98
D. Chakraborty
options exercised by the unit, recommendations of possible green alternatives are
also prescribed.
4 Research Methods and Data Sources
Research Methods
Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach has been adopted as this methodology helps
to quantify carbon footprint of product or processes with considerable accuracy
and allows organizations to operate with much adaptability. ISO 14067:2018, an
International Standard based on globally acceptable principles, requirements and
guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product
(CFP) along its life cycle has been used in this study. This newly upgraded standard
helps organizations of all kind to use this method to calculate the carbon footprint of
their products and also to understand the approaches of CF reductions in a better way.
This approach is a key way of contributing to the achievement of international climate
action goals (ISO 14067:2018 https://www.iso.org/standard/71206.html) [20]. CF
data are used for decision-making purpose although it neglects the other important
environmental impacts, for example, acid rain, smog, cancer effects and land use.
Consideration and evaluation of these environmental impacts will ensure a more
complete LCA.
LCA utilizes some of the common factors in this study that are enumerated below:
• Functional unit
• Study Boundary
• Life cycle inventory (LCI) data sources
• Environmental impact categories (Midpoint and Endpoint)
• Interpretation, reporting, peer review
The complete methodology constitutes of LCA evaluation and the process can be
subdivided into the following four phases [22, 23]:
1. Goal and Scope definition—Attempts to address two questions; purpose of study
(why) and the targeted group (for whom).
2. Inventory Assessment or Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)—In this phase, demarcation
of boundary, identification of functional unit and collection of data are undertaken. Collection, recording and data measurement in connection to the input
items such as energy, water and raw materials while the output based on the
products formed, emissions to air, water and soil is performed. The data stated
are in reference to the functional unit and are expressed as a common unit.
3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)—Environmental impact categories or
interventions (Midpoint and Endpoint) are evaluated at this phase. Environmental
interventions include—raw material extraction, emissions (air, soil, water) and
impact on land and biodiversity.
D. Chakraborty
options exercised by the unit, recommendations of possible green alternatives are
also prescribed.
4 Research Methods and Data Sources
Research Methods
Life-Cycle Assessment (LCA) Approach has been adopted as this methodology helps
to quantify carbon footprint of product or processes with considerable accuracy
and allows organizations to operate with much adaptability. ISO 14067:2018, an
International Standard based on globally acceptable principles, requirements and
guidelines for the quantification and reporting of the carbon footprint of a product
(CFP) along its life cycle has been used in this study. This newly upgraded standard
helps organizations of all kind to use this method to calculate the carbon footprint of
their products and also to understand the approaches of CF reductions in a better way.
This approach is a key way of contributing to the achievement of international climate
action goals (ISO 14067:2018 https://www.iso.org/standard/71206.html) [20]. CF
data are used for decision-making purpose although it neglects the other important
environmental impacts, for example, acid rain, smog, cancer effects and land use.
Consideration and evaluation of these environmental impacts will ensure a more
complete LCA.
LCA utilizes some of the common factors in this study that are enumerated below:
• Functional unit
• Study Boundary
• Life cycle inventory (LCI) data sources
• Environmental impact categories (Midpoint and Endpoint)
• Interpretation, reporting, peer review
The complete methodology constitutes of LCA evaluation and the process can be
subdivided into the following four phases [22, 23]:
1. Goal and Scope definition—Attempts to address two questions; purpose of study
(why) and the targeted group (for whom).
2. Inventory Assessment or Life Cycle Inventory (LCI)—In this phase, demarcation
of boundary, identification of functional unit and collection of data are undertaken. Collection, recording and data measurement in connection to the input
items such as energy, water and raw materials while the output based on the
products formed, emissions to air, water and soil is performed. The data stated
are in reference to the functional unit and are expressed as a common unit.
3. Life Cycle Impact Assessment (LCIA)—Environmental impact categories or
interventions (Midpoint and Endpoint) are evaluated at this phase. Environmental
interventions include—raw material extraction, emissions (air, soil, water) and
impact on land and biodiversity.