators generated by the product-based sustainability analysis module are: carbon footprint or global warming potential; total energy consumed; air acidification; and water eutrophication. GaBi helps LCA practitioners to analyze sustainable performance during the design stage itself. GaBi is a developed standard module for performing LCA in any area. The life cycle inventory phase includes gathering and quantifying all the input and output data for a product in its entire life cycle. SimaPro facilitates solid decision-making, transforms products’ life cycles for better and enhances a firm’s reputation.
