Life cycle report - Book Report/Review Example

Life cycle assessment can therefore be used to evaluate the impact of a product and life cycle costs of such products, implying it has to be considered throughout the entire life of a product. In this case, life cycle analysis mean efforts put in place in identifying and improving the environmental behavior of any system as considered by the designers and manufacturers of such a product. 2.0 Life Cycle Engineering Elements 2.1 Eco design Eco design is the major part of Life cycle Assessment of any product.

Designers and manufactures are increasingly employing research and development techniques to come up with designs that would ensure improved environmental sustainability than ever before. The use of natural fiber in vehicle manufacturing is a good example of LCE. Ford, a leading American vehicle manufacturer has undertaken to extensively use natural fibers instead of conventional thermosetting plastics, which are high environmental pollutants (Ford, 2012). Ford Company is currently using natural fibers to make equipment panels, seat liners, carpets, vehicle upholstery, among other components in vehicles (Riaz, 9).

Materials mostly employed in eco design of products include; jute, sisal, kenaf, hemp and other fiber materials, which offer better environmental sustainability, compared to use of thermosetting plastics that are not biodegradable. 2.2 Low Carbon Manufacturing The UN Framework Convention on Climate change held in Durban South Africa in December 2011, 194 countries were unanimous in agreeing to abide to a legal agreement on climate change through enacting more stringent rules that would prevent pollution by 2015 (LCMP, 2009).

This is in addition to the Kyoto Protocol that was enacted in 2005 on ensuring commitment to emission reduction of greenhouse gas in the manufacturing industry. Industries in this requirement are called upon to undertake serious carbon accounting in all manufacturing methods with an aim of reducing carbon compounds in the processes. For example, Wal- Mart in 2008 passed a requirement that all its 200 China suppliers undertake drastic reduction of energy consumption by 20% from the 2007 carbon levels (LCMP, 2009).

Levi, a fashion brand has made its commitment to low carbon manufacturing ion its commitment to carbon neutrality and advocating for the use of 100% renewable energy in all its operations and supply China (LCMP, 2009). Many companies have also set up caring reduction targets and timetables. All the above indicate how companies design systems. Products and systems to ensure they consume as low energy as possible, which helps in reducing the carbon load caused by nonrenewable energy sources. 2.

3 Energy Efficiency Evaluation The process involves systematic audit of the manufacturing process and design to ensure all systems and process have been designed with the ability to reduce energy consumption. For example, vehicle manufactures are currently adopting new designs that incorporate fiber reinforced material, which are much lighter, with the weight reduction