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6E - Life cycle management (MOP/206) Development of a WEB-based Life Cycle Assessment tool for European Small and Medium sized Enterprises. Masoni, Paolo1, Buttol, Patrizia1, Naldesi, Luciano1, Sára, Balázs2, 1 ENEA, Bologna, BO, Italy2 FEBE EcoLogic Environmental consultants, Ravenna, RA, Italy ABSTRACT- The eLCA Project, financed by the European Commission and coordinated by ENEA, has the general objective to realise Databases and WEB site for the adoption of Integrated Product Policy (IPP) by Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs). Since the knowledge and the use of LCA by SMEs is a strategic step to introduce IPP policy, a specific tool for the eLCA Web-site has been developed. The new tool provides several innovative features. Its main characteristic is the meaningful adaptation of ISO 14040 requirements to offer easy-to-handle functions with solid scientific bases. Complex methodological problems such as definition of system boundaries, documentation and valuation of data quality, choice of impact categories are pragmatically simplified according to SMEs needs. Predefined Goal and Scope definition and Inventory forms are low time and cost demanding, following a user-friendly and well structured procedure. Impact Assessment results are interpreted in easy-to-understand forms at different levels of visualization in order to identify the product life cycle critical points and the improvement solutions. A direct comparison of the environmental performances of product life-cycle options is allowed, too. The whole procedure is supported by a matrix structured database containing pre-elaborated environmental indicators of substances and processes for different impact categories. The software prototype was implemented and tested on a sample of SMEs in 2001. Main aspects for further development have been identified on the basis of a common agreement with other European partners of the eLCA project (Environmental Agency, UK; IFEU, Germany; Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece; ESCI, Spain). Key words: small and medium sized enterprises, , integrated product policy, software tool, life cycle assessment |
