Carbon Footprint Assessment with LCA
Methodology
Gaurav Jha, Shatrughan Soren, and Kapil Deo Mehta
Abstract Extended carbon footprints are causing damage to nature and their systems
propagating a series of disastrous events. These extending footprints are due to the
nonsustainable industrial practices, use of fossil fuels, improper disposal, and waste
management, etc. Therefore, an assessment becomes a must prior to the mitigation efforts. The chapter deals with the carbon footprint and its assessment using
LCA. During which, several other topics such as carbon footprint, environmental
concerns, and their mitigation, need for assessment, LCA for various methods, and
LCA tools, are discussed in detail. The chapter outlines the efficacy of LCA for
footprint assessment justified by the study and investigations carried out worldwide,
delivering attainability to a detailed description of LCA in the assessment.
Keywords Carbon-footprint · LCA · Environmental aspects · Sustainability ·
Metallurgical processes · LCA tools · Climate change · Greenhouse gases
1 Introduction
Carbon footprint is the carbon emissions being released from human activities [1–3].
These activities are boundless, either say it industries, lavish lifestyle, use of fossil
fuels, not following the regulations, etc. [4, 5]. One of the major contributors is
the industries that are operating with carbon-based fuels. These fuels are the direct
source of carbon emissions. The major industries which depend on the coal/coke are
the metallurgical and the thermal power sectors, out of which iron and steel sectors
are the major emissions generating operations that are contributing approximately
60% of the total carbon emissions [6]. In the present time, these sectors depend
G. Jha (B) · S. Soren
Department of Fuel Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
(Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad 826004, India
e-mail: gjha29311@gmail.com
K. D. Mehta
Mineral Processing Division, National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur 831007, India
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
S. S. Muthu (ed.), LCA Based Carbon Footprint Assessment, Environmental Footprints
and Eco-design of Products and Processes, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4373-3_1
1
Methodology
Gaurav Jha, Shatrughan Soren, and Kapil Deo Mehta
Abstract Extended carbon footprints are causing damage to nature and their systems
propagating a series of disastrous events. These extending footprints are due to the
nonsustainable industrial practices, use of fossil fuels, improper disposal, and waste
management, etc. Therefore, an assessment becomes a must prior to the mitigation efforts. The chapter deals with the carbon footprint and its assessment using
LCA. During which, several other topics such as carbon footprint, environmental
concerns, and their mitigation, need for assessment, LCA for various methods, and
LCA tools, are discussed in detail. The chapter outlines the efficacy of LCA for
footprint assessment justified by the study and investigations carried out worldwide,
delivering attainability to a detailed description of LCA in the assessment.
Keywords Carbon-footprint · LCA · Environmental aspects · Sustainability ·
Metallurgical processes · LCA tools · Climate change · Greenhouse gases
1 Introduction
Carbon footprint is the carbon emissions being released from human activities [1–3].
These activities are boundless, either say it industries, lavish lifestyle, use of fossil
fuels, not following the regulations, etc. [4, 5]. One of the major contributors is
the industries that are operating with carbon-based fuels. These fuels are the direct
source of carbon emissions. The major industries which depend on the coal/coke are
the metallurgical and the thermal power sectors, out of which iron and steel sectors
are the major emissions generating operations that are contributing approximately
60% of the total carbon emissions [6]. In the present time, these sectors depend
G. Jha (B) · S. Soren
Department of Fuel Minerals and Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology
(Indian School of Mines), Dhanbad 826004, India
e-mail: gjha29311@gmail.com
K. D. Mehta
Mineral Processing Division, National Metallurgical Laboratory, Jamshedpur 831007, India
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 2021
S. S. Muthu (ed.), LCA Based Carbon Footprint Assessment, Environmental Footprints
and Eco-design of Products and Processes, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-33-4373-3_1
1