ECOASSET SOLUTIONS next webinar istentatively scheduled for August 6th at 12 PM. It is called Energy Finance Programs, A PACE Primer and will feature a general introduction to PACE programming including the Energy Finance Program bill recently passed by the Florida Senate and House of Representatives.
Measuring the life cycle of a product, also known as life cycle analysis (LCA), consists of evaluating the environmental impacts at all the stages of its production, beginning with the raw materials and ending with its disposal. For example, the life cycle of orange juice would include the impacts of all the energy, water, and materials used to grow the oranges and trees, harvest the fruit, process the juice, and package, transport, refrigerate, and dispose of the product.
Many companies are electing to perform an LCA in an effort to spur innovation, promote a more sustainable supply chain, and bring a new level of transparency to consumers. Additionally, some companies are finding it necessary to perform an LCA in order to comply with USEPA Emissions Reporting rules, SEC Climate Change disclosure requirements and Wal-Mart’s Supplier Sustainability Assessment.
A simplified life cycle analysis for orange juice
The graphics highlight some of the environmental impacts at each stage of the supply chain. In a full life cycle analysis, ECO2ASSET SOLUTIONS would conduct a thorough examination at each stage and advise their clients on ways to improve resource efficiency.
Energy and materials used to make fertilizer and pesticides
Fuel needed to prepare the soil for planting
Water to nourish the orange trees
Fuel to run the harvesting equipment and deliver the oranges to the processing facility
Materials and energy used to build the equipment
Energy needed to produce the orange juice (i.e. machinery)
Water used in washing the oranges and to make the orange juice
Any additives used
Energy and materials to manufacture the orange juice containers and packing boxes
Fuel to transport the orange juice to stores
Materials and energy needed to construct and maintain trucks
Electricity to refrigerate the orange juice in the stores and any refrigerant leaks
Fuel to transport the orange juice from the store to home
Electricity to refrigerate the orange juice at the residence and any refrigerant leaks
Fuel to transport the container to the landfill, recycling facility or waste-to-energy plant
Any air emissions released during the decay, recycling, or combustion of the container
Whatever the reason may be, ECO2ASSET SOLUTIONS knows that there are a wide variety of strategies available to improve operations, create competitive advantages, improve client and employee loyalty or establish new risk management protocols. Companies that take the initiative to be proactive, re-evaluate their practices, and adapt will ultimately come out on top and improve profitability.
